What do you wish you knew before becoming a CRNA?

Students SRNA

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After doing a lot of thinking and some shadowing I decided that I would like to be a CRNA or DNAP. I'm about to start my BSN program in the fall and was wondering what I can do to better prepare myself for when I start anesthesia school. I'll have my summers off while I'm in the program so if needed what are some classes that I could take to prepare myself? I already took inorganic and organic chemistry, A&P 1 and 2, and microbiology. I got an A in microbiology and a B in the rest. Should I try retaking some courses and try to get an A in order to raise my science GPA? Any advice or recommendations are appreciated.

Bluebolt

1 Article; 560 Posts

First thing to understand is that MSN, DNP and DNAP are all just education levels that prepare you to take boards and practice as a CRNA. You mention wanting to be a CRNA or DNAP (which is the same thing) so I wanted to clear that up for you. It's equivalent to saying you want to be an RN or be a BSN, it's the same thing. For the next few years you can get into a masters CRNA program but after that it's required to go to a doctorate (DNP, DNAP) CRNA program.

Yuliya.M

4 Posts

I understand the differences. In NE Ohio there are only CRNA programs which I realize is a MSN. When I said CRNA or DNAP I meant I wasn't sure if I would do a masters or doctorate program. Not all states require a doctorate yet but I heard this is likely to change in a few years.

Bluebolt

1 Article; 560 Posts

I understand the differences. In NE Ohio there are only CRNA programs which I realize is a MSN. When I said CRNA or DNAP I meant I wasn't sure if I would do a masters or doctorate program. Not all states require a doctorate yet but I heard this is likely to change in a few years.

"An RN wishing to become a CRNA should know, education requirements are on the cusp of changing. In 2025, all CRNAs will need a doctorate in nurse anesthesia to enter the field. Currently, a master's degree is required. That means the master-level nurse anesthesia programs will have to transition to a doctorate program by 2022 – to meet this 2025 requirement.

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs states All accredited programs must offer a doctoral degree for entry practice by January 1, 2022. On January 1, 2022 and thereafter all students matriculating into an accredited program must be enrolled in a doctoral program.”

3 Reasons to Become a CRNA Now - Texas Wesleyan University

Yuliya.M

4 Posts

Thank you for sharing this information!

JEStewart

25 Posts

Aside from the eventually required doctorate information, was there anything that caught you totally unprepared for, or something about the program/job that was a surprise?

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