I have been researching the army CRNA program for direct accession applicants as well as the process/responsibilities of becoming an army officer for a few months now. About two months ago, I contacted my local healthcare recruiter for some specific questions. I waited weeks and attempted to follow up with her, but she never got back to me. So, I took it upon myself to email LTC Richardson and LTC Fisher (directors of Long Term Health Education and Army Human Resource Command, respectively). They were both extremely helpful, prompt, and positive in responding to my questions. Well, today I finally had my first face-to-face meeting with the local healthcare recruiter. I was well prepared for the meeting with a copy of the requirements for direct accession applicants, a copy of my transcripts and GRE score, and copies of the emails from LTCs Richardson and Fisher. While I'm sure the recruiter was trying to be helpful, I left the meeting very disappointed and dismayed. After researching the program requirements, I had been under the impression that I am well qualified. I graduated with honors from my BSN program in 2004, have a 1300 on my GRE (660 quant/640 verbal/5.0 writing), and over two years of critical care experience (currently work in a large level one trauma/teaching hospital), etc. However, the recruiter repeatedly emphasized how difficult it is for civilian applicants to gain entrance to the CRNA program. When I pointed out that the army has been unable to fill seats in recent years, she replied that despite not filling their seats, they have continued to turn down a large number of civilian applicants. Can anyone verify whether or not this is true? She told me that I needed to really "fluff" up my application in any way possible. Now I am in a frenzy because I went into this meeting thinking I was fairly well qualified. While I certainly want my application to be as competitive as possible, I not sure exactly how I can "fluff" at this point. I had planned on taking the CCRN exam at a later date but I didn't think it would make or break my application for the army program. Is it really necessary to push myself to take the exam before the June LTHET application deadline? I understand the need to have well qualified candidates, especially in the army where the ability to function in an autonomous environment is paramount. However, I am a bit offended that she would be so negative when I really feel that my qualifications make me fairly competitive for most civilian programs yet I am gladly willing to pledge 4.5 years of my life to the Army following the program's completion. Any thoughts from people who have recently gone through this application process or are currently doing so would be greatly appreciated. :uhoh21:
