MSN vs Health Science Masters

cvicu80 · Mar 22, 2007

although I'm not in CRNA school yet I do believe you should have a basic foundation of biochem and physics with all the anesthetics and gas laws. I myself prefer the MS in anesthesia because you get less of the B.S. nursing theory stuff and more anesthesia stuff. I have 2 previous degrees in physiology and a master in science so I'm more biased. Good luck in your future!

JC

Calvin&Hobbes · Mar 22, 2007

You will have to take these courses in whatever kind of CRNA program you are it. MSN CRNA programs aren't easier, there is just more credits of MSN core courses that many people think of as fluff. You have to do all the courses that are in a non-MSN CRNA program, plus the fluff. There is no way out of these tough chem and physics, etc. courses. All CRNA programs have them.

japaho41 · Mar 27, 2007

Agree w/ Calvin. Physics and Biochem are part of the deal, I think there maybe some variability on the Biochem from program to program. Suggest that you take a chem couse at the undergrad level if it has been awhile since you have had chemistry, I wish I would have.

-The MSN is the nursing specific courses, theory, research..... Know what you getting into and what degree you are getting there are differences but I would not let the degree hinder my decision to apply to a program.

calirn2006 · Mar 27, 2007

Thanks for the info everyone! It is definately a hard decision to make!

Calvin&Hobbes · Mar 28, 2007

CaliRN, what are you trying to choose between? CRNA vs. MSN in some other specialty? Repeat: all programs that prepare CRNAs have tough science classes. The difficulty of any MSN program depends on what you are getting your MSN in. My first grad degree was as a CV CNS. No basic science courses at all. Same for NP and CNM. The Education and Adminisitration MSNs certainly don't have the basic science courses.

I would say that the CRNA program is considered to be the most rigorous of any nursing Masters program. Everyone knows it to be 2+ years of grueling work. It is also the only nursing grad program that cannot be completed part-time.

It seems kind of late in the game for you to be having these second thoughts. Didn't you know before you applied to CRNA programs what the curriculums usually entail? Excela is front-loaded, so you will get all the didactics out of the way in the beginning of the program.

If not, here goes: CRNA programs are a *****, no doubt about it. Your life is consumed by school. You cannot work during school except very very parttime, if that. People live on loans, unless there is a full second income. Your kids/spouse see (alot) less of you during the program. On the other hand, the programs are only 2+ years. The vast majority of people who succeed say that putting up with the hardship was very worth it. Single moms with kids do it, moms with spouses and multiple little kids do it, people are pregnant/have kids during programs do it. But you have to know what you are getting yourself into, and especially your spouse has to understand what life will be like for the length of the program and has to be willing to fill in for you.

It is important for you to figure this out now, because it would be very wrong to tell Excela at the last minute that you are not going to attend this Fall. There are numerous applicants for every single seat in every single CRNA program, and every school has an alternate list so that there are no empty seats in August. But alternates need some forewarning. Meaning that if the school finds out on the first day of classes that you are not coming, then it is too late to fill in with an alternate. Which is a crying shame because someone would be denied a shot at becoming a CRNA. Someone who really, really wanted it, but who was an alternate.

having read all your posts about moving to PA, etc., I was really really surprised to hear second thoughts from you and am extremely curious as to what you are trying to choose between.

calirn2006 · Mar 29, 2007

WOW You really read all my posts! That is impressive! I really do thank you for all your opinions! I do realize their are many many applicants for each program and I am very thankful to be one of the many that have been excepted! Best of luck as you start school yourself!

Calvin&Hobbes · Apr 5, 2007

Well, I'm not stalking you....I just happen to have seen your posts here and on the PA allnurses section, and live in Western PA and know people going to Excela......