Who loves/likes their school CRNA program and why?

olderthandirt2 · Sep 15, 2009, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by armytruck

Were you in the military prior to attending the ARMY school, or did you enter and go directly into school? Also, what will your commitment be to the armny once school is done?
I'm 36, have 10 years of ICU experience, wondering if I'm even elligible at this age?
Thanks for the info!

Hi,

Yes you are eligible, if you are young enough to do 20 yrs (counting prior service if you have), ie...if you have no prior service, then you must be younger than 40 (or 42, cant remember)....because at this point, the Army is not giving age waivers, but that could change.....as "the need presents itself". Understand that you are NOT REQUIRED to do 20 yrs, but young enough to do so, if you choice. I was admitted last year, when they were still "waivering age".....I am lucky.

I was Army Reserve for one year prior to entering in the USAGPAN program (U.S. Army Graduate Program in Nursing Anesthesia). My commitment is: 2.5 (school) + 4.5 yrs of service= 7yrs. I am eligible for the CRNA bonus while I am serving my ADSO (service contract).

http://www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/U...r%202-7-08.pdf http://www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/index.htm

I am 1/4 through the didactic portion of the program and we are already learning blocks, field anesthesia (for combat zones), and OR simulations....plus the normal course requirements. Next month we can request our Phase II sites (for Army we can go to Hawaii, Tacoma, Wa, El Paso, San Antonio, Kileen, Tx; Augusta, Ga, Fayetteville, NC.....each location also has "out rotations that can take you to other states/cities.)

Again, incredible experiences here....highly recommend this route, if you are into service + autonomy

good luck,
c.

APNgonnabe · Sep 30, 2009, 10:36 AM

This is a great thread...look forward to readiing more on it.. Thank you

Jdog19s · Oct 22, 2009, 10:02 PM

Northeastern University is great. The faculty are so supportive and really work with the students to make them as successful as possible. It is Boston, so there are lots of great clinical sites available. I will be at a clinical site with no residents to compete with for cases which is fantastic. They take 25 students each year, so if you like a decent sized class its good for that too. Boston college takes around 12, so as far as new england is concerned, I believe it is the largest.

rninal · Dec 06, 2009, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by olderthandirt2

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my program............USAGPAN (Army CRNA program).
Why? Because the instructors are SUPER supportive. In fact, they had a separate "meet and greet" for significant others/family.....without the us (the students), to speak about the demands of the program and what support they had to offer family members.

I have been in Civilian Graduate schools and now a Military graduate program. I can absolutely say, this is the best experience I have ever had. And this will be my 3rd Masters of Science.

Why else do I love this program? New facilities, great rapport with professors, excellent rating (2nd in the nation, "missed 1st by 0.1 point".

And, ugh.....I am getting paid to be here (and no tuition).....they are moving my family to go to our next clinical site. (which I can choose).

And "I have a job" automatically with a $40,000/yr pay bonus, when I finish. (and the ability to moonlight)

c.

I have looked at the army CRNA program, and haven't been able to find out a lot of information about it. What is the starting pay once you complete the program? Are you able to chose where you work once you finish school?

olderthandirt2 · Dec 07, 2009, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by rninal

I have looked at the army CRNA program, and haven't been able to find out a lot of information about it. What is the starting pay once you complete the program? Are you able to chose where you work once you finish school?

Your pay will depends on your rank and time in grade. That is determined by your experience and degrees. You can google nurse anesthesia and find forums specifically for miltary crnas. There are many threads on this subject. As for "assignments" once we are finished with school, we begin our "pay back time" (4.5 yrs). We put in our "preference" for 3 assignments (that are available). Nothing is in stone, the military is very fluid.....

For more info in the USAGPAN program, just google it and you will get the website. If want to call the program director, the # is there,

Good luck,
c.