Keiser (Wolford) CRNA 2019 Applicants

aspiringcrna11287 · Nov 4, 2019

24 minutes ago, JKelly_BSN_RN_CCRN_CSC said:
For those currently attending the program:
I've recently relocated to SWF, and have been waitlisted for admissions to FGCU (?). The person I shadowed prior to beginning this application process was a big fan of Wolford (#1) until they interviewed, deciding that they just weren't a good fit for various reasons including pass rates, attrition rates, and the feeling they were accepting anyone who qualified ($$).
I've read so many mixed reviews, in which I haven't found the concise answers that I am looking for. It appears Keiser has adopted the formerly known Wolford College CRNA program. What's changed? I'm fearful they're only retaining the bad reputation, however, also cautious because of it.
Can anyone elaborate further on their experience(s) or even provide insight on the improvements that should or would exclude Keiser from maintaining the former reputation of Wolford? Do you feel that you've chosen the right program? Do you believe you are or will be receiving an abundance of opportunity clinically? Any information or experiences you'd like to share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance ❤️

Hey JKelly,

So I started the program in Sept 2019 , so I am half way done with the first semester . I chose this program after a long research and after talking to several past students. Let me say this, There is not a single program in the country that is flawless. After being adopted nay Keiser, the program has made several visible changes that try to make things better. I am happy with the lectures that's conducted and most of graduate education is independent learning. the staff are more than willing to spend extra time with students and help them succeed. The previous students have received ample amount of clinical experience and the school is working on getting more sites for the students. The previous reputation will linger on for some time and but that will not affect your education as long as you put in the effort and do your job. The school is very accommodating to your needs and will try everything in their power to see you succeed. I am definitely happy to choose this program as I do not do well in an aggressive , competitive environment ( kinda the typical OR environment lol) for my educational needs. let me know if you would like to talk further

ICU/EMTP, BSN, EMT-P · Nov 4, 2019

Ask FGCU what their pass rate and attrition rate were a couple years ago. Every program has hiccups, many caused by the students themselves. Have doubts? Don’t go. The “bad reputation” is pretty much undeserved and is propagated by people that don’t go there and have no first-hand knowledge. Everyone else is tried of feeling they need to defend it. Ask the 1000 or so CRNAs that are grads from the program. The best school is the one you graduate from.

j.jones4174, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2019

Lets try an address each question that you have,

First, I am currently enrolled at Keiser University and am in the first semester. There pass rates for the last class was 100%. AND I CAN TELL YOU that from what I have seen so far, I can see why. Bonus points offered on tests, chance to redo papers to achieve a higher grade, and grading on a curve. I do not see any truth from someone telling you the pass rates stink. If you can't pass, its your own damn fault. There is absolutely no truth either to someone telling you they weed people out. Utter nonsense. Keiser does not make any money if you quit. They only make money if you stay in the program.

Keiser University doesn't have a bad rap. It took over Wolford when Wolford was about to lose accreditation. I can honestly say, I only have one instructor that needs teaching classes. He is a mess. BUT that has not stopped me from excelling in his class. If you have a question, you can email them. AND even one instructor offers review classes to help study for the tests.

There are 46 students in this class. Double the size of any previous class. I expected as much, as Keiser is trying to upgrade their program to DNP by January. I have no idea how that is going.

Conclusion, I would attend this program again. Three downsides to this class. I am not fond of the teaching style of a single instructor, expensive, hot damn 46 students. There are so many more positives

Last note, Keiser is building a new campus. Should be ready by next September

I did not edit this for punctuation or grammar errors. Fix them as you go along. LOL

SRNA_2023 · Nov 5, 2019

You guys are fantastic! Thank you for all the valuable and readily available information. I received a call this evening to discuss the program with me, and the person I spoke with was very thorough and inviting. She said their first DNP program would begin in January 2020, and that the Fall program may offer a final Masters (depending on the demand and decisions made by the higher ups). I really appreciate all of you providing your opinions and experiences. Good luck to you and your education endeavors! I think I'll apply to Keiser ?

Milk_of_amnesia · Nov 6, 2019

On 11/4/2019 at 4:05 PM, JKelly_BSN_RN_CCRN_CSC said:
For those currently attending the program:
I've recently relocated to SWF, and have been waitlisted for admissions to FGCU (?). The person I shadowed prior to beginning this application process was a big fan of Wolford (#1) until they interviewed, deciding that they just weren't a good fit for various reasons including pass rates, attrition rates, and the feeling they were accepting anyone who qualified ($$).
I've read so many mixed reviews, in which I haven't found the concise answers that I am looking for. It appears Keiser has adopted the formerly known Wolford College CRNA program. What's changed? I'm fearful they're only retaining the bad reputation, however, also cautious because of it.
Can anyone elaborate further on their experience(s) or even provide insight on the improvements that should or would exclude Keiser from maintaining the former reputation of Wolford? Do you feel that you've chosen the right program? Do you believe you are or will be receiving an abundance of opportunity clinically? Any information or experiences you'd like to share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance ❤️

