First couple months

C-DIFF PHIL RN · Aug 21, 2009

it cost them that much due to you are drawing a paycheck and bennifits while you are in school, everything in the program from your fancy white labcoats to your room or apartment is paid in full by the military. They pay for your trip to get to ft. sam from whereever you are moving from and your family as well. also when you leave ft sam for clinicals at other army medical centers they take care of that and front the bill as well. also a fair sum of that $500,000 goes to the instructors and support personel salaries that help you in the program. i personally think its some of the best tax money the dod uses. there is a reason that it has been named one of the top crna programs in the world many times over. had a highschool pal go through the program in 1999, he said there was nothing better knowing you only had to worry about the academic aspect of becomming a competent crna and not having to worry about rent, car notes, family bills etc...

C-DIFF PHIL RN · Aug 21, 2009

i also forgot to point out a sum of that $500k is the amount of money the military has spent on training you to become a skilled nurse, in many cases after years of going through critical care courses and training scenarios. now thats not chump change...

olderthandirt2 · Aug 23, 2009

i also forgot to point out a sum of that $500k is the amount of money the military has spent on training you to become a skilled nurse, in many cases after years of going through critical care courses and training scenarios. now thats not chump change...

So True C-Diff Phil,

This is an incredible program, I HIGHLY recommend it to those interested in CRNA schools.....I've experienced civilian schools and now a military approach to graduate school......and it is really incredible. I should have done this years ago!!!!

Also, just to let anyone interested know, there are still seats available for 2010......so get your applications in pronto! :)

c.

joeytran · Aug 31, 2009

I just want to thank you for being as honest as you can be. I just have one question though, did you work full time while you're going to school for CRNA?

I just graduate from nursing school and i am taking a year off to work and see what do i really want to study in grad school. I have looked into CRNA program and wanted to hear more opinions from those who have done CRNA school.

Thank you.

olderthandirt2 · Aug 31, 2009

I just want to thank you for being as honest as you can be. I just have one question though, did you work full time while you're going to school for CRNA?
I just graduate from nursing school and i am taking a year off to work and see what do i really want to study in grad school. I have looked into CRNA program and wanted to hear more opinions from those who have done CRNA school.
Thank you.

Currently in CRNA school.....Army doesnt allow you to work during USAGPAN.....

good luck

natbug · Dec 3, 2009

First you have to realize it is not going to be fun. Everyone will say "it's the hardest thing you will ever do", well they are right. I tried to understand this before starting but until you have gone through it, there is no way to comprehend the magnitude of the undertaking. If you ask any CRNA if they thought school was "fun" they will only say "its do-able", that means its hard as heck and if you work to your maximum effort you will "do-it".
The first couple months in a front loaded program are the worst as far as stress. No one wants to fail, but some will not make it, everyone knows this but do not want to think it can be them. The majority of those that fail will weed out the first couple tests, this is hard emotionally for everyone. You will do bad on the first couple tests because you have never been tested to this level, have not studied this many hours on end, and you need to learn the teachers style and the type of questions they ask. Accept this and work through it, do not get bogged down with stress and worry. By the third test you will have your groove down and making good grades and will bring up the first two.
Added to this is the stress of being away from family and friends. It can be overpowering and you will want to just give up at times. Again, you just have to work through it, it gets better. For those that bring their families it is hard because they want to spend time with them but they have no time to give, it is all study time. This is very hard to tell children, but you have to find a balance and set your mind to achieve the goal of passing.
The best advice I can give is to "start minute one, with full effort and do not relax". From day one start studying and do not let up, if you give more effort than all those around you it will be evident on the first couple tests. I cannot tell you how stressful a program can be if you have a failing grade, you can bring it up, but it is an emotional roller coaster. If you start in august you will have a holiday before the first test, most take the time to relax and see their families, then when they return the first round of tests are around the corner and they realize how far behind they are. Study like a maniac for the first one, then you will know how to adjust your style to the teachers. If you ever catch yourself saying "that's too in-depth, they will not ask that" well stop and start over, they will ask it, and it will be more in depth than you think.
Its hard, but by Christmas you will be so proud of yourself. You cannot imagine how much you will learn by then. Just keep studying and do not let up.

2814, thank you so much for your insight to the beginning of CRNA school. I just found out I was accepted to Buffalo for Fall 2010. I am excitied and extremely nervous. Your post really put in prospective what it will take to be successful and I plan on doing just that. Thanks again!