MSN to be more competitive?

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 3, 2016

Thread moved to SRNA forum where Students as well as CRNAs will reply.

micurn0126 · Feb 3, 2016

Honestly a GPA of 3.1 although not the most impressive, likely will not be a huge barrier to being accepted. Especially if you have 1) good ICU experience in a level 1 trauma center hospital, 2) 1-2 years exp. in said ICU, 3) interviewed well, and 4) obtained CCRN on first try and passed NCLEX on first try.

More simply put: A low GPA only hurts significantly if multiple areas like this are weak. Example: lower than usual GPA, took 3 tries to pass NCLEX, failed CCRN twice before passing, not confident in the interview. This is a candidate that likely will not get accepted.

Also, pursuing other masters degrees to me doesn't increase desirability as a candidate. At worst, it makes me think you're not dedicated to anesthesia and are open to other avenues of study. At best, I'm indifferent. So to me, it likely would hurt you and certainly not help you.

Background on me: I am not a CRNA. I am a SRNA who starts school this year (at my school of choice) and has also done tons of research on how to become the best possible candidate.

CRNA, DNSc · Feb 3, 2016

Rather than another Masters- go back and look at the science requirements of the programs you are considering- if you did not get As in those courses consider repeating them or taking higher level sciences to demonstrate your ability to handle graduate level coursework- Good Luck

AllIcanbe · Feb 6, 2016

But how would anyone or admission panel know if you took CCRN or NCLEX twice?

ccuccrnap16 · Feb 6, 2016

Allcanbe they wouldn't. That doesn't matter when applying. I agree with other responses. I'm applying for CRNA this year and my husband will graduate crna school in December and he said lots of his classmates had less than stellar gpas. I have a 3.1 GPA as well but I have CCRN over 3 years icu and travel experience and a ton of other certs to make up for it.

I.C.UNurse · Feb 7, 2016

They can tell if you had to take the NCLEX or CCRN more than once in your interview. You will be grilled on critical thinking skills and no answers include "I would talk to the physician". CRNA is becoming SUPER competitive and the new DNAP programs want the shiniest and brightest. And that includes a good GPA (average applicant where I applied and accepted was 3.5+), multiple certificates, not just your CCRN, PALS and ACLS (everybody has that) and good experience (charge, preceptor, know how to use ultrasound, etc). Some people will say don't worry about your GPA but with the growing number of applicants for CRNA school you need your GPA to be better. (Some schools have 20 to 30 applicants for 1 spot). Attempt to finish school with the rest of grades bring A's and retake classes if needed in the future.

AllIcanbe · Feb 7, 2016

Passing your Ccrn first attempt has nothing to do with your interview skills. Let me humor you- my school scrapped the interview process altogether.

micurn0126 · Feb 8, 2016

Passing your CCRN first try DOES have relevance to the interview.

1) How do they know if you passed the first time? They ask you. In the interview.

2) The reason: If they can determine that you are a solid board/exam taker, then there's a strong likelihood that you will pass the anesthesia boards on the first try (which is important to those running the program because one of the indications of a solid program is....wait for it....first time boards pass rate)

AllIcanbe · Feb 8, 2016

I have never been asked in any interview how many times I took my Nclex or CCRN.. I was only given a clinical scenario to discuss.

Anyways, taking your nclex or ccrn twice wont be an issue till you get an interview invitation.. Right?

I will say, go ahead and knock out your science gpa.

By the way.. I did not even interview for the program I will be attending.- they got rid of their interview phase.

jj224 · Feb 12, 2016

Agree with everything above, except CRNA isn't becoming more competitive. I'd say the opposite, actually. More and more schools opening up taking less experienced, lower GPA, etc students.

CCRN_CSC_0710 · Feb 13, 2016

If it's a good program you'll get all the tools you need to pass the boards. I applied to 4 schools, interviewed at 4, was accepted at 4, and was not asked once how many times I took my exams. If you fail something the first time, don't make it known, but I don't think it matters all that much.

In my interviews they all commented on my nursing experience, stellar recommendations and CCRN-CSC-CMC. I'd suggest retaking the hard sciences as someone else mentioned, especially since you really need a good foundation in that.