CCRN or Organic Chem?

CRNA, DNSc · Jul 30, 2008

I am applying to several CRNA programs right now and have a borderline GPA. Some schools say take CCRN and some say take Organic Chemistry. What does everyone else think gives you an applicant a better chance?

If you are borderline this is not an either or situation this is a do both and more to demonstrate your ability and willingness to do whatever it takes to show to an admissions committee that you should be considered. :up:

pilateschick7 · Jul 30, 2008

I would definitely go after the CCRN first. It seemed to hold more weight in my interviews then any coursework. The CCRN shows the "next level" of independent thought (or so I have been told) and shows that you test well and can self motivate towards a goal. I went to Barbra Pope's review seminar offered by a local AACN chapter and it was well worth it.

You could talk with the program director where you are applying. Typically they will review your transcripts and help point you in the right direction. If they are not helpful I would be a little nervous about applying to the program. Unless they were incredibly busy with upcoming interviews they should have time to give you some feedback.

You might want to look at Barry University's online Transitions to Anesthesia. It is totally online, graduate level and provides a review of chemistry and physics and other topics.

Hope this helps..Good Luck

scorpiontail · Jul 30, 2008

Organic shows one semester of intense study in what is (expected to be) a somewhat challenging professor and curriculum as opposed to the CCRN which reflects an accumulation of critical care nursing knowledge over the years. I'd bank on the CCRN. On your interview they are not going to ask you stereochemistry or anything like that.

srnamom · Jul 31, 2008

If you are borderline this is not an either or situation this is a do both and more to demonstrate your ability and willingness to do whatever it takes to show to an admissions committee that you should be considered.

I couldn't agree more. They will show somewhat different things to the admission commitee but they will both show your commitment to becoming a competitive candidate. I took the CCRN to prove my nursing knowledge and critical thinking abilities. I took the toughest organic chemistry course I could find, to prove that I could do well in a difficult science course and to brush up on my chemistry for anesthesia school.

MBCRNA · Aug 1, 2008

Ok. This is a good question. I think the CCRN will weigh well, but your gpa is on the low side. The question is this: You could get the CCRN and it won't be detrimental, but if you fail or make a C on Organic....then that'll be really bad. I think in your situation- maybe you should take the CCRN. How is your gpa? How low? Lower than 3.0? Do you KNOW you'd make really good in Org Chemistry.

CVICU05 · Aug 1, 2008

My gpa is a 3.08 but my grades in my undergrad chem classes were B+ and an A. I have the minimum gpa but at least the CCRN would show my current knowledge. Unfortunately, my first 2 nursing school semesters was what lead to my lower gpa but I can't go back and re-take those classes. How much would a 3 hour chem class bring up gpa anyway? I just feel stuck! What do I do?

MBCRNA · Aug 2, 2008

GREAT...You're above 3.0. I believe if you show strengths in other areas- you'll prob be ok. If you made a B+ and an A. That is a good sign. I think with your gpa- you'll be fine as long as you are strong in the other requirements/application. Take the CCRN. The organic chem class won't bring your grade up too much, but obviously you aren't trying to prove your science ability due to your B+ and A. Just explain to them why you made the low grade if it comes up. It actually may be more beneficial for you to take a master's level class (instead of O chem). A class that may be required in your core classes and one that will drop your load (if admitted) and you can bank on a great grade vs O chem. You have already proven your science ability in my opinion. I don't think your GPA is toooo bad if you are strong in other areas...maybe you should calculate your science gpa and use that as an explanation to your ability if it comes up in the interview. TC.

MayisontheWay · Aug 2, 2008

The Organic Chem class will increase your GPA by exactly .02 points, assuming you have 120 hours of credit from your Bachelor's. If you have more credits than that, it goes up by even less.

Your GPA goes from 3.08 to 3.10

If you really can only choose one, I'd do the CCRN. But the test isn't that hard and really isn't that time consuming. I say dig down deep and do both. The PASS CCRN book comes with a CD...throw out the book and KNOW those questions/rationales on the CD. (I used the book to clarify points, but rarely).

May

srnamom · Aug 3, 2008

The Organic Chem class will increase your GPA by exactly .02 points, assuming you have 120 hours of credit from your Bachelor's. If you have more credits than that, it goes up by even less.
Your GPA goes from 3.08 to 3.10
May

The value in taking the Organic Chem is getting a good grade in a difficult science class, not the small GPA increase. The value in passing the CCRN is proving your clinical knowledge. If your GPA is less than 3.5, you should do both.

CVICU05 · Aug 3, 2008

Thanks for all the advice and help everyone!!! Wish me luck

Happy Halothane · Aug 3, 2008

My thoughts:

CCRN does stand out as an accomplishment, because it truly validates your critical care experience. Its a relatively hard exam, and takes a good variety of work experiences to get to that level. CCRN's are few/far between.

Organic chemistry, however, was a must in my book: it also takes extra initiative and prepares you for basic pharmacology. The BSN curriculum isn't nearly as challenging as graduate level anesthesia...so you need to have basic chemistry and organic chemistry foundations going into a program.

In a nutshell, I'm guessing about half of your successful applicants will have taken Organic chemistry...and very few will be CCRN's. So therefore you're bare minimum should be Organic first, then focus on CCRN. Keep in mind they can be simultaneous accomplishments.