2nd Degree, Direct Entry and/or Accelerated Programs

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  1. How did you become a CRNA?

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      ASN to BSN to MSN CRNA
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      ASN to online BSN to MSN CRNA
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      BSN to MSN/DNP CRNA
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      Accelerated BSN to MSN/DNP CRNA
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      Direct Entry Program

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HI All,

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! This forum has been incredibly helpful while researching schools and learning more about the nursing profession. Thanks in advance to anyone who might chime in with their sage words. I'm in the process of switching career paths. At 33, I'd like to move from a Psychology route (have my BA and MA in Psych) and delve into nursing. If possible, I'd like to apply to CRNA programs in Texas (TTU at Abilene or UT Austin). I'm looking at TTU @ Lubbock, UTEP, and CC campuses throughout TX(for the BSN/ASN/pre-nursing), as well as Johns Hopkins pre-nursing online courses, but am concerned about transferability.

Here are my questions:

What's the best way to obtain my prerequisites in a timely and thorough fashion(online school recs? and/or which campus)?

Should I choose an accelerated BSN program, or have my transcripts evaluated and go through the traditional BSN route since I am lacking the necessary nursing prerequisites anyway?

Will I get more hands-on experience and be cost and time effective if I get a CNA, obtain an ASN, try to get a job in an ICU, obtain a BSN online while working, then apply to CRNA school once I have the requisite year of experience in an ICU setting?

Or, is it better to go through a direct entry MSN program? One of the direct entry programs I'm aware of (Columbia) has a 4-year time-frame...but the cost of their education is rather amazing.

Finally, what am I missing (besides a lot of pre-reqs :facepalm:? Is there a better way to go about obtaining the necessary training and education that will help me become an effective clinician?

I've spoken to a few CRNAs and contacted some schools. Schools are asking me to submit an application...but it's a bit hasty to submit anything as I know I don't have the necessary prerequisites, and feel I will be DQ'd based on lack of necessary core requirements. Still, I need to get their information on which classes/online and otherwise I can take to even begin addressing prerequisites necessary at the time of application.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Sorry for its length. Any and all information will be very helpful.

Take care! \m/ *shaka*--from Hawaii

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You could do an accelerated BSN since you already hold a bachelors degree. However that depends on how good your GPA was during your undergrad. I'm not sure how competitive those programs are, it varies from state to state. I hear that these accelerated programs can be costly but you need to check on that and go from there.

the prereqs could take from 1-2 years and the place to take them is at cc since it's cheaper there. Try to take your prereqs once and get good grades. retakes would seem frustrating.

also depending on the BSN programs they may or may not require you to take a test also. be aware of that too.

In your state could you find work with an associates degree in a hospital? the best bet would be a BSN degree since it's a stepping stone to your goal of going to CRNA school. you're correct about needing icu experience before applying to CRNA school.

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For prereqs you must check the nursing programs if they accept or don't accept courses taken online and if so which ones do they accept. If you could take them on campus do so. I think the sciences like chemistry, physio, anatomy, and micro will require labs too if you could take the lecture and lab on campus - great.

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Thank you Dorkypanda!

Really appreciate the info you provided! From what I've come across, accelerated programs are definitely competitive. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that my master's and future prerequisite scores (the first time around) will make me a more competitive candidate. Finding work in Hawaii with an associates would probably be difficult. Unfortunately, I don't think I can achieve an RN/BSN from Hawaii (Big Island) since we don't have the CCNE accreditation that many CRNA programs require. Hawaii has a regional accreditation. It's also a non-compact state. :blink: Moving away seems to be the most viable option at this point. Is it difficult finding work as a new grad (BSN)? I've read a lot of conflicting things...but have spoken with nurses that conclude that new grads will have difficulty finding placement, unless they are very open to moving wherever a job may be, or have access to many hospitals during clinicals and work their way in from there.

Thanks again for your information and advice! Hope you're having a great evening!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

UH has a BSN program, as I'm sure you know. They have their NLNAC accreditation. Do the CRNA programs not accept that?

Most prereqs require at least a certain amount of in-class participation, particularly for lab, and the online versions can be more expensive. Does the community college there offer RN prereqs?

The job market depends on location. Having your BSN will give you a leg up on ADN-prepared nurses, but it's certainly no guarantee of job placement. Definitely research the area to which you're looking to attend. You'll have better odds of finding work if you can make connections before and during school that will help when you're on the market. Try to move and establish residency, if possible, where you're looking to attend, as it may impact your tuition costs as well (again, research). It certainly helps to be willing to move to where the jobs are.

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Hi RunbabyRN,

Thank you for the information! Unfortunately, the CRNA programs I'd like to apply to want that CCNE accreditation. It's a little confusing...wondering which school accepts what and why. :( UH Manoa does have CCNE, but they don't have an accelerated BSN program. They are also re-evaluating some of their nursing programs. Job placement of new grads hasn't been stellar--I was told many grads try to remain in the islands, but find that the field just can't support the continued graduating classes locally. The direct entry msn program has been suspended for now, pending program adjustments. University of Hawaii nursing school won't take new students for spring semester - Pacific Business News

Really hoping that TX will be a good move since it has a large populace, many schools and hospitals, and potential job opportunities. I'd like to try to get my CNA, work while taking prereqs, gain residency, and apply to an accelerated BSN. Wonder if anyone knows more about the Nurse Anesthetist program at TTU-Abilene? :cat: Or, the Fasttrack program at UTEP?

Thanks again for the advice RunbabyRN!

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