Impact of undergrad institution on CRNA admissions?

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Okay, so I know this may be somewhat controversial, because it may be one of those things that's not "official" but is in reality a factor...

I'm currently getting ready to go back to school, for nursing, via an ABSN program. I've narrowed my choices down to two (for this round... I'm not so arrogant as to think both, or either, will necessarily accept me, but I think I have good chances!)... one is a state university, a good one, but still nothing 'impressive'... and the other is a top ten private university, one of those Big Name Schools with a high reputation for the medical sciences and nursing. Obviously, for what it's worth, the state school (my alma mater) is cheaper, and the other is rather expensive. (Hi, loans. Can't say I missed you, but it looks like we'll soon meet again.)

My boyfriend's brother in law is a neurologist, and when we were discussing my potential plans to pursue CRNA education after a few years in critical care, he *very* strongly urged me to go to the Big Name School, because the reputation of the school will (he says) help with getting into the very competitive CRNA programs. I'm not saying this is correct (after all, MD universe and nursing universe may overlap a bit but he's solidly in MD universe), but it has me thinking.

What do you think? Does going to a school for your BSN with bigger "name" and better reputation impact your application for an advanced nursing program, especially nurse anesthesia?

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For what its worth, I went to a no-name state school and I'm currently an anesthesia student at University of Pittsburgh. It seems like many students in my class also chose an undergrad program based on practical factors such as cost, not on prestige.

-Adam

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Specializes in CVICU.

As long as the state school is respectable it should be fine. The most important factor is going to be the critical care experience so getting into the most intense ICU you can find will make you the best candidate you can be.

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Well i don't know if its about the name or the school or not, but I know that my undergrad school was a very hard nursing school... compared to other schools it was known to teach more and be more difficult.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I agree, as long as its an accredited BSN program the name/prestige of the school shouldn't matter. Your science grades and GPA as an undergraduate student and critical experience as a RN is more important. Hope this helps, Good luck!

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Your GPA matters the most, not the reputation of the school you went to. Except for schools such as University of Phoenix and Excelsior College...

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