CRNA schools' pre-requisites

[pnurseuwm]

I have noticed that different CRNA programs require different prerequisites. For example, some want you to have had physics, then some do not. Some programs want you to have taken general chemistry and others don't.

My question is, that if all CRNA's take the same board exams to become licensed, why are the pre-reqs in different programs so different?

I've heard someone on this forum say that if you're accepted into a program they will teach you all you need to know. Is this true?

What if, for example, someone decides to take general chem and physics (while working in ICU of course :) ) and is accepted into a CRNA program that has not listed these classes as requirements. Does this person have "one up" on the other students that have not had these 2 classes? Is this person more prepared for the chem and physics courses actually taught in the CRNA program because of previous exposure? Or have they simply wasted their time and money on the extra courses?

And vice versa- with nurses applying to 20 to 30 CRNA programs because of the competitive nature of the application process, how will they ever complete all of the pre-reqs that ALL of the programs require (since each program requires different things)?

Please help me understand.

[pnurseuwm]

bump.......

[CRNA, DNSc]

Program have different prerequistes because they are individual programs- with curriculums that may vary due to the degree that is granted or the academic home of the program. Programs try to develop a set of prerequistes that best prepare students to succeed and are the best predictors of student performance in that program. :)

[pnurseuwm]

That still doesn't really answer my question though.

When you're applying to so many programs how do you decide which pre-reqs to fulfill?

[BlakeS]

That still doesn't really answer my question though.

When you're applying to so many programs how do you decide which pre-reqs to fulfill?

I haven't heard of many people applying to 20-30 programs. That's just nuts. As for myself, I've researched programs and will apply to 4-5 that I meet pre-reqs for. Taking chem or biochem and stats is a safe bet. In looking at several programs, it seemed as though most of them had some chem and stats as pre-reqs and a few listed physics, etc. Just look at what classes you have now and check out the programs you meet the pre-reqs for. You might have to take a class or two but not much beyond that (assuming you have a bachelors of some sort).

[maturner]

General Chemistry and Physics are and should be basic 1st and 2nd year college courses for anyone earning a Bachelor's degree in any sort of science based field, including nursing. Taking these classes would not give you a "one up" on your competition but rather get you on the same playing field. You are looking at earning a Masters degree in an extremely complex and dynamic field that is fundamentally based on Physics and Chemistry. Yea, you might want to take these classes.

If you want an academic "one up" on the competition you might look into Organic Chemistry, Calculus or Biochemistry.

As a side note AND THIS IS KEY, take classes and do things that SET YOU APART from the competition. The only program to which I applied is one of the most competitive in the country (nearly 400 apps.) and it is for this very reason that I start school this fall. Don't meet the mark, set the MARK.

[gwlillith]

Very well said!!!!!

[Brenna's Dad]

I wish I had taken organic chemistry. Very useful for pharmacology.

Physics.... well you need to know some gas laws, but for the most part these are rather intuitive after living on the planet for any period of time.

[CougRN]

general chemistry is required to get into any program because it is a part of becoming an RN. o-chem may not be required by every program but it is recommended highly. bio-chem would be a good choice too. most programs i spoke with said physics wasn't that important because we focus mostly on gas laws and you will be taught that in crna school. no need to bother with all the other physics bs. so if you want to set yourself up to succeed i would suggest bio-chem, advanced physiology, advanced pharmacology. these are classes that will be helpful and also two of them are grad courses and that always looks good too if you do well.

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