Brand New Program: Cedar Crest College Nurse Anesthesia- PA

I heard you only accept a cohort of 10 and 2 of those spots are already taken from students who didn't join last year.

It's true that they only accept 10 applicants. The program is competitive and they only send out acceptance letters after they have interviewed all applicants. The program directors are very nice. The program is the cheapest DNP/CRNA so far and the curriculum is tailored in such a way that you can work per diem in your first two semesters. However, the courses in those semesters are not a joke, be prepared.

Please be prepared for the interview and call the school if you have any questions.

It's true that they only accept 10 applicants. The program is competitive and they only send out acceptance letters after they have interviewed all applicants. The program directors are very nice. The program is the cheapest DNP/CRNA so far and the curriculum is tailored in such a way that you can work per diem in your first two semesters. However, the courses in those semesters are not a joke, be prepared.

Please be prepared for the interview and call the school if you have any questions.

How much is the DNP program?

The estimate from the school's website was $125k

Anyone in for Fall 2020?

I would highly disagree that $125,000 is the cheapest program out there especially if you're talking about Pennsylvania. These are some of the total costs for some of the CRNA programs in PA: University of Scranton ($72k), Bloomsburg University ($43k), Drexel University ($95k), Villanova (97k), York ($104k), and that's just to name a few. The Cedar Crest program is a brand new program so no way to know if they will provide a curriculum that will be conducive to passing boards and the first set of these numbers won't be out for 3 years when the first class graduates. The program has its students learn through the Frank J. Tornetta Anesthesia program via teleconference for a portion of the program which begs the question whether you'd be better off applying to LaSalle's program which costs about the same but has a proven track record. Aside from the two directors, there are no other onsite CRNA faculty that can serve as a resources which any CRNA or current SRNA can vouch is crucial to survival. The program is front loaded which gives you the opportunity to work during the first year but clinical seems to cover a broad geographical span from Delaware to New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Three states is a lot of traveling and commuting at a time when you will barely be able to afford ramen noodles not to mention the brutal northeast winters. In the end there are two kinds of applicants: those that will apply anywhere just to get in and duke it out and those who carefully consider the pros and cons before applying. This program is ideal for younger applicants who are childless and single, those still living at home or with the capability of moving back in with parents, or those who are married and can afford to be unemployed for three years while the at-home support system mans the fort. This program is not designed for mandatory dual-income households or single parents with no support system, most CRNA programs are not. The program will likely be great, many hospitals in the area. However, growing pains is not unexpected.

On 3/3/2019 at 7:21 PM, AGRN152 said:

I would highly disagree that $125,000 is the cheapest program out there especially if you're talking about Pennsylvania. These are some of the total costs for some of the CRNA programs in PA: University of Scranton ($72k), Bloomsburg University ($43k), Drexel University ($95k), Villanova (97k), York ($104k), and that's just to name a few. The Cedar Crest program is a brand new program so no way to know if they will provide a curriculum that will be conducive to passing boards and the first set of these numbers won't be out for 3 years when the first class graduates. The program has its students learn through the Frank J. Tornetta Anesthesia program via teleconference for a portion of the program which begs the question whether you'd be better off applying to LaSalle's program which costs about the same but has a proven track record. Aside from the two directors, there are no other onsite CRNA faculty that can serve as a resources which any CRNA or current SRNA can vouch is crucial to survival. The program is front loaded which gives you the opportunity to work during the first year but clinical seems to cover a broad geographical span from Delaware to New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Three states is a lot of traveling and commuting at a time when you will barely be able to afford ramen noodles not to mention the brutal northeast winters. In the end there are two kinds of applicants: those that will apply anywhere just to get in and duke it out and those who carefully consider the pros and cons before applying. This program is ideal for younger applicants who are childless and single, those still living at home or with the capability of moving back in with parents, or those who are married and can afford to be unemployed for three years while the at-home support system mans the fort. This program is not designed for mandatory dual-income households or single parents with no support system, most CRNA programs are not. The program will likely be great, many hospitals in the area. However, growing pains is not unexpected.

What’s your thoughts on Drexel’s program?

Anyone interview for this program? Looking for advice on preparation for the interview! Thanks!

I'm looking to connect with any current students who are a part of this program. Would greatly appreciate any information/advice current Cedar Crest student's are able to share.