While perusing these forums over the years, I've seen mention of "CRNA mills" or "puppy mills" in regard to low quality CRNA programs either pumping out students with the bare minimum qualifications (cases, etc) or simply failing students out after they've already paid a great deal of money. For example, this post (though a few years old), mentions the states of Florida and Texas as being contributors to hosting these "CRNA mill" programs.
So, does anybody have any insight into exactly which specific programs these are? I've noticed a common theme on this forum in regard to people not mentioning the name of their program whether good or bad which, I think is a disservice to both a good program (should someone want to apply there), and to prospective students who might be looking at a bad program who could otherwise be saved the time, effort and money if students and/or CRNAs of such programs could simply state "Yes, I attend[ed] CRNA program XYZ and it's not good because..."
For what it's worth, I live in Florida and am mainly looking at programs here. One can only deduce so much information from visiting a program's website so, I'm looking for some "real talk" with names of both good and bad programs in my state. I've spent the past few years learning all I can in the ICU to build a solid foundation on which to hopefully build a solid career as a future CRNA. It goes without saying that I want to be a part of a program that challenges and molds me to be a confident and as much of an autonomous provider as the field allows. Thank you and I appreciate any and all input!
Well, I will be speaking for the most part in very general terms, so don't post about all the exceptions.
1. Military schools are better than civilian schools.
2. Small schools are better than the large schools.
3. Western schools are better than Eastern schools. At least their clinical experiences are.
4. Schools that are front loaded (with the exception of the military, of which I DID NOT attend) have the ability to play with numbers and accept a lot and then narrow down the class, knowing full damn well they could not possible place all entering students in clinicals.
5. If your program does not have at least ONE clinical sight that is all CRNA or at least very independent, you should probably look elsewhere. Also, if you do 90% of your clinical work at 1 site, you should probably look elsewhere.
6. The "ranking" of the programs is completely meaningless. There are many, many in the Top 25 that I would personally not consider.
7. Do they yet offer a DNP? If not, why? Probably no good answers to that question.
Good luck and do your research. Have your eyes wide open.
I appreciate all of the thoughtful responses and discussion on this topic. Even before creating this thread, I had reached out to some SRNAs at my hospital from the local CRNA school to get their input about their experiences in the program. Knowing that it is a good program and is here in my hometown obviously makes it my first choice when applying to schools in the near future. This discussion has provided me with additional questions to ask these students and has given me a better insight and perspective into what to look for when choosing a program. Thank you!
Well, I will be speaking for the most part in very general terms, so don't post about all the exceptions.
1. Military schools are better than civilian schools.
2. Small schools are better than the large schools.
3. Western schools are better than Eastern schools. At least their clinical experiences are.
4. Schools that are front loaded (with the exception of the military, of which I DID NOT attend) have the ability to play with numbers and accept a lot and then narrow down the class, knowing full damn well they could not possible place all entering students in clinicals.
5. If your program does not have at least ONE clinical sight that is all CRNA or at least very independent, you should probably look elsewhere. Also, if you do 90% of your clinical work at 1 site, you should probably look elsewhere.
6. The "ranking" of the programs is completely meaningless. There are many, many in the Top 25 that I would personally not consider.
7. Do they yet offer a DNP? If not, why? Probably no good answers to that question.
Good luck and do your research. Have your eyes wide open.
Thank you for your response. I'd love to chat with you in a PM about a few things. I've actually followed quite a bit of your posts over the years and have heeded some of the advice you've given on other threads. But I still have some questions. I may not be able to receive/send PMs on allnurses, but I could give ya my email address. Thanks!
Thank you for your response. I'd love to chat with you in a PM about a few things. I've actually followed quite a bit of your posts over the years and have heeded some of the advice you've given on other threads. But I still have some questions. I may not be able to receive/send PMs on allnurses, but I could give ya my email address. Thanks!
By all means, please feel free to DM. One caveat, I only check in once or twice a week, so my reply to you may not be too timely.
Current SRNA here. When you mentioned "CRNA puppy mills," several programs jumped to mind but I prefer not to disclose publicly. DM if you'd like my personal opinions about malignant crna programs d/t program culture and/or quality of students produced.
I don't know if anyone else has posted a similar response, however, in my opinion, it is the STUDENTS responsibility to study the material and seek to gain a deeper understanding. Schools should not have to spoon feed you the material. Yes, certain instructors make the material more palatable, but it's not their job. School rankings, "CRNA mills", weeding out the weak.....I don't buy it. If you want it bad enough, pick up a book and read! Show up to clinical prepared to LEARN and prepared to be pimped! Be flexible as things change and cases get moved around. I'm coming from a place where I went through CRNA school with 5 kids. I didn't have time to mess around, go to parties or go get drinks after a big exam. I had a lot at stake!
If interested, I have a video on my Youtube channel talking about study tips for CRNA school.
As I mentioned above... DM me for a list of my personal opinion from anecdotes from fellow srnas.
I'm also unable to send DMs, but I'd really like to know your personal opinion. To be honest, I created an account here in hopes of getting in contact with you. I have submitted apps to MTSA, TCU, and FIU, and would really appreciate any insight you have on these schools (good or bad). If you can DM me, please do.
Hi Hk45, thank you! I've been looking over AllNurses for years but have never posted. That being said, I can't message you d/t not having the required number of posts. I'll message ya when I've met the minimum!
Hi, can we email each other on personal email addresses? mine is [email protected]. I am trying hard to look for part time CRNA programs, since I cannot afford to stop working. Maybe mine is a pipe dream, but many of my achievements seemed so until I found a solution.
Hi, can we email each other on personal email addresses? mine is [email protected]. I am trying hard to look for part time CRNA programs, since I cannot afford to stop working. Maybe mine is a pipe dream, but many of my achievements seemed so until I found a solution.
Hey there! I've actually never heard of any part-time CRNA programs, but after this pandemic crisis, who knows what might happen to the state of affairs in anything!
I wish you luck and hopefully you find what works for you and your goals.
BigPappaCRNA
270 Posts
Well, I will be speaking for the most part in very general terms, so don't post about all the exceptions.
1. Military schools are better than civilian schools.
2. Small schools are better than the large schools.
3. Western schools are better than Eastern schools. At least their clinical experiences are.
4. Schools that are front loaded (with the exception of the military, of which I DID NOT attend) have the ability to play with numbers and accept a lot and then narrow down the class, knowing full damn well they could not possible place all entering students in clinicals.
5. If your program does not have at least ONE clinical sight that is all CRNA or at least very independent, you should probably look elsewhere. Also, if you do 90% of your clinical work at 1 site, you should probably look elsewhere.
6. The "ranking" of the programs is completely meaningless. There are many, many in the Top 25 that I would personally not consider.
7. Do they yet offer a DNP? If not, why? Probably no good answers to that question.
Good luck and do your research. Have your eyes wide open.