CRNA Degree which title is better?

TexasCCRN · Sep 27, 2005

Hello everyone,
I am considering applying to Grad school to become a CRNA but I have noticed something, there are different type of Master degrees attached to the CRNA title: MSN, MA, MSA MS and I am a little confused. Is there really a difference, and if so which one is "better"? Can someone answer this for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanx!

As a CRNA it will not make a difference. There are some differences in classes required, thesis options, etc. It will really vary by the university.

jenniek · Sep 27, 2005

If you have any desire to pursue a doctorate in nursing, you should pursue a master's in nursing rather than a master's in science. If you have no desire to continue beyond master's level education, it is just a matter of basic classes. A master's in nursing program will include graduate level nursing research, nursing theory, stats.....

Skytrane · Sep 28, 2005

The real question is what you want to do after becoming a CRNA. If you want to be a clinician, then the degree doesn't matter - the certification matters. If you want to teach, do research, etc. then the degree matters. It also matters where you want to pursue these endeavors. If you want to teach in a program housed in a school of nursing then you should get a MSN.

The question may be moot soon - programs housed in schools of nursing will have to go the the doctorate for entry into practice in 2015-ish.

Franklin

CI-PLANTOGAS · Sep 28, 2005

Thank you all for the info, I was just a little confused with the different degrees. I am leaning more toward the certification, rather than the research. I am now more enlightened!

rn29306 · Sep 28, 2005

A master's in nursing program will include graduate level nursing research, nursing theory, stats.....

How very true. I am kicking my posterior for going to a program like this. You have no idea of the BS classes and then thesis, just for our "nursing" personnel to stay "published", riding your coattails the entire time. Be careful where you apply.

CI-PLANTOGAS · Sep 28, 2005

Are there any "good" programs in the south? I am looking in GA, TN, and AL

UFSN3 · Oct 2, 2005

The question may be moot soon - programs housed in schools of nursing will have to go the the doctorate for entry into practice in 2015-ish.

Franklin

I have just recently heard that the Masters Program will develop into a PhD program. Is this true? How will this work? I am a student now and I'm planning on becoming a CRNA. Would it be best to bite the bullet and enroll in a PhD program if possible instead of the masters programs that have not crossed over yet?

jenniek · Oct 2, 2005

Are there any "good" programs in the south? I am looking in GA, TN, and AL

Yes, the one that you get accepted to and graduate from. "Good" is a relative term and it is better to ask if you want a front-loaded or integrated program, master's of science or master's of nursing. Front-loaded programs are ones that have full-time class work for around a year's length, then finish the program with clincials and a one a day class. Integrated programs start clinicals fairly early in the class. You have class and clinicals throughout the entire program.

Look at web sites of programs you are interested in, talk to graduates of those schools, call the school to talk with the director.....to get a feel for the programs.

Good luck.

Jennie

Alpha13 · Oct 2, 2005

The question may be moot soon - programs housed in schools of nursing will have to go the the doctorate for entry into practice in 2015-ish.
Franklin

When thiis happens how will it affect the current CRNAs with MS degrees?

skipaway · Oct 2, 2005

When thiis happens how will it affect the current CRNAs with MS degrees?

It won't, we'll be grandfathered in.

CI-PLANTOGAS · Oct 4, 2005

Yes, the one that you get accepted to and graduate from. "Good" is a relative term and it is better to ask if you want a front-loaded or integrated program, master's of science or master's of nursing. Front-loaded programs are ones that have full-time class work for around a year's length, then finish the program with clincials and a one a day class. Integrated programs start clinicals fairly early in the class. You have class and clinicals throughout the entire program.
Look at web sites of programs you are interested in, talk to graduates of those schools, call the school to talk with the director.....to get a feel for the programs.
Good luck.
Jennie

Right, I like that. I will look into it, thanks for that advice!