Possible to become an NP or CRNA with a BS in Health Science and ASN in Nursing?

puravidaLV · Jul 13, 2010

Almost all colleges will want experience in an acute care/ icu for CRNA which might kill you right there.

but in either case they will want you to have a BSN

TH0982 · Jul 13, 2010

Thanks cingham!

Yea, I thought it was probably a long shot not to expect a crna to have a bsn and most likely I wouldn't go that route, but I do want to keep my options open. Do you know anything about an NP program?

UVA Grad Nursing · Jul 13, 2010

Some schools will offer a RN-MSN (np specialty) with those with an ADN + BA/BS in another area. Many of these schools will want some practice as a RN before entering a graduate program.

Some other schools require a BSN for entry to NP programs.

Lionesse · Jul 13, 2010

Maybe you should try listing which NP or CRNA programs you want to apply to, and contact the admissions counselors or whoever and ask about your particular case; and/or schedule a meeting. You are making your own path, so it does not hurt to ask about if its a suitable (or even excellent one) for their program(s). :)

puravidaLV · Jul 13, 2010

Thanks cingham!
Yea, I thought it was probably a long shot not to expect a crna to have a bsn and most likely I wouldn't go that route, but I do want to keep my options open. Do you know anything about an NP program?

in most every case they are going to want you to have been practicing as a RN some where, on top of that you'll need a license in what ever state your in to practice as a nurse while in school

. I think the only exception to this is if you've been in a "role" and still are ok to take the nclex, but that is out of the scope of my knowledge.

The only real route I can see around this is if you already have a bachelors in another area of study than do a three year ABSN-MSN program such as : Post Baccalaureate RN to MS Program - TWU College of Nursing - Texas Woman's University

KB24 · Jul 13, 2010

I think you need a BSN and at least 1-2 years of experience in the ICU to apply for CRNA school. I'll ask my friend tomorrow when I see her.

Did you do some search on Accelerated BSN programs for people who have a BS in another field and want to become a nurse? Most ABSN programs are 2 years and are easier to get into than nursing programs at a CC because a lot of people apply at CC and some schools have wait list.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2010

I know at least one school that does not require a BSN prior to pursuing CRNA. You can apply to the program with a non-nursing bachelors and an RN license from an ADN program. However, you do need RN experience in a critical care setting and CCRN certification is highly recommended, among some other requirements like GRE and LoRs, etc. Be prepared to be at the top of your game as well (and I do mean TOP), since CRNA is a very popular and competitive field to enter, particularly when you are entering it without a BSN.

iPink, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2010

First Welcome!

I'm going for an Accelerated BSN, then get some experience before going for the MSN as an NP. My friend is an accountant and wants to finally pursue nursing. She is looking into an Accelerated MSN program. Her reasons is since she already has a graduate degree, she doesn't want to go back to get another bachelors. The AMSN programs she looked at were around 14 months long (and probably more expensive).

Most ABSN programs are around 12-16 months in length and of course more expensive than ADN programs. But, look into some universities that offer the ABSN and start comparing them to ADN programs before making a final decision.

I've met people on Allnurses who have gone straight into an AMSN program and said it was the best decision they've made. As for me, I want experience first before mastering in the field.

I also want to add regarding CRNA programs. I have a family member who is one, and she shared that CRNA schools are extremely competitive.

Good luck on your decision.