I'm in at case western 2010!!! Anyone else??

TraumaSICU · Oct 8, 2010

For students starting this fall (2010), the cost for the whole program -- but just tuition and fees, not cost of living allowances -- is $48,000 after the "scholarship" that is provided by Case. All students get whatever the scholarship allowance is for their time in the program. Cost of attendance allowance -- books, utilities, rent, etc. then adds quite a bit to the overall price, but that's the situation pretty much anywhere unless you don't need cost of living money. Case is structured so you borrow the bulk of the cost of attendance allowance in the first year because you do not have enough credit hours the last 2 semesters (and maybe 3 semesters -- unsure about this) to be able to apply for government funded student loans -- so you cannot borrow for cost of living allowance during that time via government loans. Be sure to compare apples and apples, i.e., tuition and fees from one program to tuition and fees of another -- not tuition, fees, cost of living to just tuition and fees.

CRNAProf · Apr 2, 2011

I know this thread is older, but I wanted to clear up some misinformation. As a faculty member, I am providing true information, not based on speculation or rumor.

Case Western & CCF's CRNA program are technically two separate programs. You must meet the admissions requirements for Case Western before the admissions committee for nurse anesthesia even sees your application. We recommend a minimum GRE score of 1000, and a minimum science GPA of 2.5. You must have a minimum of one year ICU experience prior to enrolling in the program. This is a national requirement. Each program is able to increase this requirement, but may not decrease it. More experience simply increases your competitiveness as an applicant.

After you attend your interview, a decision may or may not be made quickly afterwards. This depends on the caliber of the applicants we have interviewed. You are not admitted until you receive a letter stating such, and you are not denied until you receive a letter stating such. Those of you who do not receive an admissions decision immediately are still being considered. If you do not get admitted, feel free to call the program directors to discuss your application. You will receive some constructive criticism as to what you can do to improve your chances, if you choose to apply again.

Secondly, those who choose to attend the CCF program receive a monthly stipend and healthcare benefits in exchange for 30 months of service upon completion of their training. This is at the current rate at which all new graduate CRNAs begin - there is no salary reduction, benefits reduction, etc. If anything, this can work to your benefit, as your years of service during your education count in your hospital seniority. At the end of your education, if you choose not to stay at CCF, you pay back your stipend.

As a final word of advice - just because someone is an excellent ICU nurse, does not mean that they will be an excellent CRNA. What matters the most is what you did with your time in the ICU, and how motivated you are. I know many one-year RNs who made better CRNAs than 5-10 year RNs. It all depends on the person. I know for many people it's difficult to see a much younger or much less experienced RN gain admission into a nurse anesthesia program. However, the focus is not on why they got in. Refocus your energy on how to make yourself a better applicant.

jazy4ICU · Apr 8, 2011

Prof,

Your post will help answer most of Case Western applicants questions. Most of all future applicant will deem it very resourceful. On the other hand it's somewhat scary to notice that faulty members read our daily post.hmmm.