Marshall University/CAMC CRNA 2020

CVICU5210, BSN · Feb 13, 2020

Hi,

I am thinking of applying to this program for the 2021 cohort. Can I ask what you STATS are? What is the admission process like? Thanks I’m advance. Also, Congratulations on getting in.

blueberrypancakesforever · Feb 14, 2020

Hi!

Stats:

RN/BSN for 4.5 years. A little over 2 years ICU (1 year in an 18 bed med-surg ICU at a level 3 trauma/community hospital and a little over 1 in a 14 bed surgical-trauma ICU at a big, busy level 1)
ACLS/PALS
CCRN
GRE
4.0 GPA in nursing school (I did an accelerated 2nd degree program)
Joined all the honor societies, joined unit councils and nursing research councils etc. at the hospitals where I was/am employed.

Application process:

I applied to three schools (Gonzaga, OHSU, and CAMC/Marshall) Marshall is the only place I got in and is definitely the least competitive... :/
CAMC accepts much bigger cohorts than many other programs (20-30 students vs. around 12). Their pass rates on their boards have been quite low some years. The average number of cases their students log aren't as high as the other schools I applied to.
On the plus side... I already live on the East Coast and WV is closer to family than the other schools and I know the Charleston area already. The cost of living is cheaper in WV compared to many other locations. All the hospitals you have to rotate through for clinicals are within the same general area so you don't have to travel which is nice.
The CAMC application process was the easiest. There was no interview. I simply filled out/mailed the required paperwork.
I interviewed at the other two schools and was wait listed at one and rejected from the other. Both schools had rather grueling interviews.

Resources:

Allcrnaschools.com (I found their general info/school comparisons useful)
coacrna.org (very useful info for stats on specific schools. ie: average #of cases, average anesthesia hours, pass rates, accreditation etc.)
Rhianna Ferial Youtube channel/blog (love her videos!) (P.S. She goes to Marshall/CAMC too...)

Recommendations:

Things to consider when applying to programs... Each year schools are becoming increasingly competitive. The acceptance rate for OSHU this year I calculated to be about 3%. Anything you can do to bolster your resume will be beneficial. One thing I heard throughout the process, during interview, and from others, is that schools want nurse leaders. They don't just want a smart nurse who knows vents, hemodynamics, and how titrate pressors. They want you to be a charge nurse, preceptor, and/or teacher of come sort. They want you to know how to run CVVH/CRRT. Even though most schools say 1-2 years of ICU accepted, they want 3-5. Many programs also like to point out that most students have to apply twice and typically aren't admitted on their first try. I honestly thought I'd be accepted more places with my stats. CAMC wasn't my first choice, but I am at the age where I just want to get my graduate degree started (I've been working toward this for about 7 years! ?). I also feel burned out from bedside nursing so I am definitely excited to be moving forward. No matter what program you're accepted into, you all earn the same degree at the end! If you put in your best effort everyday, I think you'll come out on top.

Good luck to you! Let me know if I can answer any additional questions!

CVICU5210, BSN · Feb 15, 2020

Thanks for the info. I applied to two different schools in 2017, UNC Charlotte and VCU in Richmond, I was waitlisted at UNC but did not get into VCU. Then I never reapplied the following year. I am in the process of applying to VCU again however they weigh heavily on the GRE and for whatever reason I suck at that test. ? So I am also going to apply to CAMC/Marshall ( I know someone there now about half-way through the program.) Also applying to University of Maryland and East Carolina University. Besides the GRE my STATS are good I think...

3 years CVICU- Level 1
2 years MICU-Level 1
1 year-Surgical Trauma ICU

(7 years total nursing)

CCRN, CSC, TNCC, PALS and ACLS of course

Science GPA 3.95 and undergrad GPA 3.65

I would love to get into VCU since it is within driving distance of my home but I am not confident with the GRE. I guess we shall see.

blueberrypancakesforever · Feb 15, 2020

Your stats seem awesome! I’d be super surprised if you weren’t accepted this round. I definitely agree about the GRE... terrible exam! Does your friend like the program so far at CAMC? I don’t know anyone personally who has gone there.

CVICU5210, BSN · Feb 15, 2020

He did say that they had some professors leave and it had been hit or miss initially with keeping instructors, but he did say that now they have hired a few new ones that are great. Also their program just got approval for the new DNAP program for next year start so I think that will make a difference. Is your program going to be the first cohort of the DNAP or is it still the old DMPNA?

blueberrypancakesforever · Feb 17, 2020

Ah. Hopefully the good ones stay. Yeah, I’ll be in the DNAP program.

Guest RN · Nov 12, 2020

Hi blueberrypancakesforever, how has the program been so far? I’m applying now. I am curious as to how long from when you applied to when you were accepted? Thanks!

Kitkat222, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2020

Hey guys, I was recently accepted to CAMC. I wanted to follow up w/ current students and ask how it’s going so far/how you’re enjoying the program! Any input would be helpful bc I was also admitted to a different CRNA program and I’m trying to weigh out my pros and cons between both programs. TIA

MSICUSRNAHopeful, BSN · Nov 24, 2020

I’m still waiting to hear back from them, did you receive your letter recently?

Kitkat222, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2020

I received my letter via mail today!

MSICUSRNAHopeful, BSN · Nov 24, 2020

2 hours ago, Kitkat222 said:

I received my letter via mail today!

Cool, I’ll keep an eye out! I think we’ve applied to some of the same places, I recognize your username from some other posts...what state are you from if you don’t mind me asking ?