Nursing school vs. CRNA

Nursing Students SRNA

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Is the CRNA program similar to nursing school? Group projects, lots of research papers, journaling, etc.... Or is it much more science and application-based?

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It really depends on the focus of the program. All of them have core requirements to prepare you. Some might be forward-set on a transition into Doctorate degree, some might offer a Masters in Science, and others Masters in Nursing.

Expect any CRNA program to be extremely rigid in its didactics. C grades are not tolerated, and there is a very very steep learning curve.

Group research projects are common, but expect to be spending pretty much all of your free time studying (trying to stay above water).

Good luck.

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You have to go to nursing school first to become the RN in CRNA....usually at least a year experience in ICU as a RN before you can apply to CRNA school.

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Specializes in Im interested in ob,L&D, crna, and np.

I am wondering the same thing. I hope someone gives us some feedback:wink2:

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There is NO comparison between Nursing School and Anesthesia School. Anesthesia reqiures more work and studying in one week than your entire BSN Program. I am not joking! Once you start you will realize how much you do not know. It depends on which program you attend as to how many papers you will do. The Masters of Science programs are geared more to the science classes and not as many papers.

With Anesthesia School, you better be ready give up everything in your life but anesthesia, for 28 months. I love it and will never regret my decision. It is the BEST profession in the world!

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Specializes in MICU mainly, Now on to anesthesia school.

It is night and day between nursing school and CRNA school. You will have more science that you could ever hope for on day one. The research etc... depends on your program. There are extremes in both directions. If you go to a school that awards an MSN you will likely have nursing theory classes that seem to have obligatory research on irrelevant topics. Other schools expect you to actually conduct your own scientific research. All depends on the school, but the short story is no you won't have to perform nearly as much busy work.

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You have to go to nursing school first to become the RN in CRNA....usually at least a year experience in ICU as a RN before you can apply to CRNA school.

I have already graduated from nursing school (BSN program) but haven't changed my user name.

What I am curious about is the classroom learning experience in the CRNA program. I am more science-minded and during nursing school I loved Pharm and Patho. Interested in hearing what types of things you did during the classroom portion - presentations, journals, research papers vs. how much time was spent learning the applications related to the practice.

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It is night and day between nursing school and CRNA school. You will have more science that you could ever hope for on day one. The research etc... depends on your program. There are extremes in both directions. If you go to a school that awards an MSN you will likely have nursing theory classes that seem to have obligatory research on irrelevant topics. Other schools expect you to actually conduct your own scientific research. All depends on the school, but the short story is no you won't have to perform nearly as much busy work.

Thank you this is very helpful.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE science and I found myself really struggling with the "irrelevant" stuff in nursing school like journaling feelings, nursing theory, busy work, etc... I love to work hard - but I have to find a purpose in what I do. I defintely prefer the purer sciences (chem, math, physics) over the psycho-social sciences (psych).

I have taken General Chem (for science majors) and Org Chem. I plan on taking physics as well. Any other recommendations?

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Specializes in MICU mainly, Now on to anesthesia school.

The Chemistry will serve you well. I would look more towards biochem over organic chem if your school separates them. But the more chemistry the better. Trust me you will have all the science you want. The whole 'trying to drink from a firehose' is very applicable here. Good luck

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