Any online CRNA programs?

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While I'm pretty sure the answer to this question is "no," I thought I would ask to make sure. I have done my research and have not found any schools offering this, and I'm sure there is a reason for it. I guess the reason I thought there would be distance programs is because there are online NP programs--but I do realize that CRNA training is much different than NP training.

I haven't even started the BSN program yet-I will be through with my pre-reqs this summer and hope to start nursing school in spring '07. My goal is to become a CRNA, but unfortunately there are no schools in San Antonio that offer the program-only in Houston and Dallas, from what I've researched. I've got a husband and two small children, so moving somewhere else to attend the program is out.

Thanks in advance for any information you may be able to provide.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Wait - aren't they all online!?

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There aren't any online NA programs but there are some that offer distance classes. For example TWU has distance sites in several states and even offers the whole program that way in Lubbock, Kansas, and a few other places. As far as moving, most students who don't choose the distance option when applying will have to move. The two schools here in Ft Worth probably have about 3-4 dozen slots in the area combined for the clinical portion of the program. That means around 150 students will be moving for the clinical portion of their program (after 12 months of didactic). Clinical sites are all over, from CA to ND, AK, and many other states. It depends on what you are willing to do to become a CRNA. It is by no means easy on any family. Most of us have children, spouses, etc. Hope this info helps you make a decision.

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jollyjenny,

I am in the same circumstance as you, living in a city with no program. In fact, I will have to move out of the state in order to attend a CRNA program. I have waited until my kids are grown and out of the house but I still have hubby to consider. Fortunately, he is very supportive and is willing to be in separate cities for a while (two + years).

My take on this is that you have a long road ahead anyway if you are just now entering nursing school. You will have to complete a BSN and work for at least a year (more like a couple) in an ICU before you can apply. By then, your family situation will be different. Your kids will be older, your husband may be willing to relocate etc.

I started nursing school in 2001 with the intention of becoming a CRNA (at the ripe old age of 41). I got my ADN in 2004 and started at a busy ICU fulltime. I then got my BSN while working in the unit. This cut a year off my goal. Ironically, by the time I had worked a year in the ICU, I still felt unprepared to apply to school. I just felt very strongly that I needed the extra year in the unit for the experience.

You may find that you feel differently about the time line once you get out of school and start working. Mainly, you have time to prepare. You may even decide to wait until your kids are out of high school.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Mountain State University in Beckley, WV offers what I would call a "pseudo-online" CRNA program. It's a 30-month program and is basically designed for people who live 3-4 hours away from campus. WV is such a rural state and I believe it was created for people who live too far away from the school to commute, but who live close enough that they can make it to campus once every 3-4 weeks. I'm not too sure of the details of the program, however. Check out their website for more info.

http://www.mountainstate.edu/majors/whystudy/crna/

Good luck to you!!!

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but unfortunately there are no schools in San Antonio that offer the program-only in Houston and Dallas, from what I've researched.

There are no schools in Dallas. Perhaps you are confused as to the location of the Baylor program. Although their nursing campus is in Dallas, the nurse anesthesia program is housed with the medical school in Houston. There are also two schools in Fort Worth, which is definitely not Dallas! Actually, there is a school in San Antonio, run by the Army. As I recall, they reserve a few civilian slots in each class...you might check with them.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
There are no schools in Dallas. Perhaps you are confused as to the location of the Baylor program. Although their nursing campus is in Dallas, the nurse anesthesia program is housed with the medical school in Houston. There are also two schools in Fort Worth, which is definitely not Dallas! Actually, there is a school in San Antonio, run by the Army. As I recall, they reserve a few civilian slots in each class...you might check with them.

Just a little side note about those civilian slots in San Antonio, those slots our for civilian applicants that join the Army Nurse Corps as part of going to nurse anesthesia school. You will spend your first year in San Antonio and then have to move for the clinical portion.

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I attend Mountain State University's CRNA program in Beckley, West Virginia....I wouldn't say it's exactly a web based program because we really don't do anything on the web...BUT....I would call it a distance learning program...meaning you don't have to be on campus every day. You leave campus with your lectures downloaded onto your computer to watch at home and also with assignments etc...Testing is done on campus....You have to be on campus in Beckley every 3-4 wks for a 3-4 day block....We have students as far away as Texas who attend...This is a front loaded program with the didactics being the first 15 mos and the clinical portion the last 15 mos......Clinical sites are the area where you live, the only time for clinicals you may have to travel will be for neuro, cardiac, and peds....and with these hospitals they make arrangements for you to stay in the call rooms so you don't have to have hotel expenses....

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I attend Mountain State University's CRNA program in Beckley, West Virginia....I wouldn't say it's exactly a web based program because we really don't do anything on the web...BUT....I would call it a distance learning program...meaning you don't have to be on campus every day. You leave campus with your lectures downloaded onto your computer to watch at home and also with assignments etc...Testing is done on campus....You have to be on campus in Beckley every 3-4 wks for a 3-4 day block....We have students as far away as Texas who attend...This is a front loaded program with the didactics being the first 15 mos and the clinical portion the last 15 mos......Clinical sites are the area where you live, the only time for clinicals you may have to travel will be for neuro, cardiac, and peds....and with these hospitals they make arrangements for you to stay in the call rooms so you don't have to have hotel expenses....

I am interested in this program. When did it start? I heard directors and faculty were in short supply all over the country. How is the faculty there? Are they pro-student?

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My Dad told me that he met an instructor of an online anesthesia program while on a cruise a month or so ago. I'm not sure where, but he said that the program takes students from all over. They do this by getting crnas and anesthesiologists around where you live to "sponsor" your clinical education the rest is online. I'll ask him and see if he knows the name of the program.....

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I am looking for an online nurse anesthesia program, if you come accross any please let me know, thatnks.

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My Dad told me that he met an instructor of an online anesthesia program while on a cruise a month or so ago. I'm not sure where, but he said that the program takes students from all over. They do this by getting crnas and anesthesiologists around where you live to "sponsor" your clinical education the rest is online. I'll ask him and see if he knows the name of the program.....

I would be very sceptical about any program like that.

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