Do CRNA schools accept degrees earned through competency based programs?

Updated:   Published

I am currently looking into my options for my RN to BSN and think that the competency-based programs would be my best option with my current schedule and home life given that they are so flexible. My nursing union gives us a discount to go to Western Governor's University, but they work on a type of pass/fail system that results in a 3.0 GPA to transfer out. I am considering CRNA school after getting my BSN, so I think the default 3.0 GPA would hinder my chances of getting in. Then I found Capella University which has a bit of a different grading system, but they will give an UNofficial "translated" transcript to show how their grading system translates into traditional letter grades and overall GPA.

I poured my heart and soul into keeping my 4.0 GPA through ADN school thinking, that it would help me get into CRNA school in the future, so I'm afraid of going through a school like Capella or WGU and having it make all that hard work become basically worthless. 

Does anyone know if CRNA schools respect degrees from competency-based programs like these? In the here and now, they would absolutely be my first choice of options, but I don't want to hinder my chances at a future as a CRNA either!

Also, if anyone knows of any RN to BSN programs that allow the flexibility of these types of programs but use a traditional GPA/grading system, PLEASE bring them to my attention! I want to have every advantage possible when I go to apply for CRNA school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

Um, why not just go to your local state school?  Since you have your ADN, you should be able to take all your classes online anyway wherever you go? And it would be cheaper than those other schools you mentioned. hope it works out for ya!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
6 minutes ago, 123GoToSleep said:

Um, why not just go to your local state school?  Since you have your ADN, you should be able to take all your classes online anyway wherever you go? And it would be cheaper than those other schools you mentioned. hope it works out for ya!

I like the flexibility that these online programs offer. They charge a blanket sum for a certain time period and you can take as many courses as you want within that time frame. This would allow me to work as quickly or as slowly as life allows which sounds perfect for what I need right now. With COVID going on, I've found it difficult to manage life at home with 2 little ones doing virtual school and working full time in critical care orientation as a new nurse with very limited social support. We've been making it through just fine so far, but adding school into the mix will only make things more difficult. So finding a program that I can easily fit into the cracks of my schedule would be ideal right now. It may not end up being what I choose in the end, but the idea certainly seems enticing. I just don't want it to screw up my future choices.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, my bigger concern is that those programs might not have  Accreditation through either WASC or SACS.  If they do not, your degree would be only for the wall in your home, and it would be as if you did not actually have a degree.  Not saying they don't have accreditation, but what you are describing sound kind of fishy.  Before you drop a bundle of $$$ to the schools, this would be a critically important piece of information to have.

I must say, I understand the busy family, and the flexibility, and the lifestyle thing, but ANY CRNA school you attend will be exponentially more demanding of both time and schedule.  If you are maxed out with an RN to BSN bridge program, than CRNA school will be near impossible.

Only you will know the answers to some of these questions.  Good luck.

 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
26 minutes ago, BigPappaCRNA said:

Well, my bigger concern is that those programs might not have  Accreditation through either WASC or SACS.  If they do not, your degree would be only for the wall in your home, and it would be as if you did not actually have a degree.  Not saying they don't have accreditation, but what you are describing sound kind of fishy.  Before you drop a bundle of $$$ to the schools, this would be a critically important piece of information to have.

I must say, I understand the busy family, and the flexibility, and the lifestyle thing, but ANY CRNA school you attend will be exponentially more demanding of both time and schedule.  If you are maxed out with an RN to BSN bridge program, than CRNA school will be near impossible.

Only you will know the answers to some of these questions.  Good luck.

 

These 2 particular programs and a few similar ones I've looked into are both regionally and CCNE accredited. As far as my schedule goes, I expect things to change eventually when my kids are no longer doing virtual school due to COVID and are on campus. I realize that CRNA school will require a ton of time and dedication, but I'm not in CRNA school right now. The future is a different story from my current situation. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Capstone College of Nursing – | The University of Alabama RN to BSN online program is well respected and recommended by several AN members.

Other online  programs mentioned here include

UTA College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Indiana University Bloomington

Kent State University

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 1/12/2021 at 9:54 AM, imblest11 said:

I like the flexibility that these online programs offer. They charge a blanket sum for a certain time period and you can take as many courses as you want within that time frame. This would allow me to work as quickly or as slowly as life allows which sounds perfect for what I need right now. With COVID going on, I've found it difficult to manage life at home with 2 little ones doing virtual school and working full time in critical care orientation as a new nurse with very limited social support. We've been making it through just fine so far, but adding school into the mix will only make things more difficult. So finding a program that I can easily fit into the cracks of my schedule would be ideal right now. It may not end up being what I choose in the end, but the idea certainly seems enticing. I just don't want it to screw up my future choices.

From what you're describing, it sounds like this structure might be the opposite of what you need.  Much better to take one or two courses at a time and be done in a year, than to pay for 6 months and find out you aren't able to complete everything during that term with the time you say you don't have.

Certainly, there are small state schools that offer a relatively inexpensive RN-BSN that can be completely in about a year.  Many in my state are a similar price to WGU, if you require more than 1 term.   Oh, and you get real grades. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion