Admission to CRNA Program

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hey guys..

I will be entering college next fall semester to obtain my BSN. I know for sure that I want to become a CRNA- and for all the right reasons. However it really scares me looking at the numbers, and seeing how MANY students apply for admission, and how FEW are accepted. If there is a real shortage, why are the # of students accepted into the CRNA programs so low? How long did it take all of you to be accepted into a program? What are the chances that I may go through all of this and be stuck as an RN- (obviously a valued profession, just not exactly what I personally want to do). Any insight as to how i may be able to go about this would be very helpful.

thank you so much. I understand that the word "stuck" was definitely the incorrect word to use. I know i want to be a CRNA, but i also look forward to being able to work as an RN. I think the job they do is amazing- most couldn't do it. Besides the fact that anesthesia is appealing to me, I have talked to alot of other RN's with their B.S.N. It is amazing to me how low their satisfaction rate is, compared to advanced practiced nurses. When I say "stuck" i am referring to the little amount of respect, and sometimes compensation that RN's get. I applaud all of them for being able to do what they do. But to say it bluntly, many of the R.N's I have talked to feel as if they are talked down too, and do NOT get the respect they deserve. I would rather work a job where i feel more appreciated. I hope that I am not wrong to think this way, or misguided. Especially since now is the time to make my decisions- sending out all my college aps now for B.S.N programs.

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You will learn when you start working as a RN or even a GN how to gain respect and see those who have respect from everyone. Those are the people who work hard, know their stuff, and it is evident by their patient outcomes. I work in an ICU and feel this, myself. I love my job as a RN.

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Thats good to hear. Lately Ive been hearing a lot of things about poor patient/nurse ratios, with very few nurses saying they have enough time to spend as much time with their patients as they think is necessary. I guess it all comes down to Nursing being a very rewarding profession, but also being difficult becuase of the shortages. Do you find this to be true? Its nice to hear someone who loves their job as an RN.

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Hi--I've just joined the site, but I've been following the threads for CRNA's. I am a 20 year veteran with my BSN from University of Delaware. My GPA was only 2.7, but since then, my path has been in critical care, for the most part. I would love to apply to CRNA school, but my GPA is coming back to haunt me. I'm an intelligent person, and I know my strengths in critical care, and I know that I could do it. I am enrolling in a graduate Advance Pathophysiology course and have not yet taken my GRE's but plan to as well. I have raised my children for the last ten years and my focus has been on them, working through the staffing pool 8-24 hrs./week, due to my husband's travel schedule. Now that they are older, I am ready to pursue what I have always wanted to do. Please be honest--what are your thoughts on my considering applying for Nurse Anesthesia school?

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Corvette Guy, some schools will still let you in with a GRE score that does not meet their requirements. They realize that the GRE is a standardized test meant to test your ability to be successfull in ANY graduate program. It is not focused toward any particular degree. Some schools will let you in on a probationary status which means you have to maintain a B average in every class (not just in the program overall). I don't know too many details and it will of course be different for every school, but if you're worried about your GRE scores this would definitely be a question to ask an advisor. As for schools that will waive the GRE, Georgetown is the only one I can think of.

Lucy54, thanks for the reply. Yes, the specific CRNA program I've applied for has what is called a Conditional Acceptance for such cases as a GPA less than 3.0, or GRE score less than the minimum required. I have a 3.766 GPA, yet less than the min. req'd GRE score. So, I have my proverbial fingers crossed for at least a Conditional Acceptance. :uhoh21:

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Lucy54, thanks for the reply. Yes, the specific CRNA program I've applied for has what is called a Conditional Acceptance for such cases as a GPA less than 3.0, or GRE score less than the minimum required. I have a 3.766 GPA, yet less than the min. req'd GRE score. So, I have my proverbial fingers crossed for at least a Conditional Acceptance. :uhoh21:

I'm still studying for that darn GRE. What a headache.

Any thoughts on age when applying.

I am in my early 40's. I wouldn't like to think that's a negative but I am trying to be realistic here.

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An experienced guy's suggestions

There are a TON of things schools look at, so make sure you're ready. Luckily, you don't have to discover all the pitfalls of the application process on your own. You can learn from HIS mistakes instead of making your own: http://tinyurl.com/8dl5h32

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