Combining a RN and CRNA education

balanceRN · Jan 24, 2011

I personally don't know of any combined RN/CRNA program. Just wondering if you have looked into the requirements for CRNA schools in your area? I know for the CRNA programs where I live require minimum a year or two of medical or surgical ICU experience and a bachelor's in nursing. Also, CRNA programs are moving from a Master's level to a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) so the likelihood of finding a combined program are pretty slim. If you're interested in pursuing your nursing degree though, you have several options open, including an accelerated BSN program since you have your four year degree. Hope this helps. Good luck!

2011NursingStudent · Jan 24, 2011

No, you have to get your BSN, then work a year+ as an ICU or PICU nurse, then apply to a CRNA school.

Highschoolfuturenurs · Jan 24, 2011

No. You need to get a BSN FIRST then have at least one year of experience in the ICU and take the GRE then apply for CRNA schools

sunnycalifRN · Jan 24, 2011

Not that I am aware of. CRNA requires at least 2000 hours of critical care work experience as well as the BSN, so I don't think such a program would even be possible.

Nilium · Jan 24, 2011

I haven't personally heard of anything like this. Specifically, during RN school you should be learning about patient care, pharmacology, and many, many other things. During CRNA you're learning more about anesthesia and all the variables that surround it. I think you're better off thinking of a CRNA more as a 'masters' program for nursing.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jan 24, 2011

doubt it. Most require nursing experience before allowing entry into CRNA program. I recommend you contact a few directly.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 24, 2011

CRNA is one of the APN roles that DOES REQUIRE nursing experience - specifically, ICU experience. No shortcuts to it.

guest_57352 · Jan 24, 2011

lol I saw somewhere someone posting "the number of 'how can i be a CRNA the fastest way possible' threads would shoot up once the article came out (it had to do with CRNA pay or something). I thought it was a joke but...

I think some schools have combined BSN/Master's programs, but I'm not sure if CRNA is part of it. Usually it's only for NPs.

ssrhythm · Jan 25, 2011

You will minimally need your ADN + 2 years critical care experience. In order to earn your ADN, you are going to need to take the basic science pre-reqs like Microbiology, 2 semesters of A&P, and your basic chemistry classes up through Organic and/or Biochemistry. Understand that most CRNA programs will want you to have a BSN, but there are a few that allow/consider a seperate BS degree + an ADN. I do not know if any will consider a BA + ADN, but there may be a school or two out there that will. Knowing that your choices will be severely limited with a BA and an ADN and considering the fact that earning your BSN would likely only take a semester or two longer, I'd recommend comitting to the BSN route from the get-go. I had my BS in Biology and an AD in Respiratory Therapy, and despite the fact that my CRNA program of choice did accept/consider the BS + ADN combination, I opted to earn my BSN. I chose this route because I wanted the CRNA program to be able to compare apples to apples; ie. my BSN grades vs my BS Biology grades. The waiting list at all the ADN programs was also going to make earning an ADN an equally long process.

All that said, if you truly want to become a CRNA, my advice is to go back and get your BSN. You will then need two years critical care experience. You will be able to apply to most programs after your first year of CC experience with the understanding that you will have 2 years under your belt by the time you start their program. Once you make it to that point, if you get accepted, understand that you will be giving up life as you know it for 27 months. I don't want to or mean to throw a wet blanket on your dream, but your question makes me wonder if you have truly researched what is involved in becoming a CRNA. Other than the necessary pre-program experience that you will need, there is no combined program because it takes everything you, me, and 99.9% of all very smart and hard working people who get accepted...it takes everything we have mentally, physically, and emotionally to excell in the program. Most programs exist to put excellent CRNAs in the workforce; those programs that don't will expose themselves with low board passing rates and high dropout rates.

All that said, if you have shadowed a critical care RN for a couple of shifts and you have shadowed a CRNA for a few shifts and you want to pursue this as a career, go for it with all you've got. I'm 42, and I left a very secure, happy, and comfy life with both my wife and I making very good money in a great part of the world to pursue my dream. That was six years ago, and despite having to uproot the family and go into a pile of debt, it has been a wonderful experience. It has been very challenging and very stressful, but I would not change a thing. I have 16 months until I graduate, so I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. My only advice to you is that if you decide to go for it, make sure your loved ones and you can and will commit to it completely. Every grade in every class is important; aim for 100's and make As. While you might get accepted with some Bs here and there, you do not want to take any chances for the commitment you are about to make. MAKE THE GRADES! Do what it takes to blow the GRE up! Look at the GRE as an opportunity vs a burden. While you might not need anything more than a 1000, you will be looking really good with a 1200+. Start talking to and getting to know the directors/managers of the units in the hospitals where the schools are plucking RNs from. Let them know early and often that you want to come in there directly from school and that you can and will handle it. Get in their ear and stay in it. Make them understand that despite your lack of experience, you are capable and willing to do what it takes to excell despite the steep learning curve. The sooner you get into a critical care unit, the quicker you will be in position to apply.

I know that is a ton more than you asked for, but I figured I'd lay it out like I know it to be to save you a little surfing time. Good luck with whatever you decide.

remifentanil · Jan 25, 2011

Actually the AANA does NOT, repeat does NOT require one year of ICU... The wording is one year of ACUTE CARE..

The reality is it is rare in the EXTREME to get admitted without ICU experience...With the notable exception of the US ARMY.

remifentanil · Jan 25, 2011

The quickest way for you do become a CRNA is not to do the ADN BSN route.. Go get an "Add on BSN" in a program that will award one on top of an existing Bachelor's degree. Then do whatever experience will get you into school. I would suggest the most acute ICU you can find... unless the Army sounds good.

There are no shortcuts per se...And keep in mind your hard science course grades will be looked at much more closely than the nursing stuff.

NP programs can have ab initio programs because a CRNA program is an order of magnitude more difficult and rigorous than NP both academically and clinically.