Applying to CRNA Schools in NY

[TRG]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to gather some opinions on my chances of getting into CRNA school in NYS. I would apply to Albany, Buffalo, and Columbia. I apologize in advance for the long winded post.

I just started in a 20 bed CVICU about half a year ago in Syracuse NY. I plan to apply to CRNA school later on with roughly 2.5 years of CVICU experience. Of note, our CVICU does all the usual modalities, CRRT, balloon pumps, and impella. We also train nurses to manage ECMO with minimal perfusionist/intensivist oversight when needed, after two years experience.

I previously worked On a cardiac progressive care floor at a small upstate NY hospital for 3 years and On a Med/surg floor for 2 years at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse before that. I already have CCRN and CMC and CSC certifications as well as the ACLS and PALS. I haven’t yet taken the GRE. My nursing school GPA is rather low at 3.2 nursing bachelors GPA is 3.3 and my BS in biomedical science is 3.8.

Would I be somewhat competitive with the above?Or would gaining more experience as an ICU nurse be in my best interest? My goal is to gain acceptance the first time around.

I would appreciate any and all feedback, thank you!

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com. Your post has been moved to the Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist forum to get more responses.

Good luck in your search.

[TheSameVein, BSN, RN]

2.5 years of ICU experience is definitely enough to apply. Your nursing GPAs are on the lower side compared to other applicants (which I'm sure you're aware of), which may prevent you from getting an interview. If you think you're ready to apply and have all of your ducks in a row, then go for it! You'll never know unless you try.

I would suggest getting a solid (315+) GRE score and taking a couple of additional classes to boost your GPA. Another tip on getting accepted the first application cycle is to apply to at least 3 or 4 schools. You never know what a program is looking for or how the interview will go.