BS to RN to CRNA...more difficult than I thought?

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hello guys,

I'm currently a sophomore undergrad studying neurobiology and neuropsychology. I want to finish out my undergraduate BS in biology, but I really want to pursue a career as a CRNA. All of the direct entry programs that I've found (not many) for non-nursing majors STILL require that the applicant be an RN. How would I accomplish my RN licensing with my biology BS and continue on to become a CRNA? And how long would all of this take? At least, that's the path of least resistance that I've been able to find. If anyone has any better avenues to take me from my BS in biology at Penn State University to my career as a CRNA, please inform me! I've discussed possible options with advisors, but few have any ideas for me. Thank you guys for all of your help!

Sincerely,

Shaun

Hello guys,

I'm currently a sophomore undergrad studying neurobiology and neuropsychology. I want to finish out my undergraduate BS in biology, but I really want to pursue a career as a CRNA. All of the direct entry programs that I've found (not many) for non-nursing majors STILL require that the applicant be an RN. How would I accomplish my RN licensing with my biology BS and continue on to become a CRNA? And how long would all of this take? At least, that's the path of least resistance that I've been able to find. If anyone has any better avenues to take me from my BS in biology at Penn State University to my career as a CRNA, please inform me! I've discussed possible options with advisors, but few have any ideas for me. Thank you guys for all of your help!

Sincerely,

Shaun

http://www.nursing.tcu.edu/accelerated.asp

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you are now my favorite person. thank you so much!

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I was 2 semesters away from a BS in Computer Science when I switched majors. I have been going to school since 1998, and I am 33 years old. I am finally graduating this May with a BSN and am also interested in CRNA. Talk about taking the long route!

As a sophomore, the time you have put toward your current degree is negligible at best. If you really want to pursue CRNA, you should switch tracks now and get your BSN. There is nothing wrong with this. Students do it all the time.

As some of the other posters mentioned, you must really want to be a NURSE first and a CRNA second. You must decide if this is really what you want. Nursing school is not a joke, and the job is not glamorous. So, take some time, shadow a nurse, shadow a CRNA, talk to nursing students about what nursing school is really like.

Good luck to you.

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just wanted to mention that i am in TCU's accelerated program. it is a GREAT program if you're interested in getting your BSN in 15 months. feel free to ask me anything regarding it. oh, and they have a CRNA program too :D

good luck!

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There are tons of accelerated programs out there if your mind is set on finishing your current degree - I'm in one at USF in Tampa at the moment. I believe that more education never hurt anyone, so if you want and can afford to finish your current program first, knock yourself out. Do be aware that ABSN programs are much more time-intensive than regular ones, so you won't see much of your wife once you start - I'm married, and it's a little tough on my husband. Then he knows we get to do it all over again with an even tougher program once I do get accepted into a CRNA program. So you're in PA now? Is Texas somewhere you and your wife would be willing to move? You don't have to, there are tons of ABSN programs out there. Go to the websites of all the major universities in areas you would consider living, go to the nursing programs' websites, and see what they have to offfer! Good luck to you!

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Definitely need another 2yrs for your nursing degree.. and you also need to finish your Bachelors. There are school out there that take non nursing bachelors degree, you'll just have to find that right match!

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Thanks for the post. This is great info for someone looking to get into the field.

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Specializes in ICU-CCRN, CVICU, SRNA.

May I add that by the time you apply many of the CRNA programs would have probably switched to doctorate. Mine is switching this year and will be 3 1/2 years in duration and will cost over 100K..so the debt as a CRNA might be comparable to a MD. You are young and I would encourage you to try for medical school as you enjoy sciences and you will have a much greater choice and flexibility as a MD. You will be paid as a resident(almost as much as an RN) and not all mds work long hours. Infectious disease docs seem to be on perma vaca..Dont box yourself in and dont be afraid to reach to fulfill your full potential.

think..finish BS Bio..? finish BSN 15 mo + 2 years ICU + 3 years CRNA school=6 1/2 years and thats if everything goes smooth

finish BS Bio..? med school 4 years+ residency 2-3 years=6-7 years...plus can choose any specialty

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If you finish your bio degree, I know my state school does have an accelerated BSN program that takes a 1.5 years to finish. Couple that with 1 year ICU experience and I believe you are able to apply. How competitive will you be, that I'm not too sure of.

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I just wanna finish my bsn and start the CRNA program

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