Admission to CRNA Program

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Hey guys..

I will be entering college next fall semester to obtain my BSN. I know for sure that I want to become a CRNA- and for all the right reasons. However it really scares me looking at the numbers, and seeing how MANY students apply for admission, and how FEW are accepted. If there is a real shortage, why are the # of students accepted into the CRNA programs so low? How long did it take all of you to be accepted into a program? What are the chances that I may go through all of this and be stuck as an RN- (obviously a valued profession, just not exactly what I personally want to do). Any insight as to how i may be able to go about this would be very helpful.

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As a CRNA I was intriqued by your questions, then I saw your age! I am interested to know how you are so sure this is what you want?

That aside, getting into a nurse anesthesia program is hard because, the job is hard. The standards are set very high to allow the best and brightest to get in. The program is intense and not for the weak. The hard work is rewarded by the most challenging and rewarding nursing professions that exist. I love my job and wouldn't do anything else. However before I did this I was a floor nurse, then ICU. Critical nursing experience is a must before seeking entry into a program. So work hard, get excellent grades and get strong critical experience.

Good luck

LP

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Yes i am pretty young (almost 17 and will be a college freshman next year), but i have done a lot of looking into this. Im just trying to see if this is a reachable goal. Did anyone here have a very hard time getting into a program? Thank you for your help.

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Good luck, you sound bright. Focus on your nursing first! Keep your GPA respectable (>3.3 [higher=better]). Put yourself in a MICU/SICU (Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit) at a teaching hospital (Trauma Center) when you finish school, if possible. These areas will be some of the more intense/demanding positions you can take directly out of school, but will yield the fastest results towards your goal. When it comes time to take your GRE, study hard, even take it very soon after graduation (maybe even in your senior year of your BSN). Make certain you shadow a CRNA (several times) to conclude this is what you really want (plus they like to hear that in the interview). Do not be discouraged by the stringent standards. As lonnierp noted, these standards are in place for a reason. If you really want in, you will get in! As simple as that (hopefully). I did not take the traditional path, and I got accepted to several programs. Also, they are currently in the process of opening more programs around the nation. At your age, things will be different when you apply. Good luck.

P.S. Many individuals have taken different routes to being accepted. Recommendations that I have listed have worked for many, but other paths are just as acceptable.

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Specializes in Ortho, surgical, ER, ICU, Transportation.

P.S. Many individuals have taken different routes to being accepted. Recommendations that I have listed have worked for many, but other paths are just as acceptable.

What do you mean as far as other paths? Just curious...

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

  1. If you really want in, you will get in! As simple as that (hopefully). Excuse me! :angryfire Yes, I have a competitve GPA [3.766], and the required critical care experience. However, took the GRE twice with a $1000.00 Kaplan Prep course [which, I don't recommend] in between and still my GRE scores are less than competitve. So, don't tell me I don't won't in, or don't have the potential to succeed in a CRNA program if I'm not accepted to same.
  2. I did not take the traditional path, and I got accepted to several programs. Please share with us your non-traditional path, as well as which programs you were accpeted.
  3. Also, they are currently in the process of opening more programs around the nation. At your age, things will be different when you apply. Well, a lot of good that does me at my age, which will be 45 next April.

bandit788, I've heard that some CRNA programs will waive the GRE requirement if applicant has equal to/greater than 3.5 GPA... true? If so, where?

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I know that the schools in Fort Worth are lenient about the GRE scores if the rest of your app looks great, and there are some schools around the country that may require taking the GRE, but don't care what the score is. There is one in Florida. A former co-worker went there because of that bugger of a test.:banghead: I can't remember which scool though, sorry. Hope this helps.:rolleyes:

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hey i just wanted to comment on your message here.. I have an interview scheduled for Texas Wesleyan at the end of this month and this will be my second interview. It was very interesting since when i presented for my interview and denied admittance i thought my GRE took a role in that decision. BUT, i was told that my GRE was fine. (my score was probably the lowest in the entire nation) around 700! Anyway, TCU has told me that i need to retake it in order to get an interview. I cant seem to understand the difference of a higher GRE to the success in a CRNA program. Sorry to ramble. I just wanted to add a line here. thanks for listenin.

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hey i just wanted to comment on your message here.. I have an interview scheduled for Texas Wesleyan at the end of this month and this will be my second interview. It was very interesting since when i presented for my interview and denied admittance i thought my GRE took a role in that decision. BUT, i was told that my GRE was fine. (my score was probably the lowest in the entire nation) around 700! Anyway, TCU has told me that i need to retake it in order to get an interview. I cant seem to understand the difference of a higher GRE to the success in a CRNA program. Sorry to ramble. I just wanted to add a line here. thanks for listenin.

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I cant seem to understand the difference of a higher GRE to the success in a CRNA program. Sorry to ramble. I just wanted to add a line here. thanks for listenin.

Apparently the GRE is supposed to help determine success in graduate school. My feeling is if you are going for a masters in English or Math, great! I'm not sure how it help with a graduate in nursing or health science degree....... Otherwise it feels like a glorified SAT/ACT exam. It's a hoop to jump through and a requirement. The difference between schools may be how they weigh the GRE. One school may give it little importance, while the other may factor it more into their decision process. It may also have to do with the current round of students who are applying at the same time as you.

As the qualifications differ each round. Good luck with your interview at TWU. There was just a round of interviews a week ago. I don't miss doing that!

Jennie

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"what are the chances that i may go through all of this and be stuck as an rn- (obviously a valued profession, just not exactly what i personally want to do)."

blb,

i'm certain that you meant no harm when you posted the above. however, please understand that "rn" is at the heart of being a crna. it is what differentiates us from the other anesthesia professionals. many of us take pride in our nursing experience. although, not all rns are advanced practice nurses (such as crnas or fnps). all advanced practice nurses are rns first. i understand that you want to be an advanced practice nurse from the start. i applaud your goals. i wish i would have had my act together at such a young age! my point is that even when you become a crna, you are still an rn. in the future, the term "stuck" may not be the best choice to use. should you find yourself working in an icu one day, it will probably be the expert critical care nurses that you referred to as being "stuck" that will be your best teachers-just be careful! anyway, good luck with all of your educational endeavors. you sound very bright. if there are any anesthesia and/or nursing related questions that i can answer for you, please pm me, i would be glad to help.

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Corvette Guy, some schools will still let you in with a GRE score that does not meet their requirements. They realize that the GRE is a standardized test meant to test your ability to be successfull in ANY graduate program. It is not focused toward any particular degree. Some schools will let you in on a probationary status which means you have to maintain a B average in every class (not just in the program overall). I don't know too many details and it will of course be different for every school, but if you're worried about your GRE scores this would definitely be a question to ask an advisor. As for schools that will waive the GRE, Georgetown is the only one I can think of.

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