BSN a prereq?

cathys01 · Oct 10, 2006

Definitely the accelerated BSN if you already have a Bachelor's degree (1 year). The LPN-RN-BSN route would take much longer (1 yr for LPN school, 18 months for LPN-RN transition, 18 mo-2 years for RN-BSN transition). Even if you only did the LPN then RN (which I believe a BSN is required for most if not all CRNA programs), you're still looking at a minimum of 2 1/2 years - whereas an accelerated BSN is done in one year.

If you do the accelerated BSN you'll be an RN in a year with a BSN, then go straight to ICU for critical care experience. You could probably apply to CRNA school as soon as you graduate, but you'd still need the experience prior to starting school.

WVUturtle514 · Oct 10, 2006

It varies from school to school, but I think most schools are starting to lean towards accepting only BSN. With that said, I know that some schools will still accept an Associate nursing degree (ADN) as long as you have a bachelor's degree in a related field. However, I agree that I think your best bet would be to go the accelerated BSN route. My good friend had a bachelor's degree in biology and she was able to complete her accelerated BSN in one year from Johns Hopkins. She then worked a year in the ICU and she's now in her second year of CRNA school with me. Best of luck to you!!!

UCDSICURN · Oct 10, 2006

The general rule of thumb is that crna programs attached to med schools accept BSN's and pretty much any other applicable science degree. Some programs housed in schools of nursing accept this also. Some programs housed in schools of nursing only accept BSN's. It's program specific.

Which program(s) are you looking at and where do you live? How do your prereq's compare to admission requirements to associate's programs and BSN programs. Would it make more sense to go an accelerated BSN route versus an associate's program, in regards to time? Cost, is it an issue? Have you looked at MSN programs for non-bsn nurses?

Whichever way you choose, you will certainly be able to ge into a program. Not getting a BSN isn't going to preclude you from CRNA school, but will limit your choices a bit.

One thing I will say is do not even bother with the LPN route. That's a complete waste of time. Associate's, BSN or MSN, that's where you need to head.

Hope this helps.

CCRNUNC · Oct 11, 2006

I did a search in the threads but couldn't come up with the answer to my question so here it is, if anyone can help please chime in. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering right now and am about 90% sure after volunteering, shadowing and meeting with many CRNA's that I to make a pretty drastic career switch and become a CRNA.
Here is my question: I know I need a year of critical care experience, need to be a current RN and may or may not need to take the GRE in order to apply to a CRNA school, but I cannot find out if I need a BSN in nursing, does this requirement vary form school to school (like the GRE requirement which is waived at some schools if your GPA was over a 3.5).
Since I am starting my CRNA track by taking pre-nursing prereqs first (yes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.) I have some time before I apply to a nursing program but I don't know whether to get after the accelerated BSN programs or a program that would make me an LPN and eventually and RN. If anyone has any advice on which track would be beneficial again please let me know. Thanks for the help!

I hate to bring this up here but I will anyway. What about becoming an AA? According to the AA website any science back-ground plus the required courses and a Bachelor's degree is enough for AA school. That said, I think being a CRNA is better but I thought mentioning the AA program was at least worth it.

Spartan05 · Oct 11, 2006

Which program(s) are you looking at and where do you live? How do your prereq's compare to admission requirements to associate's programs and BSN programs. Would it make more sense to go an accelerated BSN route versus an associate's program, in regards to time? Cost, is it an issue? Have you looked at MSN programs for non-bsn nurses?
Whichever way you choose, you will certainly be able to ge into a program. Not getting a BSN isn't going to preclude you from CRNA school, but will limit your choices a bit.
One thing I will say is do not even bother with the LPN route. That's a complete waste of time. Associate's, BSN or MSN, that's where you need to head.
Hope this helps.

I live in Michigan and am looking at MSU, Oakland, GVSU and U of D Mercy for accelerated BSN programs. I attended MSU for my undergrad and could take a lot of classes at LCC that would transfer over (and save me a ton of money) so that is my top choice, but I know that the schools around Detroit and Grand Valley also have good programs.

As far as prereqs are concerned, I am almost starting from scratch since I haven't even taken anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc. In fact, because engineering is so focused on math classes the only classes that carry over for me are chemistry and statistics. What I am looking at right now is to take the rest of the prereqs (which are basically the same for BSN as well as Associate programs) at my local community college while I continue to work, and apply to get into a BSN program starting Fall of 2008 (since the deadline is about a year in advance I won't be eligible to get in to the Fall 2007 class.

tnd511 · Oct 11, 2006

You may want to look closely at the schools that offer accelerated BSN's AND have CRNA programs. Oakland Univ., Wayne State, U of D Mercy all have programs. I believe that Michigan State is in the process and will have a CRNA program soon....but not sure when.

If you attend one of these schools and do well in the BSN portion and get in good with the professors it may give you a leg up when it comes time to apply for CRNA school.

confused1234 · Jul 11, 2007

Can you tell me about any programs you know that will offer a possible GRE waiver if gpa is high enough?

Thanks