Experience needed to enter a CRNA Program

Hello All!! Just lookin for a little info. I am a BSN student whose ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. Once I graduate, I plan on getting my masters and becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practioner. I would first like to work as a NP before becoming a CRNA. My question is: Will my experience as an ACNP suffice when applying to CRNA programs? If not, what NP program would be most beneficial in terms of gaining the experience needed to enter a CRNA program. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[meandragonbrett]

Not unless you're in a critical care enviornment and learning the skills that are necessary, right guys?

Brett

[miss_sheesh]

Thanks meandragonbrett! Do you have any suggestions as to which NP path would best suit my goals?

[meandragonbrett]

I would say Acute Care and some programs offer critical care NP programs.

Brett

[miss_sheesh]

Thanks again!!

[kmchugh]

Brett's basically correct. For most programs, you must have a minimum of one year's critical care experience. Bearing in mind the cost of most master's degree programs, I'm wondering why you would want to follow this course? If your ultimate goal is to obtain your CRNA, then get your BSN, find a critical care unit that will give you a lot of good experience, and go work there for a year. I have not run into any program that has a preference for selecting students with master's degrees (though I know of one applicant with a master's degree and her ARNP who was not selected).

Kevin McHugh, CRNA

[miss_sheesh]

kmchugh, I really appreciate your advice. I have been told by many people that although a person must have at least one year of experience in a critical care unit, most schools prefer more. I've also wanted to become an NP. What better way to gain experience!! I look at it as though I'm working my way up. My main concern is making sure that i am well prepared before tackling such a rigorous program (CRNA school). Am I crazy for taking this route? I have, however, thought about getting my BSN and after one year applying to a CRNA school but I also wanted to have something else "under my belt". Is this totally unneccessary? I still have a bit of time to think about it. Right now I am just weighing all my options.

[Qwiigley, CRNA]

I have heard it said, by my program director and asst director, that if a person already has NP masters degree, it seems that they can't make up their mind what they want to do. There are only so many spots in the class each year, they don't want to waste a spot with someone who may not stay in the profession.