[sarahelaine82]

Hi - I only got a 3.1 in undergrad. I need to take the biology/chem classes for the first time now. I plan on doing well in those...if I can. Is getting a 3.1 in undergrad going to affect my chances of acceptance into CRNA programs?

[Burnt2]

I got in with an undergraduate GPA of <3.1

To negate that I got a 4.0 in 3 graduate level classes (physiology), got my CCRN, got a 1350 on the GRE, did all kind of committees and stuff at work.

I also have worked in ICU for 3 years

you have to prove to them that you can handle the intense academic pressure - my advice is to get 4.0's in those few classes you have left. If your GPA still isn't that hot, take a couple graduate classes while you're putting your time into an ICU after you graduate.

[ashfost]

What kind of graduate courses can you take as pre-reqs to a CRNA program? You said Physiology....is that the only one?

[Burnt2]

It wasn't a prerequisite - I just took them for the heck of it. I took 2 grad level human physiology classes (8 credits) and a statistics course (4).


I was hoping to prove to interviewers that I could handle graduate work, as well as to reinforce my own knowledge after a couple years of practice.

I don't think they teach enough physiology in undergraduate nursing.



I doubt they'd transfer, as MSN physio classes appear to tend to be tailored to the area of specialization (speculation on my part).

[smileyRn96]

I think most MSN programs have a core of usually three classes: 1.Nursing Theory, 2.Research and 3. Profession issues in Nursing...Programs that offer an MS are different. All the MSN programs I spoke to will allow you to transfer in these core classes only. All the other courses have to be taken in the program. You could contact the porgrams for specifics in your area.
-Smiley

[gators77]

this is a good question...I only have a 3.1 gpa, and I hope my 6 years of ICU exp. will offset that somewhat.

I've thought about taking some graduate level classes to prove that I can do the work as previously suggested, but my question is do you have to be accepted into say an FNP program to take graduate classes?

[LHK6161976]

Congratulations, which school will you be going to?

Originally Posted by Burnt2

It wasn't a prerequisite - I just took them for the heck of it. I took 2 grad level human physiology classes (8 credits) and a statistics course (4).


I was hoping to prove to interviewers that I could handle graduate work, as well as to reinforce my own knowledge after a couple years of practice.

I don't think they teach enough physiology in undergraduate nursing.



I doubt they'd transfer, as MSN physio classes appear to tend to be tailored to the area of specialization (speculation on my part).

[smileyRn96]

Gator- In my experience you can usually take 2-3 classes at the grad level without being in a specific program. I also know of people in this area who are applying to CRNA schools and taking grad classes at that school to "kill 2 birds with one stone"; one- demonstrate some graduate ability and two- decrease workload when they become a SRNA.
I took the core classes I mentioned in a previous post ( as well as several others) and will transfer them into my program.
-Smiley

[tonyccrn]

Dont let a 3.1 discourage you from applying. there are many other factors that go along with acceptance and the application process. yes there will be people with higher gpa's than you applying, but so be it. that does not mean you will not get in or get a shot at an interview where you might be able to make up for the lack of a high gpa. i was lucky enough to get accepted and my gpa was a 3.2 and i can bet there were people with higher gpa's than me.

there are factors into this and they asked me about my grades. i worked fulltime during nursing school, would i have gotten better grades if i had not, probably! also explained in my interview about my grades, there was a huge trend. when i first started school i was not there for the right reason, i got poor grades, then once i matured and determined i wanted and needed to do somehting in life my grades went from c's to all A's with the occasional B, I pointed this out and they took it to heart thankfully but most school look at your last 60 credit hours.

also dont forget references, they can be huge. if the right people say the right stuff about you. thats a huge plus.

experience and other factors play a role as well.

anyways

good luck

[Burnt2]

Originally Posted by gators77

do you have to be accepted into say an FNP program to take graduate classes?

As smiley said, you can just apply for non-degree graduate studies and take some classes (as I did). If you're smart (which I'm not) you'd take classes that would transfer to your major....

Originally Posted by LHK6161976

Congratulations, which school will you be going to?

I chose Case Western Reserve.



I applied in 2006 to several places, wasn't granted a single interview.

Did the 3 grad classes, CCRN, GRE, etc and got accepted into everything I applied for: 1 CRNA program, 1 FNP program and a med school in Ireland...haha. I was provisionally accepted into another CRNA program as well, pending completion of some core grad classes.




Work hard and don't get discouraged when you're turned down at first. It only makes it that more rewarding when you're finally accepted.