Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

g8rlimey · Nov 18, 2002

I interview in Dec., how long did they tell you it would take?

N2bate · Nov 18, 2002

I currently attend VCU and have a friend who had an interview last week. She was told to expect word sometime around the 1st/2nd week of Dec. By the way, although I'm biased, VCU has a great Nursing Anesthesia program!

Maximus · Nov 18, 2002

Good luck to you guys.

I have a few questions about the program, especially for those in it. It looks pretty expensive for out-of-state students. Do they provide good financial aid or stipends? Are most of the students happy with the faculty and the curriculum?

I'm thinking about applying next year and would appreciate any info.

TexasCRNA · Nov 19, 2002

n2bate, I am curious about VCU. I have a class mate thinking about interviewing there and would like to know how crnas are treated by the mdas? Do they work well toegather? I would appreciate any other info both pos or neg you could supply. If you don't want to post to the board write me at [email protected]

Thanks, Lee.

N2bate · Nov 19, 2002

Gowkout and all those interested in VCU--

I am nearing the completion of my first semester and have found the program to be challenging and wonderful. I am excited to attend classes and enjoy all of the professors, CRNA's, etc who instruct us on a daily basis. This has definitely been the best decision I have ever made. As for the working environment between the CRNA's and MDA's, I really can't answer that at this point. We do not begin clinical rotations until January. But, many of our faculty are graduates of the program and basically all agree that they came for school "and never left". That tells me that they must enjoy the working environment. Speaking of the faculty; I find them to be wonderfully refreshing. They all have such an amazing love for their work and truly want to produce the best CRNA's possible. As many of them are graduates of the program, it is nice to hear stories about when they were in our shoes. They can relate to what we are going through and are quick to offer words of encouragement.

As for the out of state tuition; several of my classmates are out of state but I am not one of them. All I really want to say about that is they seem to be doing ok financially. If you have a partner to support you while you go to school that is always helpful but there are people who are successfully going to school full-time as singles. I am sure a lot of it had to do with prior planning and saving.

My advice would be to definitely apply if you are even remotely interested. The school has a wonderful reputation and I understand why more each day. I hope you found this to be helpful and if I can be of an further assistance please let me know.

N2bate · Dec 4, 2002

MBrian46-- Any word yet?

mbrian46 · Dec 5, 2002

N2Bate..........haven't heard anything yet. I called VCU today and they said they still have me in consideration and that a decision would be made by Friday. Letters will be mailed out next week. I interviewed with the first group in early October. You are currently attending VCU? I was totally impressed with the program when I interviewed. Have you heard how many slots have been filled for next year, so far? I can't wait out one way or another.

mbrian46 · Dec 5, 2002

Allow me to make a correction on my last post......I can't wait to find out one way or the other..........thanks

N2bate · Dec 5, 2002

They accept 25 students each year. I believe they have 2-3 students that are carryovers (deferments) from last years interviews that will be attending during your class. They have been interviewing candidates each Friday (I think 5-6 students per week) and they will continue to do so until the first part of the year. You were interviewed in the early app phase and that may be good for you, although I'm not certain. When I applied, I interviewed during the normal app period so I'm not sure if they have a certain number of selections during the early app phase or not. If you don't mind me asking, how do your BIG three look?

GPA, GRE, and experience.

In any case, good luck and please let us know how this works out. You WILL NOT be disappointed in VCU!!!!

mbrian46 · Dec 5, 2002

Gpa- 3.2, GRE- 1510, experience- 5 1/2 yrs in the Emergency Dept. and 1 1/2 yrs in a neurosurgical ICU (level I). I know my GRE and GPA isn't the best, but like I told them in the interview when I was taking my prereq. courses in early undergrad., I was a typical 18 yr old "college kid". This is before nursing was even a consideration. I'm in Organic Chem. now...doing much better. What did your big three look like when you applied there?

N2bate · Dec 5, 2002

Hey those look good trust me. I was at a 3.1 GPA, 1760 GRE (was one of my better days I guess) and had a 4 years of experience--combination of ER/ICU but mostly ER. I know there has been alot of discussion on this BB about ER counting as Critical Care Ex but VCU favorably views ER as critical care experience especially if it is in a Level 1 trauma center.

It sounds like your interview went well so given that you are otherwise well qualified, I think you'll get the nod. GOOD LUCK!