Okay, so we have a bit of a unique situation and tons of questions. Already just searching on this site we have found a lot of answers, so thanks!
A little background:
My fiancee and I are both young chiropractors in our own practice. However, she doesn't like a lot of things about our profession and wants to go into nursing (more specifically CRNA - at least thats the idea at this point.) Providing quality care for our patients is great, but the business/selling side of chiropractic really frustrates us.
Anyway, starting a family and our financial situation are major concerns to us which basically translates into "she wants the quickest and least expensive way to get her CRNA degree. By reading many posts on here, we realize that the CRNA school you go to is of little relevance (besides really learning the material and passing the exam).
Our Proposed Plan:
Okay, so she recently applied and was accepted to the the local school here. After completeing a few random classes that she didnt take in undergrad (Phys. Ed and foreign language), she will apply to the nursing program and if she gets in starts next spring. Two years and total $10K to get the BSN. During this time she can work part time at the office helping out with insurance, reception, and some nutritional patient care. (She did think about just doing an online NP degree after the BSN, but she seems to be more interested in CRNA)
Then, we are at crossroad since where we live doesnt have a CRNA program. But, we would be willing to sell the practice and move somewhere for her to get a job near a CRNA program and an ICU job. That year she would have the ICU job would establish residence for a public school CRNA program tuition. Then apply to CRNA school. Then after 2.5 years, pass test and get a job as a CRNA.
Questions:
-I realize its extremely competitive, but what exactly does that mean? She was valedictorian in high school and the doctorate program at chiro school (4.0gpa in a fairly rigorous program). So, if she does well (like 3.9 -4.0GPA) in the BSN program, are her chances very good of getting into a local CRNA school on the first shot?
-Does this path make the most sense?
-What does she need to do at this point to better her chances of getting into a CRNA school. For example, I saw on ECU's website that courses in physiology and chemistry/biochemistry within five years are highly recommended. Her's will be slightly longer than 5 years when she applies. So, does she need to retake these classes to better her chances?
-Right now, we are looking at 3 states - North carolina (where we are now), Mass, or Iowa. We would like to be in the Boston area, but both accredited schools are private and we dont want to add to our already ENORMOUS student loans (combined over $300K) from chiro school. Pros / cons of these states for CRNA?
- Anything else we should know or consider?
Thanks a ton for any advice you can offer us. As you can see, we are very new to this and it's early on. But, she wants to make sure she takes the best and most efficient steps possible.
