associates to BSN, to CRNA

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hi everyone,

I'm looking at different options for eventually being a CRNA. I haven't yet begun any nurse programs and not even sure if it's for me but it could be. Anyhow, that leaves my options wides open. I was thinking I could get the associates degree in nursing from a comm. college, then begin work as a RN doing ICU (as I know CRNA schools require this). I was wondering is it possible for me to do the transfer from associates to BSN while working in an ICU? I figured if I could then I could get my BSN done through one of those programs and then also have my two yeras of ICU done. Then I could go ahead an apply at a CRNA school.

Any thoughts on this path? Is is possible, and also would it be more difficult to get in a CRNA school if I didn't do the traditional BSN?

Thanks,

Sean

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Specializes in Pediatric Intensive Care, Urgent Care.

hi Sean,

You could get your Associates RN then while working in the ICU you can do a RN-BSN bridge depending on the flexibility of this type of program in your local schools. But, it depends how far along you are in your pre-reqs...cause if you have enough pre-reqs to apply for a BSN program then you should because once all pre-reqs are done then the AS and the BS are usually the same length of time (2 years). Now if you have nothing done or minimal core classes then the AS is your best bet if we are talking about working ASAP because you only need minimal pre-reqs to apply and get accepted. Once you have your BSN you can apply to a Masters CRNA program but keep in mind these are very competitive so you will need to get through nursing school, AS and RN-BSN bridge with a relatively high GPA. Hope this helps. It sounds like you have a plan so good luck! Hopefully more people will chime in and give some more info.

Mex

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Hi everyone,

I'm looking at different options for eventually being a CRNA. I haven't yet begun any nurse programs and not even sure if it's for me but it could be. Anyhow, that leaves my options wides open. I was thinking I could get the associates degree in nursing from a comm. college, then begin work as a RN doing ICU (as I know CRNA schools require this). I was wondering is it possible for me to do the transfer from associates to BSN while working in an ICU? I figured if I could then I could get my BSN done through one of those programs and then also have my two yeras of ICU done. Then I could go ahead an apply at a CRNA school.

Any thoughts on this path? Is is possible, and also would it be more difficult to get in a CRNA school if I didn't do the traditional BSN?

Thanks,

Sean

I think the route you are talking about is the best. You get your ICU experience while you are getting your BSN. Most ADN to BSN programs are tailored for working nurses, so you can have an RN income while still getting good grades. I don't think the anesthesia schools care which route you took to get your BSN. You can get to CRNA school faster this way, which leads to graduating sooner, which leads to higher earning potential sooner.

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Specializes in Cardio-thoracic ICU, SRNA.

Hi Sean

That is exactly the way that I went and now am starting in anesthesia school. I attended an AD program at my local community college, and while working full-time weekends, attended a RN-BSN program. I ended up with just under 3 years working experience and got into school on the first time. The way that I did it from start (where you pretty much where you are now), to finish (where I am now) has been approx. seven years. If I have any advice for you it would be:

A) If your not already in a nursing program, start applying now. There has been a BIG upswing in applicants for nursing school and not enough teachers, so getting in may be tough.

B) If you are accepted to a nursing program, start working as an aid in an ICU somewhere. It gets you acclimated to what an ICU nurse really is and, for all intensive purposes, a foundation for what a CRNA is (autonomous, quick thinking, professional, confident, etc.). Plus, when your done with school, you will most likely have a better chance of starting in the ICU when you graduate as an RN.(Some ICU's don't hire new grads)

C) Get the absolute best possible grades you can!! You only need a 3.0 to apply, but the higher the better!

My only concern with what you have said is that you want to be a CRNA, but your not really even in nursing school yet. I'm not quite sure how you got interested in becoming a CRNA in the first place. What I'm trying to say, (in a round about way, lol) is that I hope your not interested in being a CRNA just for the money they can make. I unfortunately have talked to way to many people who wanted to go into nursing just for this reason and more often than not, were not able to put in the necesarry work to accomplish it. There is a reason why CRNA's are paid as well as they are.

Of course I am only speculating and if that isn't your intention I do apologize. I wish you nothing but luck in your journey and hopefully in a couple of years from now you'll be checkin this site for tips for your anesthesia school interview.

Good Luck,

Marc

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I think the route you are talking about is the best. You get your ICU experience while you are getting your BSN. Most ADN to BSN programs are tailored for working nurses, so you can have an RN income while still getting good grades. I don't think the anesthesia schools care which route you took to get your BSN. You can get to CRNA school faster this way, which leads to graduating sooner, which leads to higher earning potential sooner.

Yep. What s/he said.

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