Improve GPA for Grad School CRNA

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Hello, I am a recent graduate of a BSN program and I had a question about applying to graduate school. My GPA is downright terrible (2.77) and I was wondering what would be the best way to improve it and possible gain an interview for a CRNA school. Although my overall GPA is terrible, my science GPA is actually pretty good (3.6). I went to a nursing program that graded on a different scale. Anything below a 80% was considered failing, an 80-84%=C, 85-89%=B, and 90-100%=A. I don't know if graduate schools would consider my grading scale, but I thought since my science GPA is decent it might still give me a shot.

I'm staring work in an ICU next week and I'm very excited. I know that CRNA programs only take people with multiple years of experience but I was wondering if there is anything that I could be doing now to improve my chances of and interview.

Any advice is appreciated...

Thank You

Rich

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Research the programs you're interested in. Each program clearly lists the minimum requirements. If you're unsure, contact the program director to clarify, and let them know you want to be a strong applicant for their program in the future. It may mean taking a few extra classes to raise your GPA (as in my case), but I will have my second CRNA program interview next week. Look for leadership opportunities at work, and get ACLS, PALS, your CCRN and a great score on the GRE (more than 300). You've got lots of time to space it all out to be a stronger applicant for school. Good luck :)

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Specializes in icu.

Hey Richm,

whatever your GPA is just own it. you do not have to come up with excuses like your nursing school has a different grading system....because there were students who went to the same school as you and had better gpa.....so owning ones academic performance is a sign of responsibility and maturity. That been said, I would suggest that you might wanna retake some classes like pharmacology, pathophysiology and a graduate statistics class while you are acquiring your ICU experience. Also, plan to take GRE (which is good for 5yrs) and CCRN. By doing these I'm sure you will get into a CRNA program.....Just be positive that you can do it!

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Great point, thanks for the tip. As I said before though, my science GPA is decent. I already have A's in Patho, Pharm, and Stats (although it is undergrad). Should I just take other sciences that I don't have? Maybe some Chemistry, or graduate bio?

Thanks again!

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You should probably take some graduate level courses and of course take your ccrn and any other subspecialty certifications that is applicable to you.

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Ochem is usually what many programs look for. Grad level phys or pathophys would also be good. Good luck

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Hey Oadewoye,

do you think at the age of 51 is too late to start planning for the CRNA. I have been a nurse for 13 yrs and I had commitments then and now I don't. I still want to pursue CRNA, I have tothnk of retirement or what?

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Specializes in SICU / Transport / Hyperbaric.
Hey Oadewoye do you think at the age of 51 is too late to start planning for the CRNA. I have been a nurse for 13 yrs and I had commitments then and now I don't. I still want to pursue CRNA, I have tothnk of retirement or what?[/quote']

Had a 50 year old in my class, she did fine. Do it.

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