Choosing CNRA schools to apply to?

[Shayna24]

Hi, I am currently a senior in a BSN program, so I have a long journey ahead of me to become a CRNA, but I am up to it, I hope! I am going to try to get the best ICU experience I can, and work hard to keep my GPA up and get good GRE scores, etc.

What I was wondering though is how did you who are SRNA's or going to be applying to programs decide which ones to apply to? I believe there are around 80 or so schools in the nation, and that they are all a bit different. I live in WA state, and there is only one CRNA program that only admits about 7 people a year. Crazy--I won't even apply there with those odds. So no matter what I will have to move out of state, and think it would be fun to live in a different part of the country for a couple years. Sooo pretty much any of the continental states would be fine with me except for maybe a few midwest ones.Are there any web site that lists all the CRNA schools in the nation, compares them, gives the focus of each school, each schools requirements, etc? Are there some schools that would be better to apply to if your strength is your GPA or not? If you have high GRE scores, or if you have lower ones? Some schools that don't lean on years of experience as much as others? It would be a huge project to individually research even 30 or 40 schools, but maybe that is what I'll have to do. Any suggestions? I know I have a million questions but would love to hear from people who have gone through the process:)

[TraumaNurse]

Sounds like you have some time to do the research into the various schools. You can get a list of schools from AANA.com but not a comparison. Here are some things to consider when looking at CRNA schools:

1) Do you want to go to an integrated program or a front-loaded program?

2) Do you want a university based program or a hospital/anesthesia school with a university affiliate?

3) Do you want an MSN or a masters in another field with a major in anesthesia?

4) Do you want to avoid schools that require O.chem or Biochem as a prereq?

5) Is there a school near family/friends that can provide a good support system while in school?

6) Do you want to avoid taking the GRE (very limiting choice)?

7) Is there a part of the country you want to relocate to, even for the couple of years of school? Or do you need to stay where you are?

8) Do you want a school with very large classes or smaller class sizes?

9) Does the school offer a good variety of clinical experiences?

10) Do you want a school that has the high tech, cool gadgets like simulators (usually larger schools with a bit more$$$)?

For me, I wanted an integrated program and for family reasons wanted to relocate to a certain area. (Lucky for me, there are 6 CRNA schools within a 10-20 mile radius). Since that narrowed down the number of schools, I then applied to 3 and was lucky enough to get in first time appying. It's a tough process, but you have to organize your prioties so you don't bankrupt yourself applying to too many programs. Good luck.

[sonessrna]

Sounds like you have some time to do the research into the various schools. You can get a list of schools from AANA.com but not a comparison. Here are some things to consider when looking at CRNA schools:

1) Do you want to go to an integrated program or a front-loaded program?

2) Do you want a university based program or a hospital/anesthesia school with a university affiliate?

3) Do you want an MSN or a masters in another field with a major in anesthesia?

4) Do you want to avoid schools that require O.chem or Biochem as a prereq?

5) Is there a school near family/friends that can provide a good support system while in school?

6) Do you want to avoid taking the GRE (very limiting choice)?

7) Is there a part of the country you want to relocate to, even for the couple of years of school? Or do you need to stay where you are?

8) Do you want a school with very large classes or smaller class sizes?

9) Does the school offer a good variety of clinical experiences?

10) Do you want a school that has the high tech, cool gadgets like simulators (usually larger schools with a bit more$$$)?

For me, I wanted an integrated program and for family reasons wanted to relocate to a certain area. (Lucky for me, there are 6 CRNA schools within a 10-20 mile radius). Since that narrowed down the number of schools, I then applied to 3 and was lucky enough to get in first time appying. It's a tough process, but you have to organize your prioties so you don't bankrupt yourself applying to too many programs. Good luck.

Very good advice!!