RN to CRNA - which road?

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

Hello, all! I am new to this forum, new to nursing in general, and still trying to figure out where to post, so bear with me if you see duplicates. This site has been a tremendous tool in garnering different perspectives about the roles of nursing, as I am just a student at this point. I would eventually love to work in anesthesia, despite the many who love to tell me my mind will change during the course of my education and experiences, and I am quite aware that this is a possibility. In the event that I stay on course, however, I am interested to know some of your experiences regarding the path you chose for your education. I am currently enrolled in an ASN program. The direction I move in gets fuzzy at my graduation point: Do I bridge RN to BSN? RN to MSN? Is there a bridge program for RN to MSN specialties? I am in my early 30's now. I've been reading a lot about experience being key to the process, which should be a no-brainer. However, is there room for exceptions to the rule? Obviously, I can't get into certain programs unless I have the experience requirements. My curiosity is more about credibility with peers, colleagues, etc. I'd like to hear about those of you who've made it through online programs, as well as traditional programs (read: online RN to BSN programs, as I know that's not an option for MSN specialties). Regards, tml

It's kind of obvious if you have a MASTERS in nursing..... that obviates the need for a BACHELORS in nursing.

PMFB did your CRNA school only accept BSN's?

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Great! Thanks for finding that out. Interesting that the AANA's own website is putting out inaccurate information.

It isn't really misinformation. Those criteria come straight from the COA, but the COA doesn't clarify that particular rule. Login (members only access) Here is all information accreditation from the COA.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
It's kind of obvious if you have a MASTERS in nursing..... that obviates the need for a BACHELORS in nursing.

PMFB did your CRNA school only accept BSN's?

*** I am not a CRNA. However I have helped dozens of my ICU nurse freinds get accepted to CRNA school and nearly all my old ICU friends are CRNAs now. As my units nurse education cordinator I also worked with two differnt CRNA schools whose students do clinicals in our hospital.

Of the 5 area CRNA (I use "area" very loosly as we are very rural) schools only one is based in a university school of nursing and requires a BSN. I know they do not accept applications from nurses without BSNs. I speak witht he cordinator of this program regularly and they do require a BSN. A MSN without a previous BSN would not be elligabel to apply. I never had reason to ask any of the others. The others consider nurses with a variety of bachelors degrees. As I have mentioned previously I have seen nurses with bachelors degrees in things like forestry, music, english, dairy science, and others get accepted to CRNA school. When looking at various CRNA school's websites they all list a bachelors degree as a requirment.

One local school in particular, based in a university without a nursing program, seems to be willing to accept just about any bachelors degree. Their CRNA grads actually graduate with a MS in biology.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
It isn't really misinformation. Those criteria come straight from the COA, but the COA doesn't clarify that particular rule. Login (members only access) Here is all information accreditation from the COA.

*** Maybe not but I assumed that if a requirment for CRNA school was listed on the AANA's website it would actually be a requirement. Maybe I shouldn't make assumtions about the integrity of the AANA.

Not being a COA member I can't log in. However I belive you and don't doubt that you are telling us. I am very happy to stand corrected on this matter.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
It isn't really misinformation. Those criteria come straight from the COA, but the COA doesn't clarify that particular rule. Login (members only access) Here is all information accreditation from the COA.

*** I actually know a few nurses who have made important decisions about their education based on the false information the AANA has posted on their website.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
*** I actually know a few nurses who have made important decisions about their education based on the false information the AANA has posted on their website.

You will have to enlighten me because I do not know of any misinformation that has been posted on there. I have seen old out of date postings and opinion/subjective postings, but in general the information is highly accurate.

*** I actually know a few nurses who have made important decisions about their education based on the false information the AANA has posted on their website.

Not to be rude, but, almost all false info I have seen dispensed has come from people who are not. CRNAs.

Of course , you can be anyone you want to be on the net . The CRNAs have done it, and even a few of us have years experience in the selection process.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
You will have to enlighten me because I do not know of any misinformation that has been posted on there. I have seen old out of date postings and opinion/subjective postings, but in general the information is highly accurate.

*** Sure I will post it again. Go to the AANA's web site here:

Become a CRNA

And scroll down to the requirements to become a CRNA section where is says:

Requirements

The requirements for becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) mainly include having a bachelor's degree in nursing (or other appropriate baccalaureate degree), Registered Nurse licensure, a minimum of one year acute care experience

The AANA also says a bachelors degree is required here:

http://www.aana.com/ceandeducation/becomeacrna/Pages/Education-of-Nurse-Anesthetists-in-the-United-States.aspx

Education of Nurse Anesthetists in the United States - At a Glance Page Content

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]

Education and experience required to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) include:

  • A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

As I said before I am very happy to stand corrected on this issue. I thank you for correcting me.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Not to be rude, but, almost all false info I have seen dispensed has come from people who are not. CRNAs.

*** Well I am happy to have provided you with an exception.

You do understand a Masters is inclusive of a Bachelors degree, right?

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
You do understand a Masters is inclusive of a Bachelors degree, right?

*** In some cases yes. However there is no requirement at all to have a bachelors degree to earn a masters degree. There are lots RN to MSN programs that do not require a bachelors degree and no bachelors degree is earned on the way to earning the masters of science in nursing. This includes APRN programs, but not CRNA that I have ever seen. I long assumed that the reason there are RN to MSN programs for NPs but not for CRNAs is relate to the CRNA's requirement to have a bachelors degree.

I know people who have decided not to earn their masters degrees in nursing and instead did RN to BSN because of the requirement to have a bachelors degree as stated on the AANA's website. Now I know that information to be incorrect thanks to the efforts of WTBCRNA.

OK.. I defer to you.. We have actually done it... you have not.. You win. we have no credibility...

I have been on Ad Coms.. you have heard rumors.. that trumps my experience.

+ Add a Comment