how important is chemistry for CRNA?

[lmarti10]

I am very interested in CRNA school. Ive been an ICU nurse for 2.5 years now. In preparation, I signed up for an online medical biochemistry class through the university of new england.... I am in way over my head! I can't remember anything from undergrad chem, even though I got an A in the class. Im just feeling really discouraged and am tempted to drop the class. It is so hard to work and find the time to study!

[SRNA12191]

Drop it now. as long as you are smart (which you have to be to get into crna program) you will do just fine with your basic chem knowledge from undergrad. CRNA programs teach you all the chem/physics/biochem that you need to know for anesthesia.

[chemokine]

That class at UNE I've heard is WAY more difficult than necessary for applying to CRNA. You may want to consider dropping it and taking something more reasonable at a local university.

[phriz]

If it's feasible, I recommend meeting personally with program directors before you apply. Bring your transcripts for them to review. It had been nearly 13 years since I took a chemistry course, and both of my prospective schools only suggested that I retake a general chem course at a local community college. It saved me a ton of cash (and stress).

edit: I start anesthesia school in January.

[Nineline]

I'm in a similar boat myself. I haven't graduated from nursing school yet but my undergrad coursework has consisted of not a single chemistry class. Should I expect to take some chemistry once I'm a nurse working in an ICU? I would expect that more would be better but that would be time spent working towards paying off debt and hopefully saving up for grad school. Any advice would be appreciated.