BSN->DNP or MSN->DNP?

[kittiesandnursing]

I am a BSN student and want to pursue CRNA. To any current SRNA/CRNA, have you found that there are any benefits to starting school with an MSN as opposed to a BSN? I am debating getting my MSN while I work throughout the next few years, but don't want to waste the money if CRNA program length/credit requirement barely changes. Thanks for any and all help!

[offlabel]

Won't change a thing. Don't waste your time/money.

[Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Don't bother getting your MSN. Your school will incorporate that portion of you schooling. I would do things as a critical care nurse to make me a better candidate. Do leadership and skills and committees. 
 

[CRNA School Prep Academy]

kittiesandnursing said:

I am a BSN student and want to pursue CRNA. To any current SRNA/CRNA, have you found that there are any benefits to starting school with an MSN as opposed to a BSN? I am debating getting my MSN while I work throughout the next few years, but don't want to waste the money if CRNA program length/credit requirement barely changes. Thanks for any and all help!

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As others mentioned, no need for your MSN first. Get into a high-acuity ICU as soon as you can (new grads can go into the ICU too ?), aim to get a few shadowing experiences and work on leadership/volunteer opportunities.

The best advice we've heard from program faculty is prep for your CRNA school interview while working in the ICU; they'll know the difference between what's Googled the night before versus an understood and applied concept.

Grab a free 8 Steps to CRNA planning guide here, too: https://www.cspaedu.com/planning

You got this-- cheering you on!

[dianuhannalisa, BSN, RN]

I 100% agree with every response thus far. Pursuing the MSN will definitely be a waste of money, time and stress. Working amongst different ICUs for a suitable amount of time per unit (and making not spending money) is the better option. Having the MSN degree may look good on the application, but experience and knowledge are the key components.