Getting into TEXAS CRNA school

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I know many of you are reading these posts trying to get advice on how to get into CRNA school. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! It is a hard road to getting accepted but if you feel like you need 5+ years of experience you are wrong.

I got accepted to a Texas CRNA DNP program with one year of experience. At my interview, I started to become overwhelmed as everyone around me talked about all the places they have worked over the years and here I am with just one year of CVICU experience as a floor RN. HOWEVER, I did not let it intimidate me.

If you are passionate about becoming a CRNA then that will show in the interview. Yes, I didn't have that much experience but I applied myself and learned a ton during that first year (I also studied before my interview). I have talked to many practicing CRNAs and they have all agreed they wish they would have applied a lot earlier than they did.

Any questions about my application process or any questions in general comment below.

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Do you mind going over your background? What kind of BSN program you attended, your GPA, etc.

I am really interested in becoming a CRNA, but I am weary of how long the process is. The fact that you got into school with just one year of experience gives me a lot of hope. What made you a "competitive applicant" despite just one year of ICU experience?

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I got my BSN from a 4 year undergraduate program with honors

Overall GPA 3.91

Nursing GPA 4.0

GRE 315

CCRN (I took this after I applied since I didn't have the hour requirement yet... I just emailed them proof and they put it in my applicant file)

I took my organic chemistry requirement at the local community college while working night shift. It was a lot to do within my first year of working as a nurse no doubt but looking back it was manageable and I'm so happy I took the risk!

I would recommend finding a CRNA to shadow and build a relationship with. I consistently shadowed one and he even wrote my letter of recommendation which I think strengthened my application.

Obviously my GPA and other scores strengthened my application but everyone applying is going to be as smart or smarter than you. I really tried to write an essay to show them how passionate I am about the field. That with my recommendation letters probably made me stand out to get an interview. I also recommend working in a CVICU/mixed unit, but anywhere that you gain knowledge about ventilators/drips/disease processes will be great.

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Thank you so much for such a detailed response. Do you think having second degree/accelerated BSN would make an applicant less competitive?

Also how did you go about finding someone to shadow?

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No I wouldn't think so... the CRNA I shadowed got her BSN as her second degree.

You can contact an anesthesia group and let them know you want to be a CRNA and you are interested in shadowing. Or if you are working in a hospital now you can either befriend CRNAs on your unit or get in contact with the OR.

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Great thank you! I wasn't sure it was appropriate or not to ask people you work with.

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Congratulations!!!! and great story!! I love hearing about people that are determined and dont let negative perceptions deter them! Good job putting in all that work and staying strong. Reminds me of myself.:D.. i received my ADN first though and did my BSN my first year as a a nurse/ICU nurse. Then i took O chem right after. 3 years ICU and i start in aug in TEXAS!

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Hi I would like to ask every one on this blog of the criteria for getting accepted to CRNA school I am aware that there are 4 schools in the state of Texas. Does anyone know or heard of candidates who got in with a low 3.0 nursing gpa ? Or if there's anything to improve there gpa?

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