Deciding between 2 schools

[nursejackie821]

Alright, so I know it's good to have options and all, but I've been accepted to 2 CRNA programs and don't know which to pick. I'm looking for any personal experiences with the two programs or personal opinions that would help make this decision easier.

Minneapolis School of Anesthesia: I'm originally from Minnesota, and have family that lives near the school. The tuition is roughly $35,000 less than MTSA. Good clinical sites, this would be the "safe" choice. The students I ran into on interview day say it's a very laid back program and they all love it. 33 students per class. The downside? I was less than impressed with my interview (seems a little TOO laid back) and the school is kinda sketchy (old community center with a few classrooms), which I'm told is how they keep tuition cheaper. Cold weather.

97% pass rate, >1900 anesthesia hours

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia: farther away from home than I've ever lived, tuition is roughly $35,000 more, and I was very impressed with my interview. They seem to have a much more rigorous and intense program with high expectations. 72 students per class. Warm weather. Masters to DNP bridge offered. Downsides are obviously a higher cost and farther distance from any sort of family support system.

83% first time pass rate, >1800 anesthesia hours

Anyone with personal experience with either program or this sort of decision, please feel free to weigh in!

[ValarMorghulis]

Reading your post it sounds like you much prefer to go to MTSA.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I would pick the Minneapolis one for a lot of reasons. Minimizing debt is important. Having family support is important. However, what is probably most important is the fact that the first time pass rate is way higher! They might have seemed laid back in the interview, but it sounds to me like they do a better job of teaching their students. I would pick that one on the first time pass rate alone.

[Go-GetterRN]

I'd go Minneapolis if I were you. Both schools have a good clinical component and are pretty equal other than tuition and board pass rates. If they can be that laid back AND produce students that pass boards at such a high rate, it sounds like a win win. Of course, they may not be so laid back when class starts. If there are other reasons you would like to move to Tennessee, then by all means do so. The numbers all point to Minneapolis, but there are things that can't be put into numbers to consider as well. You ultimately have to be happy with where you are for the next few years.

[lady_stic]

I'd go with Minneapolis. CRNA school debt is no joke and $35K is pretty huge. Also, like another poster said, they can't be too laid back with a 97% pass rate. I'd prefer a more "laid back" program than one that tries to make your life hell. Even at the most laid back program, a SRNA's life will be hell anyway. Clinical experience is very important to me and if this program offers great clinical experience in addition to such a high pass rate, I'd certainly go for it, especially if you'll be closer to home. MTSA is a great program as well but the choice is yours. As for the weather...I think TN is supposed to be warmer but I sure haven't experienced it. It's been below freezing almost everyday this winter. :)