Army CRNA Program

Nursing Students SRNA

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Considering applying to Army CRNA program. I like that school is paid for in exchange for time served. Plus, I'm sure I'll get top-notch training. I have been an icu (cvicu/ccu/micu/sicu) nurse since '04. I have my CCRN cert, 1000 GRE, 4.0 with grad level science courses and grad stats classes. I assume it very competitive since it's ranked #2 in the nation, but what so you think my chances will be?

Thanx,

Jules

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Jules,

You can see an Army nurse recruiter who will tell you that should you get accepted to an accredited NAP, the military will pick up the entire tab and expect you to pay them back via service (active duty or reserve) upon successful completion of the program and certification. They are hurting for CRNAs. I was prior service and am thinking about it myself. You look like a good candidate by your stats. Shouldn't be a problem... Best wishes in whatever you decide.

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Thanks so much, Sicu07. Have a call out to a recruiter. I'm sure I will here from them soon.

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

He is talking about the Army's actual program. They will accept people based on their stats but also on the physical requirements. Upon acceptance you will enter military service. Look it up. The application process is available online.

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Specializes in PICU.

You can also apply for the direct commission to crna school route. Sounds like that's what you were referring to. An Army recruiter is probably the first step, but then you would apply to the Northeastern Univ program. I'm sure that there's also an Army board of CRNAs/AP Nurses who decide which civilian applicants get accepted for commissioning and CRNA training, but you also have to be accepted by NEU.

Also, I've heard that the civilian direct-commission students have a higher drop out rate. That's probably not a clinical thing, but a military lifestyle adjustment thing. If the higher drop out rate thing is true, then I wouldn't be surprised if they do away with the direct commission route in the future. I'm AF, so I am only passing along what I've heard..take with a grain of salt. I did hear from one of our nurse Cols at BAMC that there were 45 slots and only 19 qualified applicants from active duty (that's for the group that recently applied).

Good Luck

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Jls189,

You are welcome. Just so that you know:

Both morificeko and Shimano0606 are correct. I'd also say that the fastest way to becoming debt free would be to get accepted into an accredited NAP first. You can then process your application for commission into the Army, knocking out the financial part for school. Next complete school, become certified and start your military obligation. I'm sure whatever program you attend will prep you accordingly. With that said, I guess your next choice is to decide whether you want to be a CRNA with a degree from a program with the prestige and accolades that are associated with that program or a degree from a program that will adequately prep you for your practice just as well, but without the fanfare, etc. etc. Either way, you will still be practicing debt-free. Again, best wishes...

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
Jls189,

You are welcome. Just so that you know:

Both morificeko and Shimano0606 are correct. I'd also say that the fastest way to becoming debt free would be to get accepted into an accredited NAP first. You can then process your application for commission into the Army, knocking out the financial part for school. Next complete school, become certified and start your military obligation. I'm sure whatever program you attend will prep you accordingly. With that said, I guess your next choice is to decide whether you want to be a CRNA with a degree from a program with the prestige and accolades that are associated with that program or a degree from a program that will adequately prep you for your practice just as well, but without the fanfare, etc. etc. Either way, you will still be practicing debt-free. Again, best wishes...

The best way for debt free purposes would be through the ARMY. There would be no tuition bills and you would get full pay and benefits throughout school. Now on the otherhand you would also make less money during the course of your commitment.

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Specializes in ICU.

So a civilian can go to the army school?? Then the civilian joins the army after school to repay the debt, is this right?

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
So a civilian can go to the army school?? Then the civilian joins the army after school to repay the debt, is this right?

Yes and no. As I understand, you apply as a civillian and if you get accepted you will then enter military service. So you will be an officer and attend school. When you are finished you will have to complete time owed to them. Talk to a recruiter and they can help. There is also a application online. You could google it and see what it says.

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Specializes in ICU.

I work AT BAMC and applied this route I got denied I needed graduate courses I know most of the needy greedy about this program up and downside, I have friends in the program now and he gives me a play by play so far 4 students have been dropped during first semester, and second semester we will see, they lose students at that time time too, then hell begins phase two, 18 months, depends on what clinical site you get you have I think about 6 to choose from but chances are the ARMY pick no matter what your family situation is. Oh and so u know if you fail any component in the program, you dont exactly start again next semester, WELCOME you are now active duty army nurse corp with I would say about a 3-4 year commitment, and your obligation starts the first day you step into the class room, your the armys now pass or fail. hope this helps

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