CRNA with lousy GPA & Plenty of Experience!!

DaFreak71 · Sep 28, 2007

Hi Ya'll,
I am wondering if someone with a BS in Science with a GPA of 1.70 and a MS GPA of 3.80 can actually apply and get into an ABSN program or CRNA program? I have years of experience in various healthcare positions.
My undegrad doesnt really represent my true abilities because like probably many 18 yr olds, screwed around (not literally though:-)) a lot at college and thus the poor GPA. Took my career more seriously in grad school, which reflects in my MS GPA. Would appreciate some advise. Thank ya'll.
Nikinurse

Before you can get into a CRNA program you have to have a BSN first, in addition most CRNA programs require that you have at least one year of experience in an adult critical care setting. Most of them do not include the emergency room as a critical care setting (think ICU). I think most CRNA programs understand that at the age of 18, low GPA's are a rite of youth, lol. They will be looking at how you did with your MS GPA in addition to your BSN GPA. So don't sweat the low BS GPA. You've definitely made up for it since you were 18

One route to go is to get an associates degree in nursing (ADN), then while you are working, take online classes to go from RN to BSN. If you go right into the ICU when you graduate from the two year ADN program, you'll be ready to apply to CRNA school when you finish up your BSN.

In case you didn't realize, there is actually a forum on this site for CRNA's and Pre-CRNA's. There are a lot of people who wonder about the same issues you do. Go check it out! Just click on the "specialty" tab, then go to "advanced practice nursing".

Good luck!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 28, 2007

Nikinurse,

I moved the thread to the Pre-CRNA Inquiry Forum for you. Good luck!

nikinurse · Sep 28, 2007

Thank yall for that info....its encouraging. Can anyone yall tell me who will be the best person to contact at a uni/college for advise and career planning if I want to work towards the goal of getting into CRNA program.

Will any CRNA schools actually help potential future students in career planning, especially those with non BSN degree. Thanks a lot!

nurseabc123 · Sep 28, 2007

Before you can get into a CRNA program you have to have a BSN first, in addition most CRNA programs require that you have at least one year of experience in an adult critical care setting. Most of them do not include the emergency room as a critical care setting (think ICU). I think most CRNA programs understand that at the age of 18, low GPA's are a rite of youth, lol. They will be looking at how you did with your MS GPA in addition to your BSN GPA. So don't sweat the low BS GPA. You've definitely made up for it since you were 18
One route to go is to get an associates degree in nursing (ADN), then while you are working, take online classes to go from RN to BSN. If you go right into the ICU when you graduate from the two year ADN program, you'll be ready to apply to CRNA school when you finish up your BSN.
In case you didn't realize, there is actually a forum on this site for CRNA's and Pre-CRNA's. There are a lot of people who wonder about the same issues you do. Go check it out! Just click on the "specialty" tab, then go to "advanced practice nursing".
Good luck!

You can have a BS in a related science and an Associates (ADN, etc.), to be eligible for application at some schools (i.e. Wayne State University in Detroit).

wayunderpaid · Oct 7, 2007

One route to go is to get an associates degree in nursing (ADN), then while you are working, take online classes to go from RN to BSN. If you go right into the ICU when you graduate from the two year ADN program, you'll be ready to apply to CRNA school when you finish up your BSN.

In case you didn't realize, there is actually a forum on this site for CRNA's and Pre-CRNA's. There are a lot of people who wonder about the same issues you do. Go check it out! Just click on the "specialty" tab, then go to "advanced practice nursing".

Good luck!

Another idea for you is to apply to a second degree BSN. Many of these programs take 1 to 2 years after prereqs. and you never have to come back for your BSN. Do really well in nursing program and you are home free.