ADN student needs help for BSN-CRNA track

[ricelad637]

Hi everyone! I am a 1st semester ADN student at Imperial Valley College in California. I know it will still be some time before I begin the process of applying to CRNA school, but I am planning early so I have already begun looking at all the different schools in California. I have got it down to three pathways which will be the scenarios after I graduate in Fall 2010.

First:

University of Phoenix BSN or CSU Fullerton ADN-to-BSN

1-2 years of ICU experience (CCRN?)

Apply to CRNA school (Kaiser, Fullerton)

Pros/Cons: I'll finish a lot earlier and online classes will be more convenient, but less prestigious schools? Also I can apply (to their BSN program) right after ADN school since I've already completed all of the prerequisites. Oh yeah and tuition is going to cost alot!!!

Second:

1 year of additional sciences recommended but not required before entering

UCLA ADN-to-BSN

1-2 years of ICU Experience (CCRN?)

Apply to CRNA school (Kaiser, Fullerton)

Pros/Cons: It's a lot harder to get into this program than the other schools, but I can actually take some of the classes required for the BSN program in advance (all chemistry).

My main concerns:

The main reason why I am considering UCLA is because I feel it will better prepare me for CRNA school with all the extra chemistry classes, but is it really necessary? How much chemistry after introductory organic chemistry is really essential before CRNA school? For admission? UCLA states that their program is specifically designed to prepare nursing students for graduate school.

I have discovered that the recommended sciences classes UCLA lists are actually part of their ADN to BSN program. So you can actually complete some of the BSN requirements while your waiting to get into the program. What is the major difference in the science requirements UCLA has versus University of Phoenix and CSU Fullerton's?

I'd really like to hear some responses and if you could possibly write down your own tracks from ADN/BSN to completing CRNA school, (including GPA?? )

Any help/or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time!!

Stats:

21 y/o Filipino Male student

USMC Reservist

Cumulative GPA: 3.02

[rubyrn36]

Good luck on the whole Imperial Valley thing to begin with.

If I was you I would definitely go with a more prestigious BSN track to balance the ADN program you are in.

People in California know about the quality etc of the various programs and that does come into play.

Good Luck.

[Skip219, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I agee with the previous response: go with the more prestigious college. The science requirements may prepare you better for anesthesia school. I did my BSN completion through UOP. I am in a front loaded program, which the science was very demanding. My previous A&P, chemistry etc were awhile ago. The BSN completion prepared me to write papers, not so much for science for grad school.

Good luck in your pursuits.

[holleritup]

The more chemistry the better. I had a BSN with a Biology and Chemistry minor - many programs will recommend taking a full year of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry (+ one year Physics). These are NOT the introductory courses that are required for most nursing programs (which are introductory/fundamentals of chemistry, physics...). Good luck with your endeavors! would recommend going to UCLA - great school and many opportunities. Definitely worth the cost if you are young and a CALI RESIDENT.

[holleritup]

would suggest UCLA

[futurenurse310]

Hey man, I know this is old but I was wondering if you heard of the job outlook on the grads from this school?