CRNA Prereqs

[nursina]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering applying to CRNA school in my area (Rutgers) in the future. I'm also considering shadowing a CRNA if I can find one that would be willing. Before I even go any further in my pursuit, I was wondering what prereqs different programs have required prior to entry. I've heard physics and organic/inorganic chemistry were required for some programs. As for my background, I took Organic Biochem as a required class when I was pre-nursing before I got my BSN. I'm not entirely sure if this covers the o-chem or inorganic chem requirement that I've heard is required by many schools.

What were your required prerequisites before you got into CRNA school?

Thanks in advance!

[Bluebolt]

Here is a great link to a website that lists all the programs and their prerequisites.

Save Hours of Searching for the Best CRNA Program | All CRNA Schools

They update it pretty regularly but of course for definite up to date information contacting the school directly is your most reliable option.

As for me personally the programs I applied to required a high GPA, how high depends on the other competitive applicants, usually 3.4 or higher overall post BSN GPA.

Obtaining your CCRN was stated as "highly recommended", when I interviewed all the other applicants had their CCRN.

Of course minimum of one year in a true ICU, this means titrating drips, managing vented patients, PA catheter interpretations etc. Although when interviewing in person the program said that their applicants chosen have an average of 3 solid years experience in the ICU.

You were required to take the GRE (horrible test with months of studying) and score at least an average to above average score. I'm personally a good test taker and usually enjoy a good challenge, I hated the GRE.

Organic chemistry is usually required and some programs now require physics as well.

Then comes the three letters of reference that had to be hand sealed and the writer must sign over the seal on the envelope. It was required to be on official letterhead and had to include one from a professional instructor, one from your ICU manager and one from an ICU physician. Pick your references wisely because the program director later told us they used those letters to discern which applicants they wanted to interview. Everybody applying will have all the certs, degree's, GPA's etc. It's what other people say about you that sets you apart.

I also had essay responses that were required in the application to see my writing skills.

If you're selected to interview we then did an 8 hour interview on campus that included getting in front of the whole faculty and talking about yourself, what's interesting about yourself and why you deserve to be in their program. We toured the campus, ate lunch with the other students. Then we were put in different rooms and asked 15 different behavioral interview questions like "Explain a time in the ICU when you had no protocol to dictate your actions in a critical situation, what was the situation and the outcome with the patient, how did your peers respond?" Before they ask the questions they tell you to be very specific and detail oriented on the exact situation, don't go off topic or speak about hypothetical situations. By the time the day had finished all the applicants had felt like they'd been through a war, our adrenal glands were empty.

Hope my very descriptive post was helpful to you. Good Luck!

[nursina]

Thank you so much for the in depth and informative response! I really do appreciate it!