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Cheyanne,

You are about 5 years away from seriously thinking about applying to CRNA school. the DNP and DNAP degrees are both equivalent doctorate (terminal) degrees. You would not obtain a DNP then a DNAP. You would obtain one or the other or a PhD.

My advice is to study very hard in nursing school, get the best grades you can. Only the best students will be accepted into CRNA school. Remember that the 1 year of critical care experience is a minimum suggestion. Most schools are so competitive that the typical candidate has 2-3 years of critical care experience and has obtained their CCRN.

Keep those things in mind as you travel this journey.

Good luck and Best wishes to you.

**Independent CRNA

I said this to someone else and I'll say it to you because I mean the best. Don't even worry about that right now. You are a long long ways off. I have my BSN and BS, experience and certifications, and my head is still playing games with me about being accepted.

You're still 120+ credits, 3-4+ years, and 1000+ butt wipes away from being even close to applying.

BTW, I'm in Missouri too. I'd recommend getting the GED, starting an ADN program, getting your BSN online while working. Obtain A's, not B's and C's, those will only hinder your progress. Get into an ICU out of school if you can, most likely you'll have to start in a community ICU. I started in Jeff City, I'm now at STL Childrens.

Good luck.

Just to be seriously realistic, you need to consider that admission to CRNA programs are EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY competitive. Accepting excellent academic grades. the And they usually look at applicants with exceptional ICU experience records.

And there is no guarantee that you will secure an ICU position out of nsg school. Even genl positions evade newbies. So your timeline needs to be adjusted.

I agree. I got an ADN, worked in an ICU while getting by BSN, (total 7 years of ICU experience) then applied with GPA 3.8 and a CCRN. Applied to 3 schools, accepted to 2. Graduated 14 years ago. Have been full time independent CRNA for 7 years.

Lots of time between now and application!!

All great advice thus far.

I will be starting anesthesia school this year and have had the same dream to this point as well - Nursing school --> ICU --> anesthesia school.

For me: An undergraduate degree that should have taken four years took five, one year in ICU turned into three. So almost eight full years of preparation; it took a lot of hard work and dedication. I believe if you are determined enough it is absolutely possible.

Also I spent a lot of time researching the profession, shadowing etc because this huge of a time investment is worth ensuring this is what you want to do.

I would also advise you to take it one baby step at a time. Focus on being the best student you can be. When it comes time - be the best ICU nurse you can be. Then focus on being the best applicant you can be. Be humble and kind to everyone every step of the way. Devote yourself to life-long learning early.

Best of luck!