CRNA Application Requirements

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Hi everyone,

I am a nurse with three years clinical experience. One year in the ER as a Clinical Tech, one year in the Surgical/ICU Step-Down Unit as an RN, and one year in Neuro/Med-Surg ICU as an RN. I want to apply to CRNA school but am worried about grades I received as an undergrad. 
 

Prior to earning my BSN in an accelerated nursing program (in which I earned a 3.76 GPA) I completed my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry (with a 3.2 GPA and a 3.2 Science GPA). However, while earning my chem degree, I received a D+ in Biochem and a C+ in Organic Chem 2. 
 

My question is, will I still be a competitive candidate when applying to CRNA school with these grades?

Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Moved to SRNA forum for best responses 

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Specializes in CRNA.

Yes, you’ll be competitive. 

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Specializes in ICU, SRNA.

I received similar grades in my undergrad (cumulative 3.3 I think) but graduated accelerated program with a 3.89 and I got into my top program with 3 years ICU experience.  It never hurts to apply! I would caution you to not say that you have “3 years of experience” without clarifying that 1 is in ICU in your app or interview though. I had a coworker dig herself into a hole where she said something like that in an interview. Just food for thought :) good luck! 

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Specializes in SICU, TICU, CVICU.
On 7/6/2022 at 11:13 AM, DJF1216 said:

Hi everyone,

I am a nurse with three years clinical experience. One year in the ER as a Clinical Tech, one year in the Surgical/ICU Step-Down Unit as an RN, and one year in Neuro/Med-Surg ICU as an RN. I want to apply to CRNA school but am worried about grades I received as an undergrad. 
 

Prior to earning my BSN in an accelerated nursing program (in which I earned a 3.76 GPA) I completed my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry (with a 3.2 GPA and a 3.2 Science GPA). However, while earning my chem degree, I received a D+ in Biochem and a C+ in Organic Chem 2. 
 

My question is, will I still be a competitive candidate when applying to CRNA school with these grades?

Thanks!

I hate to tell you but you will not be competitive without re taking those courses.  I just spoke with several program directors over the weekend who said the competition is so great right now that if they see a "c" on a transcript it goes straight to the garbage.  You will need a much higher science GPA than 3.2 You do advanced chem during CRNA school and if you're getting a D in undergrad then I doubt you'll be able to keep up with the coursework needed to pass CRNA school. Retake those science classes and get an A or B and you may stand a chance 

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Specializes in CRNA.

There are a lot of programs where you’d be competitive. That’s a good GPA for an accelerated BSN. What’s your physiology grade?  What area of the country are you looking? 
 

Applicants are applying to a greater number of programs now that many programs are doing zoom interviews. It’s creating this impression of greater competition, but some people with a really high GPA accept multiple programs. They then decline seats later and alternates get in. 

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Dre2416 said:

I hate to tell you but you will not be competitive without re taking those courses.  I just spoke with several program directors over the weekend who said the competition is so great right now that if they see a "c" on a transcript it goes straight to the garbage.  You will need a much higher science GPA than 3.2 You do advanced chem during CRNA school and if you're getting a D in undergrad then I doubt you'll be able to keep up with the coursework needed to pass CRNA school. Retake those science classes and get an A or B and you may stand a chance 

I applied to a single, very competitive school and got in. No extra-curricular BS, no re-taking courses. Just a killer essay and interview. 

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