Any Canadians move to the US to become a CRNA?

darienblythe79 · Feb 16, 2005

I'm seriously interested in becoming a CRNA. From my research so far, it seems like it would be a perfect fit for me. There is one small problem. I'm Canadian and Canada does not use CRNAs.
Thus, my husband and I would have to ultimately sell our house and move to the US if I want to realize my dream.
Has anyone ever done this? Was it worth it? Any advice?
Thanks!

My best friend is from Canada, Winnepeg specifically, and she has been a CRNA for six years. She attended Mayo as it was closest to home, but has worked all over the country. So far, Texas has been her favorite. In a few months her and her husband will be going out to California to try it out. It has definitely been worth it for her, as it has given her and her husband financial freedom and flexibilty freedom to travel. Good luck. :rolleyes:

Brenna's Dad · Feb 16, 2005

I'm also Canadian. I had been doing locums in the USA for almost five years before starting CRNA school. I received my greencard almost a year before starting school, but this is not a requirement. You can get a student VISA to study with very little problem.. however, getting a working VISA for your spouse might be a problem. After you graduate you should be able to apply to change your status to permanent resident.

Nurse Anesthesia is a wonderful profession. I encourage you to pursue it.

Missa · Feb 17, 2005

Thank you for your responses!

Does anyone know if Canadian BScN programs are recognized as equivalent to American nursing degrees? My BScN program was not very scientific....at all. It had a very strong emphasis on psychosocial issues and a lot of other things that I felt were very irrelevant to my goals. Will this affect my chances of being admitted to a nurse anesthetist program which is obviously highly scientific (a big reason why I'm so interested in it)? I was originally a diploma nurse graduating from a 3 year community college program, worked for a few years, and went back to earn my BScN.

Thanks!

TraumaNurse · Feb 17, 2005

Canadian BScN or BN are equivalent to the US BSN. Most BSN programs are weak in the sciences which is why many nurses interested in CRNA school must take science courses outside the BSN curriculum.

As long as your GPA is good, your degree will be fine. If the CRNA program you want to apply to requires additional science courses, you can take them either in Canada or in the US.

Missa · Feb 17, 2005

Thanks for the info TraumaNurse!

I love your signature line by the way. I quite often find myself reciting that quote. I'm a Dr. Seuss fanatic.