Am I A decent candidate for CRNA school in the future???

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Hi, I will have my BSN in May from a 2nd degree 12 month accelerated program. I have 2 previous degrees, one being a Bachelor of Science in physiology and the other a Master of Science in basic medical sciences. Overall, I dont have a 3.5 GPA or higher, but I consider myself a good candidate for CRNA school when the time comes. I just accepted a job offer in a CVICU at a university hospital in urban Detroit. I'd like to work a couple of years and then apply to CRNA school. MY 1st degree I had about a 3.2 overall GPA, my masters degree was around a 3.0 and now my BSN I have about a 3.3. I have taken every possible science class (physiology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, pathophys, pharm). Although my grades aren't above a 3.5 do I still have a chance with my strong academic science background and CVICU experience??

Thanks

JC

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Hi, you replied to one of my old posts. I too have science degree, BS biology, and a few years back was in a chiropratic program, completed 50% of program but decided it was not for me. So, like you I have taken just about every class known to man, even a year of gross anatomy, biochem and neuroanatomy in chiro school, my GPA is like yours 3.2 undergrad 3.3 grad. I actually took graduate level pathophys. in undergrad with NP students. So, honestly, I think you GPA is good enough. If say you only had a BSN and no other science courses, then having a 3.5 might be more important. Most 4 year BSN programs just cover basic anatomy and physiology, one or two intro chem courses and microbiology, the rest is nursing related courses. For CRNA it is more science oriented, so not having a 3.5 hopefully won't effect you the same way, hopefully. I think they will look at the whole package. I am hoping so myself, I will go to 12 month BSN this fall, that or an ADN program. Of course experience in ICU is a factor as well, get that and you should be fine. I also think the GRE scores won't be judged so critically if they see you took so many science courses that are more relevant to a CRNA program than the GRE. I am 35 yo, so I am hoping that I have a shot as well when the time comes.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN, now SRNA.
Although my grades aren't above a 3.5 do I still have a chance with my strong academic science background and CVICU experience??

Thanks

JC

I wouldn't term your science background as "strong academic," with a non-competitive GPA. And you don't have any CVICU experience. When you're eligible to apply, then this question becomes more appropriate. Add whatever positive elements you can to your resume via strong experience, additional certs, and a good GRE. These will help balance out your GPA.

Good luck!

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Don't worry. You might not have a 3.5, but your science background is strong in that you have taken a great abundance of science courses, probably more than most of us RN's. Trust me when I say if you listen to every last thing that is said on this board, it might actually deter you from applying to CRNA school. Unfortunately, there are some dream stealers out there and they want nothing more than to see you fail or at least not achieve what they have. You can get into school with less than a 3.5, strong letters of rec., a competitive GRE and an interview that shows the committee that your becoming a CRNA is not a dream or even just a goal--it's inevitable! If it's in your gut, they'll see it and you will get in.

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I dont appreciate your comments about me. You don't even know who I am so who are you to judge me. No offense, but I'm confident I will get into CRNA school and I have a CVICU job at a university hospital already. Oh ya, my academic background is every strong, compared to most applicants. Have a great week!

JC

I wouldn't term your science background as "strong academic," with a non-competitive GPA. And you don't have any CVICU experience. When you're eligible to apply, then this question becomes more appropriate. Add whatever positive elements you can to your resume via strong experience, additional certs, and a good GRE. These will help balance out your GPA.

Good luck!

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Thanks for the uplifting comments!! you made my day!! Most people on here are usually negative!! Wish you the best!! have a great week!!

JC

Don't worry. You might not have a 3.5, but your science background is strong in that you have taken a great abundance of science courses, probably more than most of us RN's. Trust me when I say if you listen to every last thing that is said on this board, it might actually deter you from applying to CRNA school. Unfortunately, there are some dream stealers out there and they want nothing more than to see you fail or at least not achieve what they have. You can get into school with less than a 3.5, strong letters of rec., a competitive GRE and an interview that shows the committee that your becoming a CRNA is not a dream or even just a goal--it's inevitable! If it's in your gut, they'll see it and you will get in.
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one other piece of advice to help you out when it comes time to apply! Know the program you are applying to and be able to give specific reasons why you want to go to that program! It worked for me!

Best of luck

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Specializes in MICU & SICU.
one other piece of advice to help you out when it comes time to apply! Know the program you are applying to and be able to give specific reasons why you want to go to that program! It worked for me!

Best of luck

That is a good point especially if you have a few options in the area, become well versed in who does what and why this one is you first choice. Don't try to BS because they know exactly who does what.

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