First, let me thank everyone who answers this post. Allnurses.com has been a godsend to me. I'm applying for nursing school next spring and I plan on starting next fall at our local community college. From there I plan on getting my BSN and going back to Active Duty. (I have 2 years Army, 2 years Army Guard and by then I'll have 10 years Air National Guard). I'm trying to decide if I'd rather be a Nurse Practitioner or a CRNA. Right now, I'm thinking CRNA. The more I read about the job of a CRNA the more I fall in love with it.
So, my main question is how do I become a CRNA? I am trying to decide between attending CRNA school before either on my own dime (loans) or HPSP scholarship and just applying for CRNA school once I get back on Active Duty. So my other questions are:
1.) Is it true that the Navy at least doesn't allow civilian CRNAs to commission?
2.) If I join the military as a BSN, how do I become a CRNA and how difficult is the process?
3.) Where can I find out more about the military CRNA programs?
4.) For my current CRNAs, why is CRNA school so difficult? Is it the long hours and vast amount of information or is it the complexity of the information?
5.) Lastly, what rank does one get after becoming either a Nurse Practitioner with 2 or 3 years nursing experience or a CRNA with one year of nursing experience? Is it 1st Lt because it is a Masters program?
Also, please keep in mind that I am already in the military and I know it is difficult right now to get on as a nurse. I believe I can do it and on the off chance that I can't, I will just stay in the Air National Guard. I only say that because in the past, people would just reply to my questions saying things like "You probably won't be able to become an Active Duty nurse" and don't even address any of my questions. Also, keep in mind that I don't have any nursing experience currently so don't be afraid to simply. Thank you guys and I hope each and every one of you have a great 4th of July weekend.
I know this is an old thread but there was some information above that wasn't entirely true. I am a nurse corps officer currently and there are multiple opportunities/routes to become a CRNA in the Army (and other services for that matter). USAGPAN is definitely a prime way to become a CRNA, you need to complete your BSN and at least one year of Critical Care. You must also carry a 3.2 GPA for your BSN and meet the GRE requirements for the school. That program requires you to be accepted by Northeastern (Accrediting School) as well as the USAGPAN program itself which involves an on site interview.
There are also a small number of full ride scholarships you can apply for prior to starting CRNA School. There are 3 or 4 a year across the Army so it is obviously pretty competitive but you get to go to the school of your choice. The program does NOT need to be a DNP program. There are still MSN level programs that are being accepted.
If you are already in a CRNA program you also have the ability to earn a $2200.00 stipend monthly for signing up for a three year contract, and you can also add on loan repayment as well that would require another three year commitment in the reserves.
There are a lot of options, I have some experience with it as I have been in the Nurse Corps for 7 years. Definitely ask questions if you are interested and I could connect you with some folks who may be able to help you out.
Nothing huge, just the first person who commented led people to believe that an MSN was not going to be a valid degree for military CRNA's. That is not the case and people do not have to feel the need to obtain a DNP in order to be considered for the military. It will obviously make them a higher qualified candidate but not a requirement.
There was also a post mentioning a "direct accession from USAGPAN" which is kind of misleading as well. You can direct assess from a certified CRNA program out of a civilian university, USAGPAN is its own program that is only for the military (must come onto active duty afterwards). Therefore it is an active duty student program that is offered. Just wanted people not to confuse direct accession with one of the AMEDD scholarship/recruiting programs such as HPSP or STRAP/HPLRP.
There are some great options out there for folks who are already CRNA's as well that are reading these blogs. Didn't want them to see this thread and not realize that there are some large reserve and active duty bonuses and loan repayment for a true direct accession (experienced CRNA).
Nothing huge, just the first person who commented led people to believe that an MSN was not going to be a valid degree for military CRNA's. That is not the case and people do not have to feel the need to obtain a DNP in order to be considered for the military. It will obviously make them a higher qualified candidate but not a requirement.
As I said, the military is moving to DNP. An MSN is not as competitive. That is still correct.
