Pathway to CRNA

Nurses Career Support

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Hello,

I'm currently a LVN and applied for RN school, waiting to get accepted. My career goal is to become a CRNA. I feel like I'm so far away from reaching that goal but will try my hardest to reach it. I've looked up a couple schools that offer the program but I'm not sure if I could apply once I have my BSN and at least 1 year critical care experience or if I need to have my MSN before applying to the program? I'm not 100% clear about the steps I need to take to get to my dream. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Specializes in Rheumatology NP.

CRNA now requires a doctorate (DNAP). You will need your BSN, minimum of one year of ICU experience (most will say that is bare minimum, and that is beyond orientation also, although some I've met affiliated with our local anesthesia school advised to apply as soon as the first year is up). You don't need your MSN first. There may be certain prereqs you have to get that you don't get in your nursing program so you will have to check your schools requirements.

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You no longer need your MSN to obtain your DNP. The BSN-DNP route has been created. DNAP is different than a DNP, DNP is more credible in the nursing profession and holds more weight if you wish to become involved in academia. You can absolutely apply after one year of critical care experience, I don't recommend it but, if you know CRNA is what you want to do then go for it. Get exceptional grades in nursing school, as becoming a CRNA is becoming more and more competitive. If you plan to apply with such little experience then you will need a high GPA to back you up.

I am in a DNP program, did not have the highest GPA but had a pretty diverse and strong background in critical care. I was accepted and now am loving CRNA school and how challenging it is. GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in ICU.

Thank you so much for the insight

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Some of your other questions were answered above, however I just wanted to add that one of the best things you can do to start creating your "path" would be to look into the schools you think you may want to attend, and see what they specifically require in order to apply. Don't be afraid to attend info sessions or webinars, and reach out to the programs to ask them how you can set yourself apart! Otherwise it sounds like you are on the right path!

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