BSN or BS in Biology

For a student still early in her educational career but considering Nursing Anethesia in the future...would you as a SRNA or CRNA suggest a BSN or BS in Molecular Biology & Micro to best prepare for entry into a Masters program in Nursing Anesthesia?

Thank you,

Cheri

[Katnip, RN]

Considering anesthesia schools require clinical experience in ICU for admission, I'd say BSN.

[fry.girl]

Considering anesthesia schools require clinical experience in ICU for admission, I'd say BSN.

I plan to enter an ICU internship immediately upon completing my ADN...so by the time I complete my Bachelors I will have at least one to two years of ICU experience. I just need to decide what pre Bachelors work I need to do now as the BSN and the BS in Biology have different requirements.

[BlakeS]

Keep in mind that some programs require a BSN in order to apply. It all depends on which programs interest you. It might be a good idea to look at the programs you want to apply to and decide from there what degree path to choose.

I plan to enter an ICU internship immediately upon completing my ADN...so by the time I complete my Bachelors I will have at least one to two years of ICU experience. I just need to decide what pre Bachelors work I need to do now as the BSN and the BS in Biology have different requirements.

[futurenp]

From my research ALL the programs will allow you to apply with a BSN whereas a smaller number allow you to apply with a related bachelor's degree. I would think your odds would be higher with a BSN especially if you also took o-chem, physics and biochemistry.

[TraumaNurse]

The advantages of a non-nursing BS degree are the extra science classes required and fewer nursing theory classes. However, only about 25% of schools accept non-BSN degrees. All 80+ schools will accept a BSN. If you are only applying to schools that are non-MSN programs (20+ programs nationwide), then a BS maybe more helpful. However, to be able to apply to ANY CRNA program, your best odds are to get the BSN. Also, even some of the MSN programs that require a BSN may also require extra science courses such as O. Chem or Biochem. You can search the AANA website at http://www.aana.com/coa/accreditedprograms.asp

to see which programs are the best fit for you. Hope this helps.