How much math & science is involved as a CRNA?

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I want to become a CRNA, and I love science. How much science is used during a CRNA job? What sciences are used? Biochemistry? Physics? etc.. Is there a lot of difficult math too? I don't mind math, but science is something I'll really enjoy if there is a lot included in CRNA jobs.

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I'm not a CRNA, but a lot of schools require organic chemistry as a prerequisite and I have seen some require biochemistry as well.

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Specializes in ICU, SICU, Burns, ED, Cath lab, and EMS.

Hi,

My best advise is look at a nurse anesthesia curriculum. Each program covers intricate details of A&P, chemistry:inorganic, organic ,and biochem, and physics. You will study so much science. Oh, not to mention pharmacology.

Good luck,

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Your nurse-anesthesia practice is based in science, not in opinion. Despite that, we have a long way to go with evidence based pratice. Science is paramount to us. Especially if you want to teach. My program required a semester of organic and a year of physics. I've been at this over 30 years and personally, I believe the programs are slipping and don't know if these are required anymore. Everyone's loss.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Your nurse-anesthesia practice is based in science, not in opinion. Despite that, we have a long way to go with evidence based pratice. Science is paramount to us. Especially if you want to teach. My program required a semester of organic and a year of physics. I've been at this over 30 years and personally, I believe the programs are slipping and don't know if these are required anymore. Everyone's loss.

My didactic year included: Biochem, 3 different pharm classes, neuroscience, gross anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and many other science related topics integrated into our anesthesia courses.

Not all of the nurse anesthesia programs are lowering the standards, but we all know there are some programs out there that are more interested in making money than graduating quality nurse anesthetists.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

I should have been more sprcific in my original post. I was talking about undergrad requirements, not the courses I had in anesthesia school.

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Those sound like fun classes. Thank you wtbcrna.

My didactic year included: Biochem, 3 different pharm classes, neuroscience, gross anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and many other science related topics integrated into our anesthesia courses.

Not all of the nurse anesthesia programs are lowering the standards, but we all know there are some programs out there that are more interested in making money than graduating quality nurse anesthetists.

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