NP vs. CRNA acceptance

TraumaNurse · Dec 15, 2005

CRNA admission does have more requirements than the NP programs. The GPA requirement may or may not be higher but CRNA programs require critical care experience prior to admission. Some CRNA programs also require extra chemistry, organic chem or physics which is not a requirement of other NP programs.

That said, getting a few B's in your science courses does not mean you will not be competitive for CRNA school. If the rest of your grades are good with a decent overall GPA, you get good critical care experience and do well on the admissions exam, then you should be in a good position to apply to anesthesia school.

Phishininau · Dec 15, 2005

I just got a CRNA acceptance with a 3.5, 1280 GRE (580 Verbal/700 Quantitative), 1.5 yrs very busy CC experience (Swans, IABP, Vasoactives, Post-ops, lots of septics), and an interview.

I am sure some of my numbers are below average, at least the GPA and experience are for sure. Also of note, I, like many others on here, had to work full time in school. I let them know about that and I believe it was taken into account. I also have two BS degrees (Education/Nursing) and ACLS, PALS, TNCC certs.

jabsmom · Dec 16, 2005

NP and CRNA are VERY different! I have worked as an NP for the past 11 years...it has served a great puprose and helped me reach goals and milestones. Shadow both Advance practices if you are unsure at this point which one you want to pursue.

Good luck on your decision!

allnurses Guide · Dec 12, 2007

Are the guidelines for becoming accepted to NP program easier than getting into a CRNA school. I made a couple of B's on my science classes and really think they may hinder my chances of being accepted. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

It is much easier to get into an NP school! The ease of getting into NP school has a lot to do with there being more NP schools than CRNA schools. In general there are more stringent requirements to get into CRNA school.

gray888 · Dec 13, 2007

I just got a CRNA acceptance with a 3.5, 1280 GRE (580 Verbal/700 Quantitative), 1.5 yrs very busy CC experience (Swans, IABP, Vasoactives, Post-ops, lots of septics), and an interview.
I am sure some of my numbers are below average, at least the GPA and experience are for sure. Also of note, I, like many others on here, had to work full time in school. I let them know about that and I believe it was taken into account. I also have two BS degrees (Education/Nursing) and ACLS, PALS, TNCC certs.

Where did you get accepted to school for your CRNA?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2007

I've looked into noth of these and PA and NP is by far the easiest to get into. Which doesn't actually thrill me, necessarily.

krzysiu · Dec 14, 2007

Have a friend who graduated from Rosalind Franklin's PA school in my area. If I am not mistaken, I think the school gets over 1000 apps for a very limited number of seats. Kinda intimidating.

HaleyRN01 · Oct 14, 2011

Any suggestions on NP schools. I have applied to several and have not been accepted. I have 13 years experience, and a GPA of 3.5. Would appreciate any feedback!