Accelerated MSN or BSN-->DNP?...PLEASE HELP!!

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

I'm in the process of researching the career of a nurse anesthetist and the pathways to attaining a degree in this field. I would appreciate the honest opinions of any current CRNAs as to whether it would be better to do an accelerated MSN program then a post master's dnp later down the road or BSN, work one or two years, and then a post baccalaureate dnp.

My rationale is that if I went the BSN route I would have to take a loan being that it would be a second bachelor's degree and I therefore don't have any more Federal funding. However, I would receive financial aid if I did the accelerated MSN program but I'm assuming I may not have financial for the dnp portion.

PLEASE NO NEGATIVITY TOWARDS MY ASPIRATIONS OF BECOMING A CRNA!! I've read SEVERAL threads in which I felt people were attacking the OP for his or her questions about the field. Please don't assume my intentions which aren't stated.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

"Education and experience required to become a CRNA include:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.
  • A current license as a registered nurse.
  • At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting.
  • Graduation with a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program. As of August , 2011 there were 112 nurse anesthesia programs in the United States utilizing approximately 2,450 approved clinical sites. These programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements. All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.
  • Pass the national certification examination following graduation."

http://www.aana.com/ceandeducation/becomeacrna/Pages/Nurse-Anesthetists-at-a-Glance.aspx

New CRNAs are going to be required to have their DNP or DNAP to graduate by 2025 you will soon see most programs going ahead and making the switch to doctorate programs. Most of the DNP programs should have already made the switch to a doctorate program by mid 2013. Getting a BSN or MSN won't make much of difference as you will most likely be doing a doctorate program designed for BSN to DNP/DNAP students with little availability of transferring courses even if you already have your DNP.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

3 to 5 years of icu experience before CRNA school is the average. There are no accelerated programs.

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