My plan to become a CRNA. Is this logical?

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I already have a bachelor's degree and I'm currently teaching. I am entering an ASN program in Spring '08.

My plan following successful completion of this program is to take additional chemistry coursework such as organic chem and bio chem to be a more competitive applicant.

If I am successful in the chem coursework, I plan to complete an RN-BSN program since some of the schools I'm considering in FL don't offer a bridge program for the CRNA Program. Then, apply to CRNA programs. I'm assuming that if I'm not successful in the advanced chem, I should go to plan B.

My back-up plan:

If I am not successful in the chemistry coursework, I plan to complete an RN to MSN bridge program in education or an RN to MSN/MBA in leadership/administration.

Does this seem logical? I know I'm planning years in advance, but I am in a second career situation now due to lack of planning during my previous undergrad program.

Also, is there an expiration on sciences (A&P, Gen BIO) for CRNA Programs? I didn't see anything on the websites of the programs I am considering. However, I did read something about it in another thread. I know the obvious answer is to contact the school. Just wanted to know if anyone here has encountered this.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I already have a bachelor's degree and I'm currently teaching. I am entering an ASN program in Spring '08.

My plan following successful completion of this program is to take additional chemistry coursework such as organic chem and bio chem to be a more competitive applicant.

If I am successful in the chem coursework, I plan to complete an RN-BSN program since some of the schools I'm considering in FL don't offer a bridge program for the CRNA Program. Then, apply to CRNA programs. I'm assuming that if I'm not successful in the advanced chem, I should go to plan B.

My back-up plan:

If I am not successful in the chemistry coursework, I plan to complete an RN to MSN bridge program in education or an RN to MSN/MBA in leadership/administration.

Does this seem logical? I know I'm planning years in advance, but I am in a second career situation now due to lack of planning during my previous undergrad program.

Also, is there an expiration on sciences (A&P, Gen BIO) for CRNA Programs? I didn't see anything on the websites of the programs I am considering. However, I did read something about it in another thread. I know the obvious answer is to contact the school. Just wanted to know if anyone here has encountered this.

My only question is, if you already have a bachelor's degree, why are you doing the ADN 1st? It would seem it would be just as quick to get your BSN.

There are usually BSN fast track programs for people that already hold bachelor degrees. Just a thought...

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Why not do a BSN bridge program. It would be quicker than the ADN and would make you eligible for a lot more CRNA programs. Also, I would definitely hit the hard sciences, looks good when you apply.

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Specializes in ICU.

Seems like a good start, but I don't see anywhere in your plan where you are going to include the minimum 2 years of ICU experience (CVICU or SICU is usually preferred). Most CRNA schools require that experience before you even apply.... and if they don't, then I would highly recommend not applying to that type of program!! It would be a little scary to start a CRNA program with no ICU experience. ;)

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Moved to the Pre-CRNA Inquiry Forum. Carry on!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I am also in S Florida and have a similar plan, which will take me about 7 years to complete. I also have a prior Bachelor's degree and am not happy with the current career.

MY CC's ADN has summers off, I'm taking two classes at by BSN school over the summers to knock it out early.

Fall 2007-Spring 2008 - ADN Prereqs + BSN Classes over Summer 2008

Fall 2008-Spring 2010 - ADN Core and Grad + BSN Classes over Summer 2009

Summer 2010-Fall 2011- RN to BSN (2 classes per semester) while working

Spring 2011 - Apply to CRNA school, show BSN and experience will be completed Fall 2011.

Spring 2012-Summer 2014 - MSN (CRNA) - @ Age 36

Here are some tips:

I also compared the accelerated BSN program. Since my first Bachelors degree was a BA in Communications, I didn't have very many overlapping classes. The prereqs for the accelererated BSN were the same or similar to the ADN.

So either way, it's a year before applying while doing prereqs. The accelerated program has harder entry requirements, and since my CC uses a points system with no waiting list I'm pretty much guaranteed in with all my pre/coreqs done and my 98th percentile NLN score.

So with the Accelerated BSN : 1 year prereqs, 1.5 year program. 1.5 year + critical care experience needed.

With the ADN->BSN. 1 year prereqs, 2 year program, 1.5 year critical care experience while working on BSN.

I may be wrong, but I feel I will have a more relaxed, rewarding, and more in-depth learning experience doing a traditional program than everything crammed into a year and a half in an accerelated BSN. (I hear they're nonstop madness.)

Plus, in my situation, I'm guaranteed admission to ADN, while the BSN accelerated would still be up in the air. So guaranteed > unsure.

Hope it gives you some ideas.

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I live in Tampa, and I've looked into USF, Wolford, and Barry. I went to the websites of all the rest in the state, but those are the only three I could attend without moving, and I'm married and my husband's job is here. Wolford requires a 3.0, 2 chemistry courses with a B or better (I'd have to take another), GRE>1000, and 1 year of CCU experience. They prefer "ICU, CCU, trauma, neuro, and CVRU" and it has to be "current." You need BLS, PALS, and ACLS. Barry requires the same certifications, and it says "CCRN preferred". You need to have taken one chem course in the last 5 years. For USF your 2 A&Ps, 1 chem, patho, statistics, and physical assessment course all have to be less than 10 years old. One of the things I'm going to talk to my advisor about next week, is that the CRNA program site specifies 3 credits of assessment, but I go to USF right now and the course I'm in is 2 credits. They require 2 years of critical care, and prefer MCU, SICU, CVRU, coronary CU, or neuro. You need BLS, ACLS, and PALS, and CCRN is "recommended." I didn't look write down anything about accepting people with a non-nursing bachelor's and an ADN, since I'm in an ABSN program, but you might want to - some schools are OK with that. If any of these schools are on your list, just make sure you fit the criteria - i.e., don't take a bunch of chem courses and then apply 8 years later if you want to go to Barry. I'm going to need to retake statistics, since I took it in 1998, and a chem course, since the one I have is from '04, after I graduate.

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Why not do a BSN bridge program. It would be quicker than the ADN and would make you eligible for a lot more CRNA programs. Also, I would definitely hit the hard sciences, looks good when you apply.

My undergrad degree gpa is only a 3.3, which isn't high enough to get into the accelerated programs at the public schools in my area. I got into Barry University's ABSN Program but the tuition there is over $12,000 per semester.

I couldn't sleep if I paid this much.

I have chosen to get my ASN then do a RN-BSN program because it is more cost efficient. I can work on the BSN while working. I know it won't be easy, but my mortgage has to be payed.

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I have chosen to get my ASN then do a RN-BSN program because it is more cost efficient. I can work on the BSN while working. I know it won't be easy, but my mortgage has to be payed.

Good choice- it will work out :)

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