BSN-CRNA

Roo.RN · Nov 24, 2015

I would definitely try to take more classes to get your GPA up... You could re-take ones you did poorly in but would benefit you for the program like chemistry, stats, etc. or take the ones you suggested if even possible. You have to be careful with those graduate courses because you don't know if they'll even be accepted where you're planning on getting your CRNA. Definitely get your CCRN, ACLS, and maybe even TNCC to make yourself more marketable. Above all else get some good ICU experience. Good luck!

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

Re-take undergrad, NOT grad courses. CRNA, as most of high-rank grad programs are selective and with good probability will not accept grad courses from "outside" (yes, they have transfer credit policies, but it doesn't mean they must use them every time, plus they can always "evaluate" your credits for $$$ and still refuse them). Take them in a university brick-and mortar campus, not in community college and not online. Take every hard-science course you did less than A- plus as many others as you can afford. Chemistry (all kinds), physics, biology, A&P, even college algebra look good.

The optimal thing would be to locate a university offering both CRNA and either BSN, pre-med or both. This way, you can take the courses at pre-med level, which is considered higher than one required for nursing, or al least the program will be familiar with coursework offered in their own place, plus you will start networking.

ProgressiveThinking, MSN, CRNA · Nov 28, 2015

I somewhat disagree, but I'm sure it varies from program to program. I spoke with a PD because I have a not so decent science grade in one of my prereqs from 10 years ago (C+ in anatomy 1). However, I did get A's in Anatomy 2 twice (long story on why I had to take it twice). Anyways, She said that they would rather see me do well in a graduate level science course over retaking a pre-nursing level course. The specific graduate level courses that I was told that look good were patho, pharm, chemistry, biochemistry, stats, anatomy, and physiology.

Of course it won't transfer into the program, but it shows that you can perform well in graduate level courses (which is what you are applying for), which I think says more than performing well in a pre-nursing level science course. With 115 programs open, if you meet the minimum requirements, have grad level courses, CCRN, CMC, great ICU experience, you will get in somewhere as long as your willing to move (maybe not a big top tier school though). It's a numbers games, and schools have to fill their seats.

ccarroll1992 · Dec 7, 2015

Thank you for replying! I'm definitely not re-taking my undergrad nursing courses. I went to a school that is now 4 hours away and there are limited seats in the classes. So with that said, do you think if I do well in say 3 graduate courses (Patho, Pharm, Chemistry), pass CCRN, do well on GRE, that i should be fine applying? I don't mind moving at all.