CRNA Science Prerequisites

[commonsense]

I'm looking at applying for CRNA school around June-December of 2014. I will have my BSN done in the next couple months and will start looking at science prerequisites from there. The only issue seems to be that I have never been required to take any chemistry classes for my studies up to this point. From my research I have gathered that most CRNA programs require either an Organic Chemistry course or a Biochemistry course, along with the other usual prerequisites. It seems as though all the schools in my area require me to take a year of General Chemistry before starting the Organic Chemistry classes. I have also looked into online classes, but online Chemistry classes are few and far between. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation?

commonsense

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

it was for money reasons that I did all mine at the community college level. You can also write on your goal statement or whatever they have you fill out that you are enrolled in 'x' or are planning on enrolling in 'x' come spring and summer, etc. At least that way they will know that you have a plan for taking extra sciences. I don't personally know anyone that took any of the online chemistries, but I know that people do take them.

good luck

[JSBSN]

Were the classes you took "intro to...". Even at the community level you took a full 2 semesters of gen chem and then took your 1st of 2 semesters of ochem. These classes are stand alone "intro to..." classes not designed for multiple semesters or rigorous prerequisite requirements. Thoughts?

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

no, nothing was an intro class. I took 3 quarters of gen chem (which is the full series usually) then the first of three o chems.

Nothing was an intro. All were for science majors - engineers and biological science majors. What you would take if you were going for an associates in science at the community college level.

Never take an intro class. You might get away with a mixed biochem, not hard science biochem, but not usually your basic chemistries. I would call the program you are looking at and ask them. But from what I have heard over the years, I think non intro classes are what is looked for. I know I am wishing I had taken more right now!

[Scooby-Dooby-Doo]

Yea no survey classes and such was what i heard. I would take classes that said "general"

[Corneilus]

I had one full year of gen chemistry for my BSN and only took one semester of organic chemistry and didn't have any issues from the CRNA programs I applied to about it.

[JSBSN]

My problem is I only have the one "nursing" chemistry that my school required of me. I wasn't planning on ever going back to school. I've already started applying and I've had a couple "not this year"s and an interview invite. Obviously if all goes well in the interview this won't be an issue, I just want to be prepared for if I have to reapply next year with more sciences. If that's the case looks like I might have to bite the bullet and do a year if gen chems so I'm prepared for ochem...

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

I would just get ready to start chem in the spring. You can tell schools now that s your plan. You could get in three chems before school started if you got in , and if not you would have some of the chems under your belt before the next app period. And would finish your ochem before starting school.

[zcarron]

Just finished Organic Chemistry I online with Craig Jasperse through NDSU/MSUM. Great course and even better teacher. Haven't taken any chemistry course in 5 years and was able to manage this course while working full time. Completely online with proctored exams wherever you are located. If you google the course, all the material is online.

[AFwifeRN, BSN, RN]

Do most CRNA schools require only one semester of organic chemistry? What about a lab requirement? The CRNA schools I'm looking at are in Houston, and I know the only way to be sure is to contact them, which I will do, but I thought I'd check with you all too. Anyone have any difficulty with a CRNA program accepting an online orgo class?

[hzjess87]

I am having the same questions regarding whether I have to take BOTH Gen Org I and II. Also, I am applying to Baylor and I haven't called them yet to see if both are a requirement. Have you heard back from what most CRNA schools require?

[educatemeplease]

Just finished Organic Chemistry I online with Craig Jasperse through NDSU/MSUM. Great course and even better teacher. Haven't taken any chemistry course in 5 years and was able to manage this course while working full time. Completely online with proctored exams wherever you are located. If you google the course, all the material is online.

Thanks for this great info! It's always wonderful to hear other people's experience.