Army CRNA options

[Beanseye RN]

My direct commission packet is almost complete. I was looking at options for the CRNA program.

I meet criteria for CRNA selection except the 1 year of critical care experience and GRE in last 5 years. GRE should not be an issue.

My question is if I commission and train in ICU, might I be able to get the CRNA program written into my contract or must I wait for the 2 years on station and just apply later? I would rather not try to delay entry. Or get a Delayed Entry.

AND the CRNA application info lists audiometric standards as possible DQ even if you pass MEPS audiometry. The AR that is referenced is not specific to any program. Does anyone have any insight on this issue?

Thanks for your assistance and service.

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

My direct commission packet is almost complete. I was looking at options for the CRNA program.

I meet criteria for CRNA selection except the 1 year of critical care experience and GRE in last 5 years. GRE should not be an issue.

My question is if I commission and train in ICU, might I be able to get the CRNA program written into my contract or must I wait for the 2 years on station and just apply later? I would rather not try to delay entry. Or get a Delayed Entry.

AND the CRNA application info lists audiometric standards as possible DQ even if you pass MEPS audiometry. The AR that is referenced is not specific to any program. Does anyone have any insight on this issue?

Thanks for your assistance and service.

No, you cannot have the CRNA program written into your contract if you come into the Army as an ICU nurse.

My best advice would be to retake the GRE and get at least 1yr of ICU experience and then apply.

I am not sure about the audiometric testing.

[Beanseye RN]

No, you cannot have the CRNA program written into your contract if you come into the Army as an ICU nurse.

My best advice would be to retake the GRE and get at least 1yr of ICU experience and then apply.

I am not sure about the audiometric testing.

Thanks WTB. I will have to hammer that one out. CRNA is not a deal breaker at this point. However, I'm almost ready to submit packet to RN Board (was supposed to be this month, but next is more likely). But entry a year later is a thought (if that's what you are suggesting) vs. at least 2 yrs before being able to apply to the program which would prob = 3 yrs.

My HC Recruiter is checking on the audiometrics, I'm just looking for additional input.

... Please clarify, are you advising deferring entry into the Army to get the ICU experience or entering as an ICU nurse and applying when I meet the criteria?

Thanks for your assistance and your service.

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

Thanks WTB. I will have to hammer that one out. CRNA is not a deal breaker at this point. However, I'm almost ready to submit packet to RN Board (was supposed to be this month, but next is more likely). But entry a year later is a thought (if that's what you are suggesting) vs. at least 2 yrs before being able to apply to the program which would prob = 3 yrs.

My HC Recruiter is checking on the audiometrics, I'm just looking for additional input.

... Please clarify, are you advising deferring entry into the Army to get the ICU experience or entering as an ICU nurse and applying when I meet the criteria?

Thanks for your assistance and your service.

I would advise waiting until all your requirements are met to apply to CRNA school, and then only entering the Army through the direct accession to nurse anesthesia option.