What is the difference between joining the Army Vs Navy to pursue a CRNA degree with a BSN on hand. in terms of benefits, contract time, chances of getting in to CRNA school, etc. I actually know about what ARMY offers, I just want to know the Navy part and of any other branch offers this opportunity and how different it is from these two. as for acceptance to the CRNA school, once you are part of any of the branches, is it a matter of GPA only to get in? I started my army application and it just occurred to me to ask about other branches offers. Being all armed forces, I was under the impression that it was the same route regardless of branch chosen. Thank you
What is the difference between joining the Army Vs Navy to pursue a CRNA degree with a BSN on hand. in terms of benefits, contract time, chances of getting in to CRNA school, etc. I actually know about what ARMY offers, I just want to know the Navy part and of any other branch offers this opportunity and how different it is from these two. as for acceptance to the CRNA school, once you are part of any of the branches, is it a matter of GPA only to get in? I started my army application and it just occurred to me to ask about other branches offers. Being all armed forces, I was under the impression that it was the same route regardless of branch chosen. Thank you
The Navy, Army, and USAF all have CRNA programs for active duty nurse. The terms are all going to be fairly similar as are the bonuses, payback time etc. There is also hpsp scholarships by each branch that allows you to go to civilian program have the military pay for the CRNA program plus a monthly stipend and then do a 3 year active duty payback once you finish. I believe USPHS also has a similar hpsp scholarship program.
The admitting criteria is determined by the branch and the school. There are two military CRNA programs USUHS and USAGPAN. The criteria is fairly similar to civilian programs with the addition of time on station requirements and other branch specific requirements.
I have been in the USAF for 13+ years and completed my CRNA training at USUHS in 2009. I am also adjunct faculty at USUHS and TCU d/t my previous work as a clinical coordinator for SRNAs.
Feel free to PM if you have more questions.
Wtbcrna, I have a few follow up questions when you get a moment. My DM's aren't working otherwise I'd of gone that route.
I am currently contemplating joining the Air Force straight out of high school to eventually gain my BSN with the aspirations of achieving CRNA like yourself. I also have aspirations to play a collegiate sport that the Air Force does not have 😢. Option two was to attend a 4 year university where I can play collegiately at the D1 level, join the AFROTC and try and get a scholarship to help pay for my BSN.
If I go to a university and complete my BSN would you go directly to the Air Force? Would you pursue a MSN? Would you pursue a CRNA prior to joining? I want to serve my country and also not finish school with $100,000+ of debt but want to give myself the best opportunity to succeed with my goals in mind of becoming a CRNA.
Other option is to join the Army as they have the sport I play but I enjoyed the Air Force route better when doing my research.
If you were in my shoes with your experience that you have today what would you tell your soon to be graduate to pursue? Thank you so much!
Wtbcrna, I have a few follow up questions when you get a moment. My DM's aren't working otherwise I'd of gone that route.
I am currently contemplating joining the Air Force straight out of high school to eventually gain my BSN with the aspirations of achieving CRNA like yourself. I also have aspirations to play a collegiate sport that the Air Force does not have 😢. Option two was to attend a 4 year university where I can play collegiately at the D1 level, join the AFROTC and try and get a scholarship to help pay for my BSN.
If I go to a university and complete my BSN would you go directly to the Air Force? Would you pursue a MSN? Would you pursue a CRNA prior to joining? I want to serve my country and also not finish school with $100,000+ of debt but want to give myself the best opportunity to succeed with my goals in mind of becoming a CRNA.
Other option is to join the Army as they have the sport I play but I enjoyed the Air Force route better when doing my research.
If you were in my shoes with your experience that you have today what would you tell your soon to be graduate to pursue? Thank you so much!
If CRNA is the ultimate goal and you want to do it as quickly as possible, you should wait to join the military until you become a CRNA. The ~$200k in debt can easily be paid off by a hard-working CRNA within the first year.
