Grades too low for CRNA consideration?

[rubinalcohol]

Has anyone heard or, or know of, someone who has been accepted into a CRNA program with a 2.7 overall GPA? I know this is rather low for an extremely competitive field of study, but, it is what it is. I struggled to find the proper way to study my first 2 years after being out of school for over 10 (I didn't even graduate high school, I had to go back to finish my equivalency).

My last 2 years have been much improved with a 3.4 GPA during that time (all 4 years of University I have maintained full time employment in the OR as a Health Care Aide). Many graduate programs in Canada only consider your last 2 years of your degree, but, that doesn't seem to be the case for most American schools and CRNA isn't even an option in Canada that I am aware of.

I am still a long way from even applying to schools. I don't write my Canadian exams until June, and then I'll obviously have to pass my American exams, get a job in an ICU in the US (my husband is American so immigrating will hopefully go relatively smooth) and build up a couple years of experience in that environment. I have read a number of helpful posts on these forums about obtaining a CCRN, taking some grad level courses, shadowing, etc, and those have all been very helpful.

I am just now learning how most Universities look for a min GPA of 3.0 and most applicants have higher, so, this news has been quite a kick to the gut tonight. I am a fighter though and have been through much worse things in my life so I am definitely not ready to give up. If anyone has any advice or helpful info I would appreciate it. Thanks for reading.

[justinlsu]

If you have not even taken boards yet, you have a great deal of time before you will be applying for CRNA school. While 2.7 isnt the most stellar gpa, i think it is possible to become a CRNA if thats what you have your mind set at. While a 3.0 was required for most schools that I applied to, there were some that were a recommended. From what I understand some of the schools actually multiply your GPA by your GRE score to get a range, if youre in that range with all other requirements you get an interview. Also several of the schools just look at your science based gpa so if that is higher than your 2.7 you might be in the clear. If not you could possibly retake some of the courses you did not do so hot in to bring up that gpa.

I dont want to be negative, but honestly CRNA school is not for everyone. I think if you were having trouble with undergrad, you should take some courses/workshops etc on how to study learn best for you. Like you and many others out there, I had a full time job, partied full time, and did some studying whenever i had a few free moments or mostly the night before. CRNA school is not the same ballpark, league, or even the same game it is HARD. It takes every waking moment of every day, life is on hold for the 28-36 months you will be in. That being said, I wouldnt choose to do anything else.

If you're just getting started into the nursing world you have time. Email schools, find out what their requirements are, take classes, continue to learn. Once you get experience get in an ICU and continue to learn. After that shadow a few different CRNA's several times, find out if its what you really want to do. If not there are several other APRN fields you can get into. Good luck. If its what you really want, then you can do it no matter your gap.

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

taking grad level classes and acing them while being employed full time will help the adcoms see your potential. Each school calculates your gpa, some use last 60 credits of ALL coursework, not just undergrad. So it would be to your advantage to continue to show that you have found some perseverance.

good luck