KU CRNA Program

usmc94201 · Dec 1, 2003

I thought that someone might find this help full. I e-mailed the admissions department and this was the reply.

"Thank you for your interest in the Master's in Nurse Anesthesia program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. It's good to start planning early.

I have answered each of your questions below in bold.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Ruth

Ruth A. Lee

Student Affairs Coordinator

Nurse Anesthesia Education

University of Kansas Medical Center

913-588-3253"

1. How does admissions view repeated courses? Does it matter if these courses are science courses?

Many of our applicants repeat science classes to improve their GPA in the 5 prerequisite sciences. If you retake one of the 5 prerequisite science classes we use your best grade in calculating your GPA in the five sciences (which must be a 3.0).

In computing overall GPA, we take the information from your transcripts and use whatever method of calculating GPA that each college uses.

2. How many students do you accept per year into the CRNA program?

We accept around 20 students in Kansas City and another 4 students at our satellite program in Pittsburg, Kansas.

3. The requirements section say that 2 semesters of A&P (combined) would be accepted in lieu of Anatomy & Physiology (separate). Does that mean I can take A&P (combined) and then follow up with just regular Physiology?

Yes, one semester of combined A&P and one semester of physiology will meet the requirement.

4. Does the CRNA program prefer to accept RN's with a particular Critical Care background. (i.e. MICU over NICU, or PICU over surgery ICU)

The Admissions Committee recommends experience in a cardiac ICU, surgical ICU, medical ICU or pediatric ICU, in that order. Thhey are looking for experience with PA catheters, ventilators, pharmacological monitoring and the kind of decision making necessary in the care of unstable patients.

5. Is there anything else that would benefit my odds of being accepted that are not listed on the website. (i.e. volunteer activities, extracurricular activities, shadowing CRNA's).

The only other qualification I can think of that might tip things in your favor is getting the CCRN certification once you are working in ICU. You are welcome to come here and shadow if you want to see what being a CRNA is like, but it won't improve your chances of getting into the program.