CRNA Question

[Boyar]

Hi, im new to this forum and actually new to the whole idea of nursing. See im a freshman at the University of Louisville, and I went in as a Pre-Med/Dental and I realized my parents basically pushed me into this, so this was a mistake for me because being a doctor just doesnt seem fit to me nor was it really my choice to go into this field of study. So I pretty much decided I'll switch over to a community collge next year and earn an ADN and work for some time to save money to go to a CRNA school [i know a year in the field is required anyway]. So, now that you know my story, I just have a few questions;

1) Would it be possible to go to a CRNA school with just an ADN? or is a BSN necessary? (im actually planing to earn a BSN after an ADN)

2) Just about how hard is it to get accepted into a CRNA school? (I know there is a specific GPA, but what else is required)

3) What is the cost of CRNA schools?

4) Im a guy, so I just wondered, do people look at you differently knowing that nursing is a female-dominated profession?

If anyone could help me figure these things out, it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Tessaprn]

You need a BSN. It is competitive to get selected into CRNA program. School runs $50,000 - $100,000 for tuition, books, fees and other required items. Cost depends on which school. I'm sure that the Nursing profession still has more female then male individuals, but this is changing. My son is a CRNA and no one has looked at him differently because he is male. My husband is also an RN and he does not feel restricted or out of place working as a Nurse.

[kbm318]

I don't know anything about the CRNA part I guess I should since I'm going to try that path as well. But my boyfriend just graduated with his BSN and is working now and will apply for CRNA school in a few years. But he hasn't been looked at differently because he is a male nurse. Yeah some of his friends make jokes but they don't say it to be hurtful. But the floor he works on is about 60% guys which is a lot. So I don't think you will have much problem with being looked at different for being a male nurse. Hope this helps.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Nationally, approximately 5% of all people in the US with RN certification are male. Many of these are in more 'adrenalin-intensive' areas such as ICUs, trauma, OR, ED, etc. This being said, I also know male midwives and guys in peds. Over 1/3 of certified CRNAs in the US are men.

Entry into CRNA programs is very competitive. I know one school near me that receives approximately 1000 applications/year for only 28 spaces. CRNA programs require a minimum of a BSN degree and at least 1 year of ICU experience (some schools require at least 2 years of ICU experience).

[Boyar]

Thanks alot for clearing this for me. Answered alot of my questions.

I was wondering... ICU, Intensive Care Unit. What exactly do you do there? l

[Colonial Bread]

What if you have a BS degree in another field and a ADN in nursing... Can you go to CRNA school?

[PMFB-RN, RN]

What if you have a BS degree in another field and a ADN in nursing... Can you go to CRNA school?

Yes for many schools. Those CRNA schools based at large state universities tend to require a BSN. Lots of others will take a degree in something else but most like to see a science. A friend recently was accepted with an ADN plus a BS in Morturary science. Another guy from my hospital got in with an ADN and a BS in Dairy science.

The requirements for all CRNA schools are:

1) You must be an RN.

2) You must have a BS in something. All schools accept BSN, many accept other degrees.

3) You must have at least one full year work expereince in an ICU.

Most schools have other requirements above those like GRE and or specific undergrad classes. Some do not have other requirements. Most state on their web sites that you must have a 2.75 or 3.0 GPA as a minimum, but in realiety you will need to do better than that to get accepted. Some schools want two years ICU experience and the ones that don't say so would prefer more than the minimum one year experience but exceptional canidates get accepted all the time with the minimum one year.

What do ICU nurses do? We take care of the sickest of the sick!

There are tons of male CRNAs. No problem. In the SICU where I work about half of the 54 RNs who work there are men.

Go to the AANA web site and read through some of the schools requirements.