Becoming a CRNA

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Hello! I am considering possibly becoming a CRNA. I'm currently in a BSN program and would like opinions on what would best prepare me to become a CRNA. Would it be wise for me to pursue and receive an MSN prior to applying for CRNA schools? If so, what type of MSN degree should I pursue? Are there any certificates that I should get once I'm an RN? Also, what unit should I start off in in order to gain the best experience before working in ICU? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! :nurse:

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

all the info is covered here:

** read first: how to become a crna faq

no need to get msn...most crna programs grant ms degree, some have moved to doctoral preparation which will be requirement of coa accreditation agency by 2025.

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Specializes in STICU; cross-trained in CCU, MICU, CVICU.

the moderator is right....no need to get a MSN first by any means...Biased here however a Surgical Trauma ICU I feel is great for the experience needed for school. You get all kinds of cases post/op and deal with some extremely ill patients. CVICU is another great area as every patient comes out with almost every piece of hemodyamic monitoring equipment that one could utilize. Can't say that is the case with a STICU, yet the variety of patients is the offset between the two.

Get your CCRN after your first year of ICU experience. I say after the first year because you need to be able to understand what your doing on a daily basis before you study for something like this. Don't listen to people who say get it as quick as possible. It takes a LONG TIME to become a proficient, "good" ICU nurse and CCRN cert is a reflection of that. Yes there are nurses who have received it very quickly after there ICU employment however they are an exception and I would argue that they proabably do not have a great grasp on things just "excellent" memorization skills.

Every school requires ACLS/PALS certs. Study hard for the GRE especially the Quant section. Most schools like anything over 1000 and of course, the higher the more competitive. If you are not great at math and the school you are applying to accepts the MAT then think about taking that. Aim for a score above 400.

Lastly, apply EVERYWHERE and don't get discouraged should you get denied. MOST people get accepted their second "time" around. If you do get denied, ask why, and do whatever it is they tell you to do!!!! That is extremely important!!!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

I would discourage you and anyone thinking about applying EVERYWHERE. There are more than 50 schools, will you be able to have that many LORs, transcripts and money to invest in the application process? Let's assume the previous poster did not literaly mean EVERYWHERE, still do not apply to many schools. Have a list of your top 10 and from there choose maybe 5 that you feel you meet and exceed all their requirements for admission.

For right now, I would focus on finishing your BSN with good grades. It's good to plan, but take a step at a time and you may see things you may not have noticed if you where rushing! Focus on being a great RN first, and then ork on becoming a potential SRNA

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Thank you so much for the information! Now that I think about it, I need to retake my microbiology class for a better grade, and take O Chem. My BSN program only required a basic Chemistry class. So to do these in addition to attempting to have a MSN before applying to CRNA programs would take a lot of time and money! I should probably just focus on additional requirements for the CRNA programs. I'm SO glad that CRNAs are not among the Nurse Practitioners required to have a doctorates by 2014! :D What other additional classes were required for you to take after receiving your Bachelors? I've seen Calculus and Physics as a requirement, but is this common? I haven't taken a a math class besides statistics since 2006! And that was PreCalc/Trig for college credit in High school! :eek: I'm scared that I would have to do it again to remember what I've previously learned in order to do well in Calculus and Phsyics.....

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Specializes in STICU; cross-trained in CCU, MICU, CVICU.
I would discourage you and anyone thinking about applying EVERYWHERE. There are more than 50 schools, will you be able to have that many LORs, transcripts and money to invest in the application process? Let's assume the previous poster did not literaly mean EVERYWHERE, still do not apply to many schools. Have a list of your top 10 and from there choose maybe 5 that you feel you meet and exceed all their requirements for admission.

For right now, I would focus on finishing your BSN with good grades. It's good to plan, but take a step at a time and you may see things you may not have noticed if you where rushing! Focus on being a great RN first, and then ork on becoming a potential SRNA

Yes, you are right that i did not mean EVERYWHERE....If anyone took that literally ,***ahemmm*** , then don't. I WAS ACCEPTED after applying to 5 schools. hahah my gosh....you honestly believe you had to explain the concept "EVERYWHERE"......WHAT I WAS IMPLYING.....which most people would understand is that the more schools you apply to, you increase your chances of # 1. an interview....and # 2. acceptance.....

the original poster asked for ADVICE on how to become a CRNA...i think it is WELL understood that this person must finish well in a BSN program...I posted on what this person should do....as many others have done to get in.

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