CRNA school pre-reqs

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hello! I have a BSN and I am currently working as an RN in CVICU, with 1 year of prior experience in a level 2 emergency department. My plan is to apply to several CRNA schools over the next year, hopefully to start in 2016. I am preparing for the CCRN exam right now and trying to get registered for some science pre-req courses so I will be prepared. I have not taken college chemistry yet, so I am trying to find a good course right now (want to start off with general chemistry and then take organic over the next year). Do any current SRNA's have recommendations as to what type of chemistry course I should take - does it matter if it is from a local community college, online, or from a 4-year university? Is a lab required? I know criteria varies from school to school, but I'm just trying to get a general idea. Thanks

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You're in the exact position I am in now. Every school is different, and if it's not clear what the prerequisite requirements are then just email or call them. Most are happy to help and give prompt replies. I'm going to take a biochemistry just to brush up on my sciences, improve my science GPA, and satisfy Baylor's organic chem requirement (Biochem was okayed by them). I haven't heard of any not accepting community college courses. The lab requirement also differs by school. Good luck!

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I would make a list based on your target schools' requirements. It would suck to take classes that won't count in your favor anyway. For a second chem I would recommend biochem.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If they accept community college, go with that. Typically the class size will be smaller and it'll give you a chance to schmooze with your professor and hopefully get a good letter of recommendation. I'd shy away from online chemistry - I know one coworker that had the same grades experience as another coworker, except one had chemistry done online and the one with the online chemistry didn't get in. I know correlation isn't causation, but unless she was an awful interviewee the main difference is the online chemistry..

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I am interested in applying for Virginia Commonwealth's (VCU) CRNA program in the upcoming years, so I have been doing a ton of research to prepare myself. From the information I have gathered, they require 1-2 years (min.) experience in critical care / ICU or CCU (though most applicants have 2-3 in critical care and 4-5 as an RN, minimum GRE score of 1,000, statistics, A&P I and II, organic chem I and II or biochem and physics I and II. Certifications required are the BCLS/CPR, ACLS, and PALS.

Of course there are other suggestions they gave to me to make you more competitive, such as getting your CCRN (though it is not required) and working in a large ICU rather than a small ICU, getting experience in the following units were also suggested:

  • MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit)
  • CICU (Cardiac ICU)
  • SICU (Surgical ICU)
  • Cardiothoracic surgery ICU
  • Neuro ICU
  • CCU (Coronary Care Unit)
  • TICU (Trauma ICU)

Although the units listed below do not meet the requirement, experience in the following units help boost your application as well (but do not rely on these for your critical care experience​):

  • PICU (Pediatric ICU)
  • NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
  • ER in Level One trauma center
  • Burn unit

Sorry, I got a bit carried away - but, I hope all in all, this helps.;)

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Thanks, y'all. Every school really is different, one in my area actually recommends an online chemistry course from University of New England, some don't specify, and some don't even require chemistry…but I want to take it anyway.

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