Whoever you shadowed, I don’t know how their interview went, but I had interviewed at several schools, including FGCU, and found FGCU’s interview to be the briefest, most impersonal, and least favorite out of all lol ?. Some schools focus solely on GPA or GRE or experience and other schools have a good balance considering all of those factors into their decisions, and I believe Keiser does a good job of doing that. Currently, my classmates and I are in our third semester, about to finish the didactic portion, ahead of the newest class. It’s true we haven’t lost anyone ??. The professors are open to helping you and willing to answers any questions you have. Yes, one professor doesn’t curve but has a few bonus questions on exams. Another professor does tend to drop some badly worded or ambiguous questions. Other professors may or may not drop anything depending on their test analysis. But they review the exams afterwards with the class and are always open to reviewing exams one on one. I don’t personally remember our class being offered to rewrite papers to make better grades, we typically kept the grades we received on those. We had a different professor than who the newest class have now for their research class, but for the most part we did much of our work during class and didn’t spend much time out of class working on papers, which was nice since we could focus on our other classes. We would research, ask questions during class, and would end up peer reviewing each other’s work, so I believe for the most part, everyone did well in that class, anyway. But I definitely can see our professors trying to be helpful if you were struggling. Not to say you don’t have to work hard though. There may possibly be a few who have used up their one and only “C” allowed for the program already for a class. But so far, I believe the program is definitely doable and “passable”! Now, I do know the students in their 6th semester have lost a few classmates but I don’t know the circumstances. Technically the attrition rate would still go up even if a person was lost from death so..hopefully that was never the case..but anyway, I had the same concerns as you going into Wolford turned Keiser because I wasn’t sure if they were going to get their accreditation, but they did and with flying colors too (4 years). As for as accepting everyone and anyone, I definitely know people who have applied and were turned away, even in the last few weeks, for not being qualified, but I will say they were encouraged to re-apply and shoot for an interview after coming back with a better GPA, etc. the next class is expected to be doctoral, and even a smaller class than ours (probably around 19). But anyway, I feel like I chose the right program. Every program has its faults. You’ll have teachers you really like or some where you don’t like their teaching style that much and some you might not like at first and end up liking. So if just depends. For the most part, I personally like all the professors and admin here. One professor we have now actually previously taught at FGCU and actually helped start and build up their simulation lab there. He came to Wolford and built up our sim lab here and teaches at Keiser now. We also have the chief CRNA of NCH, a Wolford/Keiser graduate, who is adjunct faculty here that helps with our skills/lab portion and clinical as well. I believe they give us plenty of opportunity clinically. We have sites in Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Tampa, and on the east coast. And they’re currently working to add more. What many have liked about Keiser too is that you can start sooner instead of waiting a whole year or more to start your program. There are several in my class with young families and children that decided on Keiser for that reason. But anyway, hope that helps you and anyone else reading in your decision! Good luck on your CRNA journey!

SRNA_2023 · Nov 6, 2019

Milk_of_amnesia

Thanks a million for being so thorough in your explanation! It truly is all in perception, and that’s why I wanted to know more, especially considering the changes that have been made in the program. The person I shadowed would have interviewed 8-9 years ago, so what may have been then doesn’t sound like it is now. Funny, I really liked FGCU after interviewing (I interviewed there first thinking I was more interested in others). Again, perception amongst many other factors. I’m glad I’m getting the answers I was looking for regarding Keiser. For me, it sounds very similar to FGCU and definitely worth exploring as an option. Again, I REALLY appreciate everyone’s insight! It means a lot To be able to hear it first hand.

BigPappaCRNA · Nov 6, 2019

One of the primary reasons for the bad reputation in the past from Wolford, as that the school was not affiliated with a Regionally Accredited University. It was the last program in the country to do so, and was essentially forced, against its will to do so, or it would have lost its Accreditation from the Council on Accreditation and it would have ceased to exist.

There was never any criticism of which I am aware, of the ability of Wolford to train CRNAs. It was the fact that they were not upfront and honest about their lack of regional accreditation from the University side of the equation. The problem being, that the actual MSN degree that people received does not have to be honored by other universities for those going on for higher degrees. If you look at most any major university requirements, it states you must have an MSN from a regionally accredited university, and many are denied acceptance because of that. Also, some graduates were not allowed to teach in other states, as they technically did not have a degree. Their was never a problem with the anesthesia training, it was with the degree. Now that the program is affiliated with Keiser (which does have SACS accreditation) the problem seems to be solved.

Good Luck.

SRNA_2023 · Nov 8, 2019

Another question for current students: what did you guys do for health insurance? Can you purchase student plans year round?

ICU/EMTP, BSN, EMT-P · Nov 8, 2019

4 hours ago, JKelly_BSN_RN_CCRN_CSC said:
Another question for current students: what did you guys do for health insurance? Can you purchase student plans year round?

Yes. The school offers insurance year-round.

j.jones4174, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2019

yes, the school offers and is mandatory. you may only purchase ins for yourself.

SRNA2CRNA · Nov 9, 2019

I've been following this thread for quite some time and let me just say, thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses. It has really helped me with my decision to apply to Keiser.
For the students that are already in the program, I wanted to know what you think of your current clinical rotations? Do you feel like you are given quality time in the OR and have a diverse amount of experiences? Also, how is the quality of the simulation lab? Do you feel you are given an ample amount of time to practice your skills or is there extra time set aside for you to practice if you'd like?
These questions may have already been answered in which case I apologize for asking again. Thank you all so much again for all your help. This has been such a stressful process ?

j.jones4174, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2019

I cant help you with that question as I am in the first semester and this program is front loaded. Hopefully someone on here can help you with that question.