Applying to CRNA school and my current stats, pretty worried.

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Specializes in PICU, CTICU.

I have a few questions and wish to get feedback on my chances of getting accepted to a CRNA program.

academics:

AA= cum GPA 3.38

BSN = cum GPA 3.14 / last 60 credits GPA= 3.3

I've been a nurse 4.5 years or so. all of which it has been PICU. became a traveling nurse to help myself get out of some undergrad debt and save for the possibility of getting accepted to CRNA school. also at my home hospital I had reached a point where I wasnt getting enough challenging cases (pre ECMO) for example. since its a teaching hospital and they have such big groups of new grad residency programs. also getting special trainings like CVVH were hard due to waiting lists and what not. I've only worked in level 1 pediatric trauma centers (3 total). working on getting my CCRN and possibly attempt to take the GRE before I submit my application. I'm very worried that my GPA is just going to ruin it for me. the school I'm planning to apply doesn't require the GRE , shadow hours, and CCRN is "optional". also, does anyone know what science GPA consists of, or is it school specific? when I calculated my anats/chem/micro I have a 3.4 science GPA

any tips and or resources to study for GRE and CCRN welcomed. than you! ?

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Specializes in Pulmonary / Critical Care NP, CRNA.

Hi! Couple of tips. 1. Shadow a CRNA. Nothing shows your interest more than taking the time to actually see what CRNAs do. Might be hard with covid now, but at least try. 2. Get your CCRN. A lot of programs are starting to require it. If your program doesn't, why not get it so you can stick out? 3. Try Kaplan for the GRE prep. It'll only work if you dedicate the time. So don't pay for it if you aren't going to do the work. But, it can really help!

If you're worried about GPA, you can take a graduate level science class to help show that you can do graduate level studies. It's all about selling yourself in your personal statement and in the interview.

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Specializes in PICU, CTICU.
1 hour ago, MHARNP said:

Hi! Couple of tips. 1. Shadow a CRNA. Nothing shows your interest more than taking the time to actually see what CRNAs do. Might be hard with covid now, but at least try. 2. Get your CCRN. A lot of programs are starting to require it. If your program doesn't, why not get it so you can stick out? 3. Try Kaplan for the GRE prep. It'll only work if you dedicate the time. So don't pay for it if you aren't going to do the work. But, it can really help!

If you're worried about GPA, you can take a graduate level science class to help show that you can do graduate level studies. It's all about selling yourself in your personal statement and in the interview.

thank you, and yes thats exactly what I am doing. I have my ccrn scheduled already, I've emailed a few CRNAs to shadow at my current hospital, hopefully covid doesnt get in the way. and after I take my CCRN I will focus on the GRE. for which I will be using magoosh I hadn't looked into Kaplan yet. did you ever use magoosh?

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Specializes in SRNA.

People do get accepted with only PICU experience. They are exceptions, but it happens. As it stands, your GPA is not competitive at this point. Schools can be different on how they calculate science GPA, doesn't hurt to ask the admissions contact. I would consider the CCRN a must for you so I'm glad to hear you are planning on taking it. A good GRE score (like 310+), even if they don't require it, could help a little given your GPA. It is obviously completely up to you but I think if you took the next year to work in an adult ICU with high acuity, get your CCRN, shadow, and take a couple upper level sciences and get As, you would be a much more competitive candidate. I'm not trying to be a downer but most schools get a ton of applications and will cull by GPA. The problem with where you are now is that to have a real chance of landing an interview, you will have to apply to a lot of schools. That costs money and time and will wear on your references.

I have a friend that was in a similar situation GPA wise. He wanted to go to one school that was about 2.5 hours away. He began taking the open classes of the CRNA program, driving up there twice a week. He got As. He got to meet the faculty. He applied after the first semester and didn't get an interview. He took a couple more classes and was granted an interview and got accepted. That is a tremendous amount of dedication and makes it real hard to say no to a candidate like that.

If this is what you want, don't give up. You CAN do this. It is just going to take some work. Best of luck!

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Most applications can have one hole in them, if the other parts are very strong. You have two. Right now, I am sorry, but you are not competitive. With your GPA being a variable that at this point you cannot change all that much, that only leaves work experience. Those very rare people who get in with only Peds ICU experience have a stellar academic profile. Your goal is still possible, but it will be a 3-4 year project of taking some graduate level classes, doing well in them, and getting some quality adult ICU experience.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in PICU, CTICU.

thank you so much for the feedback! ?

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Specializes in Pulmonary / Critical Care NP, CRNA.

Try signing up for a graduate level pharm and Chemistry class. Both will only make school easier and help boost your application (and you can tell them you made an A while still working full time!). Talk with the admissions people at the schools you are considering. Get their feedback on the PICU only experience.

I'm not familiar with magoosh, so no input there. Google Score it now. That'll help boost the writing component of your GRE score.

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Specializes in CRNA.

Dont get your heart set on one school. They all choose based on stats and personallity. Some like a--holes, some like people who are more humble. Apply to the top 5 schools and go to the one where you get in. Dont exclude military option. No debt, best education.

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Specializes in CRNA.

Dont get your heart set on one school. They all choose based on stats and personality. Im not sure where the above people went to school, but there are plenty of PCIU RNs that have become CRNAs. I work with 2 now. Some like a--holes, some like people who are more humble. Apply to the top 5 schools and go to the one where you get in. Dont exclude military option. No debt, best education. GPA will get you to the door, interview will get you in the door. If you are set on one school in particular, call the school and ask them if you are competitive and what they would like to see you do to boost your application

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I'm going to share my advice for you since I too have a low GPA (3.38).

To start, this is my 3rd year applying and hopefully last. I'm sorry if that's bad news but schools really do hold GPA to heart. There's a really high chance you may not get an interview with those grades but that does not mean its impossible.

When I asked on areas to improved, they all said the same thing. "Your pharm grade needs improvement." I had a c+ and a b-. Yea I know it sucked. But now I took a graduate level pharm class and got an A. By doing that I just negated an excuse for them.

If you have bad classes you can either A: retake them at a different school or B: Take an advance level of that class and nail that A. Option B is obviously the better one.

I also retook a couple of science classes, such as stats and biochem, both of which I got an A. These are requirements for some schools.

This is also showing them I know my areas of weakness and improved upon it.

Do something extra. Committees, precept, charge RN, more certifications it doesn't stop at the CCRN. This will show professional maturity.

Each year you don't get in...DON'T GIVE UP, find something to improve on, there is always room for improvement. STAY MOTIVATED.

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