Army CRNA program

Published

I am inquiring about the Army CRNA program. I was wondering how competitive it is compared to civilian schools and what the process for applying is like. I am considering trying to get in for 2010. I have 6months Peds ER experience and just started a CSICU in February. That will give me a little over a year CSICU before classes start. I realize it is not much experience, but am considering applying nonetheless. I have a 3.93 RN-BSN from UVA and have not yet taken the GRE's, but am beginning to study for them. I have also enrolled for the statistics course which is also required prior to admisison. Hoping you all could provide some insight. I have searched the forum, but noticed most of it was outdate, and didn't know if things may have changed. Look forward to your responses, all information about this program is welcomed!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Trauma..SRNA.

I will assume you are talking about the USAGNAP... now held at Fort Sam Houston that starts in June...

Here is what I know as I have looked into it VERY recently...

You have to concurrently (as a civilian) qualify for 2 things the school and the Army..

you have to be APPROVED for both...

the school is not as competitive as some in as much as it does tie you to a military comittment...something that not everyone is jiggy with!!!

Now when I say they are not ask competive they only require the basic GPA ...they do not specify what they want the GRE to be... and the References come from your immediate supervisor a peer..and then people in the ARMY they set you up with..IE: the shadowing experience with an Army CRNA etc etc etc...

Having said that...this is not to imply the school is not as hard or is any way any easier than any other school...the consistantly tank in the top 3-4 schools in the nation and have the HIGHEST recorded washout rate...

I have heard it said by people in the know that they feel it is because their entrance requirments are not as stringent as other schools and that they maight be changing this in the future...

BUT they consistently have trouble filling the now 40 seats (I undertsand it was less mut the military needed more)...they have opened those seats up to Airforce individuals and now VA applicants that will pay off their commitment with their respective organizations...

I hope this answered any questions you might have had...

R

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Hi,

To find out about the USAGPAN military crna school I would go to:

http://www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna

I think the site is being updated right now, because I haven't been able to access it for a few days.

This program is ranked 2nd in the nation and provides unequaled experience as an autonomous CRNA. It does require a military service obligation of 4.5 yrs, which could (probably) include a deployment---where you will get incredible experience.

If I remember correctly, you need to have:

-Statistics

-GRE 1000 or better

-BSN

-At least 1 yrs experience in Critical care (or ED)

-Gain admission to Northeastern University

-Gain admission to Active Duty Army

-Be accepted by LTHET (the long term health education funding program) (done with active duty application packet)

-As of this month, the word on the street is......you need to be 42 or YOUNGER to apply to Active Duty Nursing. (this just changed......but they may accept age waivers again ---who knows?)

This program has the extra benefit of PAYING you to attend school, and there is NO tuition. I would definitely check it out........it has a 30% attrition rate because it is very rigorous......it has to be. When you are deployed, you will be working long hours with little backup.

I suggest you google the other "Nursing Anesthesia website" forums.........one has a Military anesthesia forum. All your questions could be answered there.

Also check out the military forum on allnurses and search USAGPAN.

Good luck

c.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is a washout rate

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.
What is a washout rate

Attrition rate or "drop out rate". They "ask you to leave" or you "choose to leave"........

USAGPAN is a difficult program, with topnotch training. And once you begin working in the civilian world.......your military education will bring you MANY accolades, making you "highly desirable"......

can't find a better deal out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Here is the pdf flyer for USAGPAN.......hopefully it attaches!

good luck,

c.

USAGPANFlyerColor2-17-09Final.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's what I thought but wasn't sure but thanks...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion