Choosing the right program

[aCRNAhopeful]

I understand that for many people the right program may be the one they are accepted to. However, I have read old threads about people who have terrible clinical experiences. How can you find out whether or not the school your'e applying to offers good experiences in all the different aspects of anesthesia. I guess I am thinking of placing invasive lines, regionals, axillary blocks, etc. For the didactic portion, could one base whether or not a school was right for them based on the type of degree and classes offered? For example an MSN with emphasis in Nurse Anesthesia vs. MS in Biology Nurse Anesthesia. Would there be a large difference between these two degrees or would the didactics be similar? Does anyone have any other advice on selecting a program that's right for you (if someone were lucky enough to be faced with such a dilemma)?

[loveanesthesia]

There are differences in the didactics, that is easier to assess than the clinical differences. Compare the courses in the curriculums, you'll see nursing theory courses in the MSN programs. Look for a strong science background, individual science courses taught by experts.

The clinical differences are harder to assess. For example, it is best to have the opportunity to learn regional, but in some programs with a lot of different clinical sites, it's hard to know what you'll get. If you go to one site it could be good, but at another site, not so good. Looking at student averages can be deceiving, so ask about the range of experiences as well. Maybe the students average 40 spinal block placements, but some do 5 and others do 80. Ask programs if they can provide you with the numbers of clinical experiences from the most recent classes transcipts, again ask for range of experiences also. Best information can be from former students, remembering talking to one individual may give you some highly biased information, either good or bad.