BSN? or BS in Something else?

Hi Everyone-

I have another question for you. Many of the CRNA programs require more science (some require within 5 years of enrollment) credits, or specific science classes that many BSN programs don't offer. Again I understand this is an individualized topic, but for someone like myself, (much more interested in the sciences/chemistries) would I be just as well or perhaps better off getting a BS in biology or something like that than a BSN? What do some of you in the field have for Bachelors degrees? All perspectives welcome. Thanks, God Bless

Jeremy

I have two degrees, one in chemistry and the other in nursing. If I am not mistaken the UAB program does not require a BSN (I could be wrong about that). I personally think that a BSN is a must for pursuing CRNA school.

Sprout

i believe that a bsn is highly recommended & looked favorably upon by the crna admissions staff. (i have a bsn & starting crna school this fall) yes, there are a few science courses that are not required by the nursing program, but you can always take those courses in summer school or after graduation.

the 2 schools i applied to required a statistics class (which was required in my undergrad; i retook it last fall for a better grade), assessment course (again, required in undergrad), and one required biochemistry (which i took after i graduated). i took a few electives during undergrad: microbiology during summer school & advanced pathophysiology.

as long as you show in all your transcripts that you went "above & beyond" the standard bsn courses, the admissions committee will like that.

Well, the CRNA school I was looking at said they required students to be a graduate of an accredited baccalaureate or higher generic nursing program(BSN or ADN) or hold a bachelor of science degree in a basic or appropriate health science. So your chemistry degree would be fine. I have a bachelor's degree in biology myself. So, as long as you get your RN, and that experience in critical care, you should be fine!

I first stated with a BS in Bio then used that to get into a 1 yr accelerated BSN program. I think a BS in a pure science like chemistry, biology, or physics lays a solid foundation for a BSN and later CRNA school. If I could redo my 1st undergrad degree I would have instead majored in Physiology and minored in chemistry. Its a lot of schooling but the CRNA's that I know are typically 'students for life' ie he or she is always figuring out ways to advance his or her knowledge. CRNA school is tough but not impossible.

There are varying opinions here. I personally wish I would have gotten a bachelor's in biochemistry or physiology. I'm finishing up my RN to BSN and it has done nothing to advance my clinical skills and to be perfectly honest I feel it's just useless busy work in light of my future goals. What's going to benefit me more in an anesthesia program, biochemistry or community nursing?

It's your call. Keep in mind if you have a bachelor's in some other degree, not all schools will accept that degree. Every single anesthesia program WILL accept a BSN. Many probably pursue the BSN to save time, such as myself. If you choose the BSN route, take extra science courses beyond the minimum and of course do well.

Hope this doesn't muddy the waters even more.

I have a BS in Respiratory Therapy and am applying for a RN program with hopes to get started this fall. I want to continue on and become a CRNA. Does anyone know of any RT's/RN's who went on to become CRNA's. I also wonder how my BS would be see by potential schools compaired to a BSN. Any feed back is greatly appreciated.