BSN or Bachelors in Biology???

[iliket3]

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if anyone in this forum has opted for yet another route to becoming a CRNA. I have decided upon something a little different. There are no schools in my immediate area that have a BSN program. There is one that offers a BAN and I don't think that will fly with the 2 or 3 schools that I plan to apply. I am currently in an ADN program with one year to go. I have already emailed the CRNA schools of my choice asking if they would accept a degree in cellular/molecular biology and they all replied yes.

I understand that the road ahead will be a busy one (school full time and work in ICU) but I am fully committed. I have no interest in obtaining a BSN (all those theory classes will bore me to death). I'm thinking that the extra science classes needed (chem, biology, etc) for my biology degree will really help me in grad school. Do you think this is a good route? I do realize that this will take me longer to complete but the way I look at it is that I will get more exp in ICU.

It seems to be a consensus here to go the BSN route. Of course I understand that some schools will only accept a BSN. I'm just wondering what everyone's input is as to another possible route. Has anyone done it this way? Thank you in advance for any advice on this subject.

[London88]

I have to second what kybluefan said in terms of the boring stuff such as research, although I actually enjoyed doing my research proposal. I had to take research with my BSN, so taking it for my MSN was simply an extension of what I did for my BSN, which can make some of these boring classes much easier to tackle. I used the same text book that was required for my BSN!

[iliket3]

I appreciate all of your input as far as this matter is concerned. I do not intend to do a "mass admission" type of thing and will only apply to 2 or 3 schools in my area. All of those schools accept a degree in a biological science. I think there are pros and cons to each side of this issue. I do realize that I will not get away from the theory classes completely and that they are necessary to foster professionalism. However, since my interests lie in the biological sciences, I believe that is what is best for me.

I'm trying to think farther down the line here. If I did not ever get accepted into an NA school, than what would I do with a BSN? What would I do with a degree in biology? I'm trying to ponder my options beyond NA school. If I don't get in or something happens along the way, I realize I have options. However I would have to go with where my other interests lie. And that would be in biology. Not to "beat a dead horse" but with a degree in biology, I could go a dfferent route besides nursing, yet nursing would remain an option. With a BSN, cellular research would not be an option. I'm just taking into consideration the "what ifs." Thank you very much for the advice. If there are other opinions on this idea, I'd be very welcome to hear them.

Theresa

[iliket3]

I appreciate all of your input as far as this matter is concerned. I do not intend to do a "mass admission" type of thing and will only apply to 2 or 3 schools in my area. All of those schools accept a degree in a biological science. I think there are pros and cons to each side of this issue. I do realize that I will not get away from the theory classes completely and that they are necessary to foster professionalism. However, since my interests lie in the biological sciences, I believe that is what is best for me.

I'm trying to think farther down the line here. If I did not ever get accepted into an NA school, than what would I do with a BSN? What would I do with a degree in biology? I'm trying to ponder my options beyond NA school. If I don't get in or something happens along the way, I realize I have options. However I would have to go with where my other interests lie. And that would be in biology. Not to "beat a dead horse" but with a degree in biology, I could go a dfferent route besides nursing, yet nursing would remain an option. With a BSN, cellular research would not be an option. I'm just taking into consideration the "what ifs." Thank you very much for the advice. If there are other opinions on this idea, I'd be very welcome to hear them.

Theresa

[u-r-sleeepy]

Teresa,

I agree with everything loisane wrote. I did the same thing and would encourage you to pursue the Biology degree after reading your comments/questions. If you're "young enough" - why don't you go ahead and take the MCAT? You really should if you're even toying with the idea of Med-School. Even so, the Bio degree will serve you well in CRNA school and you can always pursue other things if you don't end up in an anesthesia program. I loved chem & took advanced org + some other stuff and really loved it all.

Best wishes -

[u-r-sleeepy]

Teresa,

I agree with everything loisane wrote. I did the same thing and would encourage you to pursue the Biology degree after reading your comments/questions. If you're "young enough" - why don't you go ahead and take the MCAT? You really should if you're even toying with the idea of Med-School. Even so, the Bio degree will serve you well in CRNA school and you can always pursue other things if you don't end up in an anesthesia program. I loved chem & took advanced org + some other stuff and really loved it all.

Best wishes -

[New CCU RN]

Theresa,

I am doing the same thing as you. I actually already have my BSN but now am looking into CRNA, taking my MCATs, or maybe some kind of research.

I think the BS in Biology will aid me in any three of those routes. I'm in Cell Bio right now and there are so many things that make more sense clinically just because of that added knowledge that I have.

Good luck to you.

[New CCU RN]

Theresa,

I am doing the same thing as you. I actually already have my BSN but now am looking into CRNA, taking my MCATs, or maybe some kind of research.

I think the BS in Biology will aid me in any three of those routes. I'm in Cell Bio right now and there are so many things that make more sense clinically just because of that added knowledge that I have.

Good luck to you.