A couple of questions!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi all,

I just have a couple of questions about becoming a CRNA.

My initial dream job in nursing was NICU, but after 9 years of not being able to get a job in that area I am trying to move on with a new career plan.

I am wondering about how much CRNA school costs? I know it will be somewhat different for different schools, but a rough estimate. Is it an absolute no work during the time you are in school?

I have previous ER experience, as well as 13 years of paramedic experience, will that count, or do I need to get some ICU experience? Does it have to be adult ICU or would PICU experience count?

Thank you!

Annie

[m1lkofamnesia]

Cost: depends on school. Check out all-crna-schools(dot)com. Anywhere from probably $45k-140k tuition, plus living costs (or FREE! if you go the military route). Keep in mind schools will need to be DNAP by 2025, and many will be before then, so you are looking at 3 years full time school vs. a masters program which is about 28 months or so.

Experience: I don't think that most accept ER experience. There is a list at the site I mentioned though, click CRNA schools, then Unique Programs, scroll down and they have a list of schools that supposedly accept ER. Paramedic doesn't count for the experience, they want ICU nurse experience. Vents, drips, lines, etc. You need about 2 years ICU experience minimum, there may be a few schools that accept 1 year. Adult ICU is preferred, but SOME schools do take NICU/PICU. Again, check out the site I mentioned and see the requirements of the schools you are looking into.

Every school seems to have different requirements, but in general, your best bet is 2 years adult ICU experience! Good luck

[saveitICU, CRNA]

Hi Annie,

Like amnesia said, ER experience is not accepted at most schools but I believe a few do, only if you work in a Level I trauma center where you get exposure to anything and everything patient population wise. Most programs like experience gained in ICUs in large teaching hospitals. I'm currently in my first semester of a DNP-NA program. We're allowed to work for the first two semesters (about 8 months) of the program as all of the courses are online but for the remaining time (28 months) working would be very difficult as the course and clinical load are very heavy.

Good luck!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Thank you both for the information! Also good luck with your programs, as I am sure you will make great CRNAs!

Annie

[lasvegasnurs]

PICU, NICU, ER, PACU all acceptable at a couple schools but its looked the experience may still be criticized by even the schools that take it. Traditional adult ICU (really any type) is the only safe bet. Also board pass rates are lower for those without traditional adult icu experience. Last I remembered looking MICU actually was best pass rates however really any adult icu would be what you want. Other experiences will count marginally or none.