Accepted at a CRNA-school without BSN-GPA

[Lambi88]

Hi guys!

Im a nursing student from Sweden, graduating in january, and i want to become a CRNA and move to the U.S. in the future. The thing is that my school gives grades on a pass/fail basis so it would be impossible to calculate a GPA. I've been in contact with educational credential evaluators and they said that the credential report would have to include some sort of comment that explaines the situation. Now im wondering if you think i could get accepted at a CRNA-school despite this. I could study to become a nurse anesthetist here in Sweden first and get a GPA from that school, and then maybe you think i could get accepted or do you think a GPA from BSN is required?

I hate to see my dreams get smashed becouse of my school's grading system.

[loveanesthesia]

If you can become licensed as an RN, obtain the proper VISA, greencard, work in a US ICU, then I would think the GPA issue wouldn't be a huge issue. You would need to discuss with the specific program the issue. Taking a couple of science courses here in the US might work, your GRE score could also allow them to evaluate your academic potential. If you can otherwise meet the requirements I think you will find a program to work with you.

[Lambi88]

Thank you so much for your answer loveanesthesia.

Do you think its important to work in an US ICU? I mean if i study to become nurse anesthesist in Sweden and work as one here in Sweden for let's say two years, then surely that would be a relevant experience for becoming a CRNA. I'm a little scared of the GRE becouse english is not my native language, so i was looking at some schools that did not require GRE, but since my situation is different with no GPA available then you are probably right and i just need to study hard and take the test.

[loveanesthesia]

I know you will need to have a license as an RN, and I think it's likely that programs would want you to work in the US in the ICU. I don't know much about the medical system in Sweden, but I think it would be very helpful to have experience here before you would start school. How do you plan to gain the proper visa, (I'm not sure if that is the correct term) to be able to immigrate to the US? do you plan to just go to school here, or to stay and work as a CRNA?

I think before you spend the time and money training here, it would be in your best interest to take the GRE to see how you do on a high stakes test in English. If you struggle a lot on the GRE, you may have trouble passing the certification exam here. Or do you plan on becoming certified in the US?