Future CRNA

loveanesthesia · Mar 6, 2019

You’ve picked a great career. My advice to get from here to there-learn as much as you can always. If your GPA is a 3.5 it’s easier to get in, but you’ll make it with a 3.2 and even a 3.0 if you look at all schools. You should think about why your GPA is 3.2 or less though if that’s you. Programs are tough and you need to be prepared to put the work in. GRE of 300 is typical but a lot of programs accept 290, although they may not advertise it. Especially an applicant who’s been out of school for awhile.

As for the financial part, work in a busy ICU for 3 years and work as much OT as you can. You’ll learn a lot, helps with references and save money. Save $75-100k. If your significant other will cover rent while you’re in school and you start with savings try to go as long as possible without loans. Even the first 6 months will help a lot. Grad loans start to accrue interest immediately so delaying that is helpful. Then live cheap for 3 years after graduation and pay them off. So 9 years from now you can be a debt free CRNA.

mattk853 · Mar 6, 2019

55 minutes ago, loveanesthesia said:
You’ve picked a great career. My advice to get from here to there-learn as much as you can always. If your GPA is a 3.5 it’s easier to get in, but you’ll make it with a 3.2 and even a 3.0 if you look at all schools. You should think about why your GPA is 3.2 or less though if that’s you. Programs are tough and you need to be prepared to put the work in. GRE of 300 is typical but a lot of programs accept 290, although they may not advertise it. Especially an applicant who’s been out of school for awhile.
As for the financial part, work in a busy ICU for 3 years and work as much OT as you can. You’ll learn a lot, helps with references and save money. Save $75-100k. If your significant other will cover rent while you’re in school and you start with savings try to go as long as possible without loans. Even the first 6 months will help a lot. Grad loans start to accrue interest immediately so delaying that is helpful. Then live cheap for 3 years after graduation and pay them off. So 9 years from now you can be a debt free CRNA.

Thank you so much for your response. As of right now I'm a 4.0. I took the GRE in the past but scored a combined of around 287 and writing 3.5. I've heard of students getting into the CRNA program after 1 year of experience but I'm not sure of their stats. Is this very uncommon? Are you a CRNA and how rewarding do you find the career?

loveanesthesia · Mar 6, 2019

Yes I’m a CRNA. I worked 5 years in ICUs and think that is very important as a basis for anesthesia. It’s not too common for ICU patients to come to the OR but when they do I’m still thankful for my solid experience with caring for all kinds of very sick patients. I also saved money and graduated owing less than half my first years salary. Can you get in with a year experience? Probably but there are trade offs.

jat20 · Mar 7, 2019

I'm 25, married, and am in the first semester of CRNA school. I had been working in ICU for a little over a year and a half at the time of my interview with a 3.96 BSN GPA. For the interview, I would highly suggest a CCRN review book. The interview wasn't bad, but the book helped me out a lot. I'm basically relying on my wife for the next 3 years, along with taking out loans. Start saving your money now, like a strict budget. That's what we've done since I graduated from nursing school in 2016, and we've saved enough to live on one salary while I'm in the program. Best of luck!

CRNAdegSeeker · Jul 17, 2019

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vitone215, BSN · Jul 30, 2019

I am 35 married with two kids and moved 1200 miles for CRNA school, if you want something bad enough you will get it no matter what obstacles you face. Good Luck!