Midwestern University CRNA Program...Class of 2011

The interview process was not nearly as bad as the wait involved to find out if I was even selected for an interview. I met at the school around 8am in a room filled with applicants for different programs at Midwestern. About 15-20 of those applicants were for the anesthesia program. The day started with an intro to the finacial aid process that lasted about 1 hour. I then sat in another room for about an hour waiting for my turn to interview with the other applicants. The interview lasted about 30 minutes and was pretty laid back. Most of the questions were behavioral with a few basic clinical questions. "Why would you be a good CRNA?", "How do you study?", "What are your strengths/weakness?","What are you going to do if you fail your first Biochem test?" are some of the questions I remember. There were two people in the room asking me questions. I was nervous at the start but that quickly faded. We then had lunch with current students (very helpful) and had a campus tour in the Arizona heat. The day finished with a multiple choice test involving ACLS/CCRN questions with an essay question to finish. I felt pretty good about the test. I was told by the program director that the test was for evaluation of the educational needs of the incoming class only, and that it did not affect your chances of being accepted. Hope this helps. Good luck and maybe I will see you when you eat lunch with the current students!!!

Hello,

I also applied to Midwestern University. I sent my application in last week, so I hope I hear good news in June about an interview. Thank you for the information about the interview process at MWU; it is very helpful. I'm from San Diego, CA, but I used to live near Tucson, AZ. Talk with you soon.

Best wishes

How many interviews does Midwestern take, and do you remember about what month they sent out letters for interviews...this summer is going to KILL me with all the waiting!!

Im sending out my app tomorrow! Crossing fingers!!!

THANKS!!

I was part of a second round of interviews for the program. There were probably 30-35 people interviewing for 10 spots in January. Applications were due Nov. 1 and I got my letter on Dec. 24th (Best Christmas gift...ever). I think the summer routine is about the same wait based on the old messages on this site. June 1 deadline with many interviews in Aug. I would expect notification sometime mid-July. I would expect that you will interview with about the same ratio. 3:1 (3 apps/1 accepted). Good Luck and don't sweat it, it's out of your hands now, you got the app done, enjoy your summer.

I interviewed in July, there were about 20 people on my day and I believe there were 3 days of interviews. The letters came probably a week or two after they said it would. I actually called them and that's how I found out. For those who are thinking about applying, I would say go for it. The campus looks great, the director seems warm and supportive, and the interview process was really laid back. I interviewed with the director and I didn't have any clinical questions, it seemed like she was really interested in the research projects I did at work. The biggest con of the program for me was all the traveling to various clinical sites, about half seemed to be out of state. They do have an option to do the whole second year at a large hospital in Florida, but you'd have to travel back to AZ to take your tests. They break down the cost of the entire program including cost of living and said it would total to be ~120K. After I looked at their cost breakdown, I wouldn't be suprised it ends up costing more. But it costs money to go to school anywhere, and overall I think they have a good program.

Thanks Simpson...

Im so antsy! If you dont mind me asking what were you credentials to getting in...I have a 3.9 GPA, CCRN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and two years (in July) in a Burn/Trauma ICU level one hospital....am I competitive enough?

I was 3.5 GPA with all the certs. I have worked 3 years in Adult ICU and have been an RN for almost 4 years. I also work the ER on occasion and have actually been cross trained to the Birthing Center believe it or not. Like APwips above, they asked me about committees I serve on at work (Rapid Response, Code Blue, and CHF) as well as a directed study I did in nursing school r/t Nurse Anesthesia. I had some shadow experience with several CRNA's as well. So, based on your info, I think you are more than competitive. If you really want it, it is going to happen Millie. Just be yourself in the interview and try not to stress too much in the upcoming weeks, I learned that it does not increase my chance of getting in but it does take years off of my life. Good luck and let me know how it goes, I think you'll be fine

You're going to have to let us know how you like the program now that it has started. Good luck; I hope it goes well. The letters should be going out in a couple of weeks to let us know if we have interviews. I'm interested in touring the campus and seeing what the program has to offer. Thank you for your responses.

Best of luck Rocco....you will love the campus as it is state of the art. Many of the buildings are brand new and the faculty has been great. Part two of that is...this has been the longest week of my life Rocco. No joke. The academic load that we have been handed is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I should not even be replying to this post but I needed a break from reading. I will also say that I have learned so much in such a short period of time that it is exciting to think about what will be in my head by the end of next week let alone the end of the year. So, to answer your question...I think CRNA school is just what the SRNA posts have been describing. Endless studying, very little "you" time, and difficulty getting my brain to turn off at night so that I can get some shuteye. I was however told that "it is worth it in the end". Good Luck, hope to see you in July or August during the interviews.

Hi Simpson!

Do you mind telling us if you happen to hear when they have sent out invitations to interview? Im know Im antsy-pansty and want to know the status of what is going on!!

Also, can you tell us a little about the Sim Lab? Im excited for that too!
Thanks!