CRNA program competitiveness

Do everything you can to keep from getting C's and everything you can to make the A. If you get a B don't sweat it, but the more A's you get, of course the better. If you had any C's in the sciences (A&P, micro, chem 1/2,patho, etc) I would suggest taking them over. To let you know how competetive the average CRNA program is:

The two programs I am applying to will get roughly 400 applications, will interview 60 and accept about 20. Therefore, only about 5% of applicants will be accepted. The other 95% get to try again next year.

My circumstances were alot like yours....I had a 3.9 GPA and was a Nursing Deans scholarship recipient, but had some things going on in my life during nursing school and had a 3.0 average with 2 C's in clinicals bringing my overall GPA down to 3.45. Most schools/interviewers realize that life has twists and turns....but do everything you can now to avoid having to explain why you did poorly in nursing school.

Good luck!

Hey Everybody,

I am new to the forum. I am so excited to be a part of such a supportive community. My question is just how competitive is it to get in. I have heard differing opinions on this. I am currently in an accelerated BSN program. I want to continue my nursing education and become a CRNA. I know the minimum requirements I need to get in. I was doing well my first semester and made the dean's list. However this past semester, I didn't fare as well. There was quite a bit going on in my life at the time. I ended up getting a C! and I wanted to know if this would greatly affect my chances of getting into a program and if so, what can I do for damage control and redemption? Will good solid experience and good GRE scores make up for one not so stellar grade? What can I do to strengthen my application? I look forward to hearing your replies.

Grades are very important. CRNA programs are very competitive. BUT...grades are NOT EVERYTHING. The reason why I am posting is because like you I was worried about grades. Not to say this will work for everyone, but I made more than 1 C in nursing school. I didn't focus too much on academics I wanted to enjoy everything. I was very worried about this when applying to schools. I didn't even think I would get interviews. I was shocked. I applied to 2, interviewed at 2, and was accepted to 2. My thing was if I didn't like something I either was very well prepared to explain why it was that way. I didn't wait for the interview panel to ask me, I made the effort to tell them. I did retake one class because I knew it was a pre-req for the programs just to show I could do better. I mean seriously I made a C in A&P. Not to say I am not smart, but my teacher, bless him, was AWFUL. That C haunted me,and still does, but in the end I overcame it. I am not underplaying A's because for every B or C someone else is making an A, but don't give up so far ahead in your career. Having a 4.0 doesn't make you a great nurse. I have seen it in practice and clinical. Just work hard and make the best of your ICU experience...it does work out sometimes. GOOD LUCK!

Grades are very important. CRNA programs are very competitive. BUT...grades are NOT EVERYTHING. The reason why I am posting is because like you I was worried about grades. Not to say this will work for everyone, but I made more than 1 C in nursing school. I didn't focus too much on academics I wanted to enjoy everything. I was very worried about this when applying to schools. I didn't even think I would get interviews. I was shocked. I applied to 2, interviewed at 2, and was accepted to 2. My thing was if I didn't like something I either was very well prepared to explain why it was that way. I didn't wait for the interview panel to ask me, I made the effort to tell them. I did retake one class because I knew it was a pre-req for the programs just to show I could do better. I mean seriously I made a C in A&P. Not to say I am not smart, but my teacher, bless him, was AWFUL. That C haunted me,and still does, but in the end I overcame it. I am not underplaying A's because for every B or C someone else is making an A, but don't give up so far ahead in your career. Having a 4.0 doesn't make you a great nurse. I have seen it in practice and clinical. Just work hard and make the best of your ICU experience...it does work out sometimes. GOOD LUCK!

To the poster:

I would say this. The only way schools will know if you can academically handle what they are about to force feed you is for you to demonstrate that you have the ability to understand complex topics. How is this done. GPA, GRE, CCRN, your ability to articulate in an interview what you know. You can be the best nurse on your unit but if you can't grasp what increases/decreases Na+ permeability when it relates to the action potential of a skeletal muscle, your not doing yourself or the school any good.

My suggestion would be to take A&P over again but challenge yourself by taking it on the graduate level. That will let crna schools know you can take a grad level science course and do well and it will give you some idea of what your going to be dealing with.

Sidebar: Some people on this site are anal about people who aren't CRNAs yet having CRNA in their name. I really don't care but just in case you start to hear something. God's Grace to you.

Hey there,

I agree with what everyone says here. GPA, GRE and experience. I did not have my CCRN but I got in anyway. it certainly helps. Some schools require it. I think a lot of it depends on where you are applying.

I do not know if studies have been done regarding competitiveness or quality of life for nurse anesthesia programs in different locales. I happen to live in Massachusetts, where there are at least six within 150 mile radius.

As for your application goes, you should have a 3.0 or higher, and a minimum of a 900 on the GRE. Keep in mind: these are minimums. You may not get in with this.

If there is something you can do to show strong in either of these areas, do it. For example, prepare for the GRE. I prepared for about three months and scored 1000. I wish I could have prepared for six months, but financial and time constraints prevented me from doing that.

The third major ingredient in your pursuit is your clinical experience. You will need a minimum of two years ICU, preferably in a tertiary facility. You can, however, start applying to schools once you reach the 12 month mark. Start interviewing, with the mindset that you know you may not get in. If you have your eyes set on one school then take some graduate level electives. This also looks good on your application.

As far as getting your grades up, try this study system, it may help. I am using it in CRNA school, as we speak:

http://glenncrna.googlepages.com/home

Another piece of advice: borrow lots of money and don't work through this program. Don't worry about debt, you can pay it back later with anesthesia money. This is an incredible growth experience, and you want to enjoy it and give it your full attention.

I finish my first semester at Northeastern in two weeks. This has been an amazing experience. My whole attitude toward learning has changed. I can't wait to begin the "hands on" anesthesia curriculum.

Good luck!