MSN going into CRNA?

BigDave · Apr 15, 2005

Hi,

I am entering a post-master's program at UNCC in August. Not having to do theory, research, stats, etc will cut 12 hours (6 each during the first two semesters). Of course, many schools let you complete these "nursing core" classes prior to starting the program. Then there are the "meat and potatoes" schools that avoid the theory crud altogether (such as VCU).

If it wasn't on someone else's dime I would not go through the effort again. It was only a distractor to my real goals (CRNA).

Isuhd8u · Apr 15, 2005

At my program (Charlotte, NC) having a MSN already will shave off 5 classes. This is a whole lot less than what you will have to take in completing a full MSN program. And you are right, it will not decrease the length of program, just the load. If I am correct, you would get a post-masters certificate in nurse anesthesia (not another MSN).

At UNCC, we are allowed to take a couple of graduate courses ahead of time with an undeclared major which can then go toward our anesthesia degree when we are accepted. Also, once we are accepted and if there is enough of a gap in time before you actually start, you can take additional graduate courses. I was able to take some classes ahead of time before I was accepted which has been extraordinarily helpful. Also, it can give you an edge with getting accepted into a program, especially if these grades are good.

If it were me, I would not complete another program unless I was truly interested in it for its sake. I would take the classes as a "post-bacculaureate" student if you have an option. If not an option, some generic graduate courses such as theory or physiology may be able to transfer into the program of your choice. I would verify the transfer ability of these courses before I took them with your university choice. Hope this helps.

Hi folks,
I have a question. I am thinking about CRNA school but not for another couple years (hubby's finishing an accounting degree and will be finishing his master's as well). I was wondering if I go ahead and start/finish a master's program, a CNS or something, would this be helpful or hurtful to me in CRNA school.
I doubt that this would shave time off of a program. I am more interested in class load. By having a master's degree and having finished my core classes (research, adv. patho. etc...) would this lighten the load in CRNA school or would I have to redo the classes? How does this work?
appreciate any info
MP

sandman1 · Apr 15, 2005

It is my understanding that IF and only IF the AACN has their way, all nurse anesthesia degrees will incorporate an MSN within about 15 years or so. They may even want MSN to be entry level and then you graduate with a DNP. This is ,of course, a move that is motivated by nothing more than their desire to have control over the CRNA profession. I They don't take into consideration that this would shut down all the programs that are not affiliated with a nursing program which would make the CRNA shortage worse........they just want control. I know for a fact that the AANA currently has a task force trying to fend this off.

Keeping in mind that this could happen, then it certainly would not hurt to go ahead and get a masters because IF this happens then those of us who graduate with a masters in nurse anesthesia but not an MSN in anesthesia will be grandfathered into whatever state we work in and won't have any mobility to other states. If I'm not mistaken, 3 states have already adopted this policy but none have officially started it yet..........I believe Tennessee, Colorado, and Illinois (not sure about the last two). Just something to think about. If anyone has any light to shed on this situation or if I was incorrect about anything then someone please fill me in.

CRNA, DNSc · Apr 15, 2005

Just a couple of corrections- They are not indicating that an MSN is the entry to CRNA school but that the degree earned should be the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). You would "Skip" the MSN. Programs located outside of nursing are looking at possible "equivalent" degrees.

To the OP- be aware that not every school awards a MSN or the Post-Masters Certificate. Your MSN may not lighten your load at all if the program awards an MS or the university prohibits "accepting" credits that have already been applied to a degree (your MSN).

Ask lots of questions about the programs you are specifically considering as programs are very different from each other about these matters.

BigDave · Apr 16, 2005

I agree, my MS degree (actually a MSN, but not called such) from VCU was going to save me no classes for the CRNA program at the same school...the anesthesia school is not even associated with the school of nursing. Shop carefully!

Trauma1 · Apr 20, 2005

I am starting anesthesia school in August and I am taking a core class that is a requirement for the MSN degree. There are 3 core classes that can be taken before you are accepted into the program that I am starting in August. I heard it is a good idea to get these classes out of the way before you start school because it makes life much easier. You should contact the graduate/nurse anesthesia programs you are interested in and find out what classes you can take before you are accepted. I wish I would have taken the other two classes....

Hi folks,
I have a question. I am thinking about CRNA school but not for another couple years (hubby's finishing an accounting degree and will be finishing his master's as well). I was wondering if I go ahead and start/finish a master's program, a CNS or something, would this be helpful or hurtful to me in CRNA school.
I doubt that this would shave time off of a program. I am more interested in class load. By having a master's degree and having finished my core classes (research, adv. patho. etc...) would this lighten the load in CRNA school or would I have to redo the classes? How does this work?
appreciate any info
MP