Applications to CRNA programs up or down

Specialties CRNA

Published

I heard a piece on the radio the other day that mentioned applications to Grad schools (MBAs Law in particular) had sky-rocketed in the last year. The piece went on to mention the economy and grad schools applications are inverse of one another. If the economy is up...apps are down. If the economy is down... apps are up.

My question is: does the same hold true for nursing?? If we are in a nurse shortage, and if salaries are on the rise, and if huge sign-on bonuses are being offered, then are applications to Masters programs down?? (specifically CRNA programs).

What does everyone think? What have you found?

matt

Apps are up.

Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

Just left my second day at Cal State Fullerton. They already have 700 application requests for next years class! (They accept 30)

I wonder if the number of applicants at Fullerton has anything to do with the fact that they don't require the GRE? Just guessing.

Wow, 700 apps. That's insane

I live near a technical college that just start the ADN RN program and they had 600 apps they only take 30-35 of those twice a year. What you really have to think about is in RN or LPN all those people who think they are going to work their way up to the BSN then CRNA, how many really make it?? THey get tired of school and figure that they are living well off the income they have. Also some nurses just go to work at a doctors office and get lower pay as someone with a BSN can work the same hours and do a little more paper work with better pay. My friend is an RN with her BSN she makes 15$/hr my mother in law has her ADN RN and makes $35 an hour. They work same hours just different location. CRNA can work anywhere and do good just better at some places. that is also what I am going to school for. Good Luck. I was told when the economy is down that so was pay for CRNA's and other health professions with one guy told me he made $110,ooo his first year as a CRNA but his second made 95,000 doing same thing just economy was down..

Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

I think the reason for so many applications to Fullerton is multi-faceted. It may be because they do not require a GRE, but more I think its because: 1). It only costs California residents $10,000 for the entire program. 2). USC just closed their program 3) That leaves only 2-3 programs left in California. 4) 90% of the schools for CRNA are located in the east.

If you want to go to Fullerton, I suggest that you apply 2 YEARS in advance.

let me make my 2 cents known if I may. as I am one of those 700.

1 700 refers to the number of applications requested. Every potential applicant to CRNA school goes through a process of determining which schools they will apply to. (maybe not Every)

2. its a numbers game. I personally requested 80 applications from 80 schools and only have choosen 14 to apply to. and of that 14 I have killed 4 of them making my true appliction pool 10.

3. Schools relize this is going on. so they accept alternates. so that when you get accpeted to the school you really want to go to.(which should remain top secret, accept only to that school) and you refuse the others they may accpet their alternates.

4 the entire situation has evolved by the sentiment of getting into CRNA school is like winning the lotery.

those of you who know me know that this is a change of heart. It is. As I have taked more to shcool and graduates I have been more and more enlightended over time.

At one point, I thought becoming a CRNA would be right for me...but my colleague pointed out....on call ...stress...long hours and no M-F work week with w/Es and holidays off. She reminded me that CRNAs work very hard for their money....

As with any job, it all depends on where you work. There are plenty of positions for CRNA's that are M-F no weekends, no call, holidays off. Sugical centers being the first place to come to mind.

Our main anesthesia group here in town is 40hours a week 7a-3p m-f, no weekends, no call, and no holidays. Like lgcv said, if you shop around you can find what you want. There are PLENTY of jobs out there for CRNAs.

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