CRNA School, what are my odds?

loveanesthesia · May 8, 2019

You’re fine, better than average. There is no credible list of ‘Top 10 programs’. If you’re referring to the US News and World report list that is based entirely on opinions of Program Directors which is obviously a very biased group. They don’t look at anything else so it’s just to sell magazines. A quality program has quality clinical sites, and often is not at a big name university with a big name physician residency program.

MICU-RN-BSN-CCRN-1 · May 9, 2019

Thanks for your input! I always wondered how they ranked CRNA schools. I applied to two schools this year. I am hoping I get in on the first try.

Atheris · May 9, 2019

I just went to a CRNA informational meeting a few days ago. You have very good experience and a solid nursing GPA. However, the interview itself is the most important factor for actually getting into CRNA school. Also, if your nursing school was "easy" to get a 4.0 or A in, CRNA schools will know that and take that into consideration if both are from the same state. The nursing school I went to required a 100% to get a 4.0 - a 99.9 was a 3.9 and a 94% was a 3.7, so it was easy to see GPA's drop, fast. They basically ensured nobody could ever get a 4.0 (stupid, I know) and nobody had graduated with above a 3.86 or 3.87 ever. On the other hand, CRNA schools from my state know how hard that nursing school is to get a high GPA in and take that into consideration during the application process (The nursing school I went to is the same as the CRNA school with the informational meeting). The nursing school my friend went to offered a 4.0 if you received a 94% and in some classes a 92%. His GPA was a 3.96, but we could have identical classes and his 4.0 is our 3.6 or 3.7. However, CRNA schools are also aware of that school's grading scale and take that into consideration. On top of that, CRNA schools will probably weigh your ADN GPA much higher than your BSN as there likely were much more credits encompassed in that degree (2-3 years, and likely just 1 year for ADN to BSN). I'd guess your weighted GPA would be around 3.82, which is still very good.

Another thing to note is that EVERYONE applying will have CCRN/ACLS/PALS, etc, so volunteering, extracurriculars, research, etc. will be needed to set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool.

Also something to consider, this is probably going to be one of the most competative years in history for getting an interview as schools across the US will be going to doctorates in 2020, so everyone wants to get in to a masters if they still can for their last year if the program allows. The school who had the informational meeting said they had the most applicants ever last year and are on track to have an estimated 25-50% more applicants this year.

Start working on the "extras" and you should have a decent shot at getting an interview. Good luck!

MICU-RN-BSN-CCRN-1 · May 9, 2019

Wow, my RN-BSN program is like yours, you need a 100% to get a 4.0, lol. Did you go to Oakland University, thats where I went.

loveanesthesia · May 9, 2019

A lot of students prefer doctoral degrees at this point. It’s much more challenging as a CRNA to return for a DNAP than for an RN to return for the BSN.