GPA for CRNA

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Hi guys! So my gpa is 3.18 cumulative and I really want to get into CRNA school. I have been a nurse for a few months in the CICU. Does anyone have any advice on how to get in with a low gpa or heard of anyone who has? I'm feeling a bit discouraged because I know that many people have very high GPAs.

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Specializes in CRNA.

If your GPA is due to poor grades at the beginning of school then you may want to look into a program that looks at your last 60 hours. I have a 3.18 as well but have a 3.8 on my last 60 hours. I started nursing school with a 2.25 from a previous school but maintained A's and B's (and 1 C) when I knew I wanted to be a CRNA. Currently in the interview process with a school that looks at your last 60 hours and compares that with your science GPA (3.79).

I heard of people getting in with less than a 3.0 but that is rare. A 3.18 is still competitive. CRNA school is getting more competitive every year for admission. Every school that I've applied to has seen record number of applicants this year.

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

It is still possible you will get in. My GPA was a 3.1 overall but higher for science grades. I had about 4 years ICU experience and got interviews at more than a few places. So it is very possible you will get in with your GPA but you will need to make other parts of your application stand out to offset it from other people who will have 4.0 GPAs. Get more than 2 years clinical experience, CCRN, take a grad level pharm or patho class, take biochemistry, etc.

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what schools did you apply to if you dont mind me asking? and how much experience do you have? my nursing gpa is a 2.8 because i had to work full time and was in a very tough program while going through things.. i shouldve done better. but my cumulative is a 3.18

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thank you! i appreciate it. how many schools did you apply to?

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Specializes in CRNA.
what schools did you apply to if you dont mind me asking? and how much experience do you have? my nursing gpa is a 2.8 because i had to work full time and was in a very tough program while going through things.. i shouldve done better. but my cumulative is a 3.18

I applied to Texas Chrisitan, Gonzaga University, Bryan College of Health, and Union University. 3 no interviews and 1 interview.

I have 2 1/2 years in a Med-Surg-Neuro unit and 11 months in a Step-Down unit and 7 years as a Paramedic.

My one C was a nursing class, then A's and B's in my ADN, and A's in my BSN. A's in most of my support classes with a few B's mixed in. I worked full time as well through both my ADN and BSN.

Started with a 2.25, 3.64 for my ADN and BSN, 3.8 last 60 hours, and 3.79 science.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I had 3.17 GPA- work at a Cardiac MedicalICU at one of the best hospitals in the country for nearly 2.5 years. Had all my certs, even some I didn't need, backed up with 10+ years of firefighting and EMS experience. My science grades were good except for chem which I retook before I applied to school. So yes you can get in, but you need other things in your resume to pick up for it.

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Difficult, but not impossible. Most schools post a minimum of 3.0 GPA to apply, but if you look at the averages for students it'll run around 3.5ish.. It's important to know the type of program that you're applying for. Every program is different in style and they look for a student that "fits" their ideal mold. Contact program directors early if they can make suggestions on your situation since they know what they're looking for. This is also good as you are networking early and show them that you are serious about CRNA school.

GPA is a part of the equation when programs look for an SRNA. You can strengthen other parts of your application by spending a good amount of time in your ICU(get at least 2-3 years experience as a minimum), be involved in quality projects or research, and take the CCRN (this is almost an unofficial requirement on most programs). You can also take the CSC or CMC since you work in cardiac. Also, as someone mentioned on this post, some programs take a strong consideration on the GPA of the last 60 units you took compared to your overall GPA so you can take online chemistry, biochemistry, and physics classes that can help bolster your GPA.

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Specializes in ED, PACU, CM.

If there is a university near you with a graduate nursing program, I would look at taking a few classes as a course-work only student. These programs will usually allow you to take a couple of graduate level courses without being accepted into a degree program. Take ones that you will need for any program, like statistics. This can help bring up your GPA if you do well, and it shows your commitment to pursuing education.

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