Certifications vs graduate classes for crna programs?

yournurse · Jan 3, 2020

I have both advanced courses in patho, pharm, research and have 2 other certifications in addition to CCRN. I think they carry a lot of weight and you’d have a better chance of getting interviewed. I believe most schools are based on a point system. Not sure if you know what I mean, the more points you have, the better your chances (if you have more certs, good recommendations (all positive and 5 when they rate you) , and everything else look good. I think you have a really good chance. CEUs though I’m not sure ?

Defibn', RN, EMT-P · Jan 3, 2020

12 hours ago, fluffy said:
Hi
I am trying to improve upon my application for 2021 cohort and I understand that it is recommended to take graduate pathophysiology or advanced pharmacology. I am also seeing that I can take an online continuing education from nurses.com and get a certification (It is a 25 hour online course).
How do the admission committees of CRNA schools view the certifications? This one is specifically for advance pharmacology for the practicing nurse. Is it best to take the graduate course and would it automatically be transferred in so as I wouldn't need to take it again if accepted into the program? I also am trying to retake the GRE test and I work full time at a Level 1 hospital . Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you GL

If you are choosing between the two I would pick the grad classes. We all know that certs from something like that site are probably easier and will mean less. If you want additional certs get something on top of the CCRN like CMC or CSC.

bfreezy, CRNA · Jan 3, 2020

If you have a low GPA, take extra courses/grad classes. It shows to the committee that you're able to handle "graduate level courses" despite a lower GPA. I put the "graduate level courses" in quote because I took 2 and they were probably 1/50th of the level of difficulty in regards to CRNA classes.

loveanesthesia · Jan 4, 2020

High quality ICU experience is more important than ‘grad’ classes.

fluffy · Jan 5, 2020

Thank you everyone I will definitely take the graduate course in pharmacology and continue in the ICU. I appreciate the advice greatly since I am trying to figure this stuff out alone. This application process is crazy and competitive and I really want to get in this field. I had applied to many CRNA programs and not one invite for an interview. ? I have a low GPA from 25 years ago but the committees continue to use it against me despite my 4.0 in my BSN and my extensive experience. I have taken one Graduate level biostatistics course (A) and have my CCRN. I don't know what else to do to show them I am good enough for their programs.

Davida Berenz · Jan 28, 2020

I'm finding it difficult to find graduate level courses when I am not pursuing a degree. Any ideas?

fluffy · Jan 28, 2020

Hi Davida,

I, too, have been told that I could not register for graduate classes as a non-degree student from many, many schools and others have said to "get permission" which has been ridiculous. I was even registered and paid in full for a January course and then the class was cancelled. UGGH. I have been chasing this around and around and had not been successful until today.

Today I was able to "get permission" to register at UMASS Medical in BOSTON for online Advanced Pathophysiology course that starts next week. I will try to add a link for you but certainly check it out. There is advanced pharmacology too. As a non-degree student, we are allowed to take 2 graduate courses only from some programs but others will refuse you. I hope this helps

https://www.umb.edu/registrar/forms

Fluffy

Davida Berenz · Jan 28, 2020

Thank you so much!

Defibn', RN, EMT-P · Jan 29, 2020

18 hours ago, Davida Berenz said:
I'm finding it difficult to find graduate level courses when I am not pursuing a degree. Any ideas?

https://mtsa.edu/academics/advanced-physiologic-foundations/

dreed44 · Jul 3, 2020

On 1/28/2020 at 8:19 AM, fluffy said:
Hi Davida,
I, too, have been told that I could not register for graduate classes as a non-degree student from many, many schools and others have said to "get permission" which has been ridiculous. I was even registered and paid in full for a January course and then the class was cancelled. UGGH. I have been chasing this around and around and had not been successful until today.
Today I was able to "get permission" to register at UMASS Medical in BOSTON for online Advanced Pathophysiology course that starts next week. I will try to add a link for you but certainly check it out. There is advanced pharmacology too. As a non-degree student, we are allowed to take 2 graduate courses only from some programs but others will refuse you. I hope this helps
https://www.umb.edu/registrar/forms
Fluffy

Hey fluffy, how was the Adv Patho class?

fluffy · Jul 6, 2020

Hey, DONE with an A. It was a lot of powerpoints and learning on own. The reading was huge amounts and really didn't correlate with the weekly testing. You have to do a presentation online, ppt and also a research paper. It was alot and intense. I hope this helps. I am currently in Barry's Transition to Nurse Anesthesia course and it is going well. I am also taking the National Pain Management certification and currently starting applications. I plan to retake gre in the fall if asked and possibly do the Pharmacology course also in the fall. I hope this finds you well. I will keep pushing forward and let me know if you take the Adv Patho course.

Fluffy