Best direct-entry MSN program with CRNA as ultimate goal?

m1lkofamnesia · Jul 26, 2018

You don't need an MSN to get into CRNA school. Do the BSN since it's quicker, less money (I assume).

PICU-Murse · Jul 27, 2018

Don't forget about the 1-2 year ICU requirement. You won't be getting that with an MSN...

lexidann · Jul 28, 2018

Why wouldn't I be able to do ICU work with an MSN?

Shanimal · Jul 28, 2018

So I'm switching careers and plan on doing a direct entry accelerated program. Would it be better to get a BSN or an MSN considering the ultimate goal of mine is to become a CRNA? BSN would take less time and I could get more work experience before beginning CRNA school. Would CRNA schools rather accept someone with an MSN and possibly less experience or a BSN with more experience?
Any advice is greatly appreciated! And if you know of a program that is best suited for pre-CRNA, please let me know!

Many nurse anesthesia schools specifically require a BSN prior to entry. Just be aware that some direct-entry MSN programs do not award a BSN along the way, and that can be a pretty big deal when applying to nurse anesthesia school later on. Since the BSN takes less time AND you get more work experience, going with the BSN sounds like the way better deal to me over the MSN.

loveanesthesia · Jul 28, 2018

You can apply for an exception to the BSN if you have a MSN at most universities. If you're not sure about anesthesia then the MSN could be useful. If it's the same money and time to get the MSN , then maybe do it. It won't be very valuable if you do go to an anesthesia program so I wouldn't pay extra.

PICU-Murse · Jul 28, 2018

Why wouldn't I be able to do ICU work with an MSN?

The way you are wording it sounds like you do not have a nursing license and you are going to be a direct admit from a Bachelor degree of some sort to either a BSN or MSN, correct? My statement about ICU was that you will still need to get experience as a nurse in an intensive care unit in order to apply to CRNA schools.

lexidann · Jul 29, 2018

Yes that's correct. Right so if I get an MSN then it will take longer and cost more money, if CRNA is the ultimate goal then getting a BSN would be a faster and more cost-effective way to do so. However, I think that in general having an MSN is better in the long-run and will give me more options in the future and a better salary in the future. Just in case I don't get my CRNA until years and years later or I don't get it at all, I think I'd rather go for the MSN.

Higher cost, higher reward...