How Many Different CRNA Schools Did you Apply for?

[Hartley]

I'm currently finishing my BSN degree here this fall while and working on a med-surg floor. I'm (patiently) waiting to land an ICU position hopefully sooner than later here in the coming months. A this point it looks applying for CRNA school starting in 2013 is my first shot, how many different schools did you apply to?

My GPA is around 3.5, hopefully i can wrangle up a competitive score on the GRE, assuming that some school out there will accept 2 years or less of ICU experience. How many different schools is it realistic to try applying to? 3? 5?

My first thought is to aim for schools that don't have large chem requirements, as i probably wont get a chance to take any O-chem until 2012-ish or so, but not all schools require o-chem. (there are no chemistry classes involved in my BSN degree)

Did you think in-state vs out of state? In state is obviously cheaper.

Would appreciate any input,

Thanks!

[clintcron]

It really depends on what your looking for and what the school may offer that is comparable. Sometimes one is enough if it is an exact match for both parties. Sometimes it takes more. I would also consider your budget, as this can become quit expensive through app fees, airfare, and hotel expenses. BTW, there are plenty of schools accepting less than 2 yrs exp. Barry just accepted 2 of my buddies and there stats were:

Gpa: 3.0 & 3.1, exp: 1 yr. Each, gre: 1000 & 1040. I don't believe either had their ccrn yet either. It's all about the interview. Stay true, know ur material, and have a good personality. Interview well and you should be fine. Also, find a crna and shadow as much as possible. This is a biggie. I know someone who was well qualified, but received a rejection based upon the lack of initiative to shadow. Just my two cents. Hope this helps.

[fyrace]

1st school applied to and got in. Was my target school. GPA 3.52 (probably will be higher when I finish BSN in August), GRE 1140, Org Chem 1/2 Biochem from the University of Central Florida, 14 years paramedic, will have 1.5 yrs ICU when school starts in Jan. You have to find the schools you want to go to and target your studies towards that. You know what the basics of all schools are, go above and beyond and find out what sets you apart at the schools you really want to go to. Some schools (MS instead of MSN) weigh chem heavier than others, therefore if you don't have o-chem, you better go get it. Others weigh nursing, ICU experience, and CCRN heavier, therefore, start getting the best experience you can. And shadow! One of my interviewers went to school with the guy I was shadowing and she called him when I was done with my interview and he put in a good word for me. I'm sure that helped.