BSN or BS in Biology

Specialties CRNA

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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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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