CRNA school questions

meandragonbrett · Feb 27, 2004

Even though CRNA schools list 1-2 years ICU experience for entrance, what is the average amount a successful applicant should have? How competetive is it to get into a CRNA school?

Admission to a nurse anesthesia program is very competetive. Only the best of the best get in (not necessarily grades, but overall 'best'). When you get a chance, you ought to read the FAQ that is at the top of the forum as well as the forum archives. Doing this will give you a greater idea of what it takes to make yourself stand out from the other candidates.

Welcome to the board!

Brett

Pete495 · Feb 27, 2004

I've had 2-3 years of critical care experience. I did a critical care fellowship which gave me a jump on some of the other RN's out there, and I learned critical care right away. The fellowship combined didactic schooling with clinical preceptorship, and I would not have changed what I did ever. Typically it is required to have 1-2 years of critical care experience. If you have the bare minimum of experience, then you should have other things that make you marketable, maybe another degree, a high GPA, very good GRE scores and good recs. You have to weigh all of that against how you feel the other candidates in the field are also. You might be younger, but have just as much education as someone twice your age. Just something to think about.

Yes CRNA school is very competitive. That is a given

duckboy20 · Feb 29, 2004

Most schools I have found want two years of ICU type experience, some only require one. I got lucky and got into school one year after I graduated with my BSN. I think of myself really lucky and still have no idea how I did get in but there is hope of getting in relatively early.

uncivilizedAMDD · Mar 1, 2004

After getting a BSN, are the chances high that you will be placed in ICU when you make a request or is placement random, or based on needs? I don't wanna wait around, I just wanna get some ICU experience asap.

UCDSICURN · Mar 1, 2004

They don't care what your degree is. They want to make sure you have a license or interim permit. The interview and preceptorship will see if you can hack it. We have a whole mix of degrees where I work, 580ish bed univeristy hospital. Every thing from diploma's to master's prepared working the floor. I can't tell the difference except for the badge.

Donn C.