Confused about BSN/ADN + BA with long term goal of becoming a CRNA

foxyhill21 · Dec 13, 2006

A CRNA is a masters program. You must have a BSN in nursing and 1 year or more in ICU. If you want to become a CRNA I would just go get my BSN. There are alot of programs that allow people with BA to become a BSN in one year. it is called the fast track program. Also, I think TWU-dallas has a fast track program.

AdonaiLoveable · Dec 14, 2006

Probably the programs you are looking into that only require a B.A. + ADN/RN are not housed within a nursing school. In my research into programs, those housed in a nursing department/school require a BSN as they award an MSN. Those schools housed in medical schools or are stand-alone Anesthesia schools may only require a Bachelor's degree in something in order to award a M.S. in Anesthesia. I'd carefully check the specifics of each program you are considering before committing to the ADN program.

Of course, you could do a BSN completion program while working during that first year or two, but if you could get the BSN straight off the bat, I'd go for that.

Adonai

crnateach · Dec 14, 2006

Some programs will accept ad ADN with a BS in a science related field. However, I would contact the schools in your area directly and get their advice - depending on the program, you may or may not be as competitive as someone with a BSN.

Good luck

TexasGas · Dec 18, 2006

I have an ADN and BS in science related field, I am also in CRNA school at Texas Wesleyan in Ft. Worth. All four of the schools in Texas (the only ones I looked at) accepted ADN with BS in science, I was accepted to 2 of them.

It is up to each individual program, regardless if they also feature a nursing school or if they are stand alone. I was accepted to TCU and TWU, and TCU has their own nursing school where TWU doesn't.

Good luck, and I recommend not wasting your time with the BSN, I was in your shoes 5 years ago. You will save yourself from mounds of paperwork on Nursing theory if you go the ADN route.

ibw04 · Dec 21, 2006

I just wanted to thank everyone for their response especially TexasGas since I am taking the same route as you. At this point I am going to apply to get my ADN and then get some experience in an ICU unit and then pursue CRNA.

I do however, have another question to ask: once I obtain my ADN what would be the next step towards pursuing CRNA. As a student should I make it first known that this is what I what to pursue as a long term goal or do I just try to get as much exposure in ICU. Also what is the time length that I should be considering to work in an ICU unit before being competitive for a CRNA candidate. Also since I will be pursing an ADN what would be the GPA I would need to obtain to be competitive with someone who has their BSN.

Thank you all in advance,

ibw04.

TexasGas · Jan 3, 2007

Most schools require a GRE of 1100 or better (Really get a good math score).

At least 1 FULL year before interview of intensive ICU work, meaning do not count your preceptorship or time floating to an ICU. Be a master of your specific ICU surroundings. (I personally worked an extra day each week that I could)

CCRN always helps, and is required by some schools. You must have 1750 ICU hrs to sit for this test.

Maintain a 3.0 in your Nursing classes, your sciences, and you last 60 hrs of your collegiate courses and you will have an excellent shot at an interview at most schools.

This may sound crazy, but some adivce that I received BEFORE my ADN started was to get my hands on a CCRN study book and LEARN (not just read) all I could in it as I went through ADN. I made all As in school, and by the tim eI was in the ICU, becoming familiar with my surroundings was the only real challenge.

keep your head up, and EVERYDAY, tell yourself what you are doing and why, and you will be fine.