Boston College

I was wandering if anyone from this site goes to Boston College? and if so how is the program. I applied for next year.

I am at Northeastern, in Boston, several of my classmates are from this area (and one applied there last year). I have heard from them that their program is very theory based- focusing more on the transition from BSN to MSN rather than focusing specifically on the aspects of anesthesia. However, from the looks of their website it doesn't seem that way to me. Also, they are supposed to be up for re-accreditation this coming spring, which according to our professors is pretty distracting for all of their staff. I would be more concerned about the accreditation process interfering with the learning process... and like any newer program- they will still be working out the kinks. Sorry I don't have more concrete info for ya.

Okay let me update this information a bit.

I am currently in the CRNA program at BC. Just like Northeastern it is a MSN program and so there are core MSN classes that are required.

In total BC has 8 core MSN classes, 7 anesthesia didactic courses, 5 anesthesia clinicals, and 0 electives.

In total NE has 7 core MSN classes, 7 anesthesia didactic courses, 6 anesthesia clinicals, and 1 elective

The BC program was last accredited in 2006 and received the maximum accreditation of 10 years. The program is well organized and I have no doubt that I will be a very competent CRNA by the time I finished. Several other things to note about the program is the class size is small. There are only 16 students in my class and the two anesthesia faculty are dedicated to each student successfully completing the program.

Lastly the latest US News and Report rankings came out for 2011. Boston College was ranked 26th along with Northeastern University. NE is a 32 month program and graduates students with a MSN as well.

I've recently applied to both BC and Northeastern for 2012...how was the interview process? How did you decide on BC? Did you apply to NEU as well? I'm anxious about the interviews and would appreciate any tips! :-)

The Boston College interview process is really low key and not clinically focused at all. It is more a get to know you and very general questions. Just be yourself. I was nervous too.

I can't speak too much about the NEU program as when I knew I was in at BC I respectfully cancelled my interview at Northeastern; they were most gracious about it. Though I know of people who have interviewed at NEU and they said they were asked clinical questions about the type of patients they had cared for and asked questions about PA lines and inotropes etc.

I decided on BC for a couple of reasons. a) The start date was Jan 11 for a 28 month program with a grad date of May 2013 vs NEU Sept 2011 for a 32 month program with a grad date in I think May 2014. That is a year of lost opportunity to earn a CRNA salary. b) BC was only accepting only 16 students. My sense from the interview was that if you were accepted into the program the the faculty were dedicated to doing everything they could to ensure you were successful. c) at the interview they had 2 students from each of the 2 current classes ahead. They were not part of the interview but stayed with the candidates and were available to ask questions about the program. They were sincere and very positive about the program and talked openly about what they considered the pros and cons of the program. d) I was already in Mass and ready to start ASAP, e) after going through the interview process it felt like it was a good fit for me and what I wanted to get out of my anesthesia education.

I have no doubt that NEU is a good program too but things just aligned at BC and the opportunity was extended to me and I accepted the challenge. I have no regrets about the decision to enter into the BC program and highly recommend it to anyone considering going to CRNA school in New England.

I also have no doubt I will make a strong and competent CRNA in 2 more years thanks to BC.

Thanks so much for your reply, it was big help! Did you do your CCRN? Are you able to work at all? From what I can tell, it doesn't seem like anyone can work during any program. Thanks again! Good luck with everything!

Yes I have my CCRN. I was working but I decided to stop shortly after I started. However that is just me there are at least 3 or 4 students who are still working.

Good luck. Let me know how you get along.

I thought they were Masters in Nurse Anesthesia...rather than MSN program? or is that the same? Didn't think it was.

Some are MSN with a concentration in nurse anesthesia or a MSNA or MNA. I do not know if there is a difference in the MSN and MNA/MSNA.

I know some schools have a MS in Anesthesiology, MS in Biology, MS in Health Sciences etc... I am not sure what the difference is. I would suggest contacting the schools individually if you need more information

I had a couple more questions for 'acupofgas' if you don't mind me asking :-)

How early did you apply to the BC program? I see that the deadline is September 15, was the interview soon thereafter? How soon after your interview did they tell you that you were accepted? I had heard that they only have 16 spots, how many people do they interview? As you can tell, I'm starting to get a little anxious haha

My GRE scores aren't the highest, but everyone just told me to break 1000. I have a very good GPA and I have three years of SICU experience. I'm hoping that this will be what they are looking for :-)

Thanks for all your help!

I sent my application in at the last minute as I had to sit the GRE, and then certify in PALS. I think they received my application a week or two before the deadline. If you broke 1000 on the GRE, have a good GPA, have 3 years of SICU, have a strong personal statement, and good references you should be well positioned for an interview. Yes there is only 16 spots. They told us they would let candidates know around the end of October or early November.

Hang in there. If you have anymore questions please email me.

This might be a stupid question but i've been looking at the pre-requisites for BC and it says life science chemistry. Does that just mean organic chemistry. If so it was not required in my BSN program and I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how I should go about taking that? Do you think if i took it at a community college that would be okay?

No, organic chemistry is not a prerequisite for BC. I am a SRNA at BC and all I had was Introduction to Medical Chemistry (3 lec hours and 1 lab hour course) it was sufficient. That was all that was required for my BSN. I did not have to take any more chemistry.

However the best thing to do is to call the SON and ask them if you have questions about admissions. They are very friendly and will promptly give you the most accurate information.

Good luck