If you are OK slowly making your way from student to RN to CRNA over 8-10 years, then I would recommend ROTC at a civilian RN program. You can use one of the military CRNA schools and be debt free.
Wtbcrna, I have a few follow up questions when you get a moment. My DM's aren't working otherwise I'd of gone that route.
I am currently contemplating joining the Air Force straight out of high school to eventually gain my BSN with the aspirations of achieving CRNA like yourself. I also have aspirations to play a collegiate sport that the Air Force does not have 😢. Option two was to attend a 4 year university where I can play collegiately at the D1 level, join the AFROTC and try and get a scholarship to help pay for my BSN.
If I go to a university and complete my BSN would you go directly to the Air Force? Would you pursue a MSN? Would you pursue a CRNA prior to joining? I want to serve my country and also not finish school with $100,000+ of debt but want to give myself the best opportunity to succeed with my goals in mind of becoming a CRNA.
Other option is to join the Army as they have the sport I play but I enjoyed the Air Force route better when doing my research.
If you were in my shoes with your experience that you have today what would you tell your soon to be graduate to pursue? Thank you so much!
I wouldn't bother with joining any military branch until you at least have your BSN. Then even as a new nurse you are going to spend multiple years going from a new nurse to getting in ICU and then getting the required experience to apply to CRNA school. Enlisted to CRNA if done all through the military will take you approximately 10+ years. Please don't listen to the BS enlisted recruiters tell you. They lie, embellish, and generally are absolutely clueless about nursing and especially CRNAs.
Now assuming you want to join the military not just have the military pay for school and be a CRNA the best route is probably get your BSN then get into a civilian ICU somewhere then apply to a civilian CRNA school and as soon as you're accepted apply for USAF, USN, USPHS or USA's HSPS program that will pay for your anesthesia school with a monthly stipend. You will then owe 3 years active duty time after completing the program.
Once you get your BSN or applying for HPSP there are healthcare recruiters just for nursing officer candidates. You find them online and each military branches website or USPHS website. Do Not go to an enlisted recruiter unless you want to join as an enlisted.
Thank you both for the quick replies and word of advice! It is difficult with recruiters because many times my questions go beyond what they know and can answer.
I do like to control my destiny and I've heard some horror stories on people not getting what they wanted. I understand, the duties come first and it may not be to our exact liking but I am one that likes to control my future and aspirations.
Since I was a little girl I have wanted to serve our country in the military and fully expect to fo that at some point. I just want to make sure I can achieve what I have set out to achieve and not wait until I'm 40 to complete my passion.
The advice of getting my BSN, getting on at a local ICU to gain my experience, apply and be accepted to a civilian CRNA school and then applying to USAF sounds to be the best bet to get where I want to be the quickest while also serving my country.
I am all ears on any more advice people have! I greatly appreciate your responses! ❤️
cal802001
3 Posts
I know this is an old thread but there was some information above that wasn't entirely true. I am a nurse corps officer currently and there are multiple opportunities/routes to become a CRNA in the Army (and other services for that matter). USAGPAN is definitely a prime way to become a CRNA, you need to complete your BSN and at least one year of Critical Care. You must also carry a 3.2 GPA for your BSN and meet the GRE requirements for the school. That program requires you to be accepted by Northeastern (Accrediting School) as well as the USAGPAN program itself which involves an on site interview.
There are also a small number of full ride scholarships you can apply for prior to starting CRNA School. There are 3 or 4 a year across the Army so it is obviously pretty competitive but you get to go to the school of your choice. The program does NOT need to be a DNP program. There are still MSN level programs that are being accepted.
If you are already in a CRNA program you also have the ability to earn a $2200.00 stipend monthly for signing up for a three year contract, and you can also add on loan repayment as well that would require another three year commitment in the reserves.
There are a lot of options, I have some experience with it as I have been in the Nurse Corps for 7 years. Definitely ask questions if you are interested and I could connect you with some folks who may be able to help you out.