WGU and CRNA

Nursing Students Western Governors

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I'm looking into going back to school to get my bachelor's degree. I was thinking about but didn't know if I'd be able to get into CRNA school later on down the road if i decided to go that way.

Also can i do CRNA school online or would I have to go to an actual brick and mortar school?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I completed 's RN-to-BSN program and enjoyed it. However, I had no aspirations of ever becoming a CRNA.

CRNA programs are competitive and require high GPAs for entry, as well as several years of critical care work experience. Since WGU's competency format will never result in the competitive GPA you'll need for CRNA school, I'd personally play it safe and go elsewhere. Good luck to you.

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I personally am gunning for CRNA school. One thing to consider is there are many different factors that will help with admission including ICU experience, GRE scores, CCRN certification, etc. Plus there are many different routes to obtain CRNA such as the Air force, army, VA that will pay for your entire education to DNP if you give them 3-4 years of service afterward.

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While I am not officially a SRNA (student CRNA) yet. I have an interview in a few weeks for a CRNA program and I attended for my BSN. However, my grades were very good prior to WGU, but of course my GPA average took a hit because of the way WGU grades. The big thing is realizing that your GPA will take a hit and if the program happens to only look at the last 1-2 years when figuring GPA it could be a large obstacle for you.

To answer your other question, while some classes may be online format, I don't know of a single CRNA program that is "online" in the way we traditionally think of online. There is a great reference website on the various requirements and starting time for all the CRNA programs, just google "crna schools" and it's one of the first ones.

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nurseflip26 - did you get accepted into a CRNA program? if so, which one? Thanks!

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I was accepted into the CRNA program at Barry University. It was the program I wanted and the only program I applied to.

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that is great! were there any concerns during the admissions process with your BSN? I also have a WGU BSN and I'm looking at applying to a CRNA program. Thanks

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They didn't really say anything but I didn't ask either. My GRE was fairly strong though with 322 combined. I'm sure it will vary greatly by the program if they care or not.

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.

Speaking as a huge proponent of the model, I would strongly advise against WGU if you're planning on going the CRNA route. CRNA is just *way* too competitive, and you want every advantage you can get. I think that the WGU model is fantastic, and my WGU BSN got me into my local university's MSN program without question. But, again, CRNA admission is just too tough to take a risk on the fact that your WGU GPA will be a 3.0.

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