Best Route to CRNA with BS in Biology

[abrintle]

I am currently trying to figure out the best way that I can become a CRNA starting with a BS in Biology.

From my research thus far it appears that my two options are:

1. Apply to ABSN, work as an RN for 1-2 years, apply to CRNA program

2. Apply to Master's Entry program, work for 1-2 years, apply to CRNA program

It appears that the ABSN vary greatly in the length it takes to complete the program such that a Master's entry program may be equivalent in length (roughly 2 years)

My biggest question is whether or not a master's in nursing such as the Clinical Nurse Leader is more or less beneficial when applying to CRNA school later. Will having a Master's with no experience hurt me? If if takes the same amount of time should I just go ahead for the Master's instead of getting an additional Bachelor's?

Any and all advice on this matter is GREATLY appreciated!

Sincerely,

Confused Applicant

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

CRNA schools are deluged with applications from RNs with many (not one or two) years of solid critical care experience. So if you want to be a CRNA, your plan had better include those years of solid bedside critical care if you want to have a prayer of admission. They all require clinical experience, so no, you could not get in with none.

People always forget that holding minimum qualifications for application is not the same as having what you need to expect admission.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

You would need to investigate the employment situation for entry-level MSNs in your area. In my part of the country, hiring managers in many organizations (including mine) are actively avoiding them due to negative experiences. Generic BSN is preferred by all hospitals, followed by ABSN & ADN - in that order. The CNL degree is a worthless designation. There are no 'higher level' job designations for new grads. No matter what the degree, they are all in the same category.

If you poke around here on AN, you'll see that everybody and their great aunt Sally wants to be a CRNA or other 'non-bedside, high salary' nurse. You may want to hop over to the CRNA-specific forums for more insight. Despite the very high requirements for admission, competition for admission remains fierce - and there is still a significant amount of attrition because the performance expectations are very high.

I do echo PPs advice on 'minimum' versus 'actual' admission qualifications. In instances of highly qualified application cohorts, the 'chosen few' may be CCRNs with > 5 years of CVICU experience, 3.9 Cumulative GPA & GRE in the 95% percentile....

[PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Edinboro University in PA has an accelerated BSN program lasting 3 semesters (fall, spring, fall).