Possible get into without a science degree?

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Hi everyone,

Here is my situation:

I have a BA in accounting, MA in Business Administration. Currently I'm in an ADN program and expect to graduate in one year.

I'm thinking, if I decide to go for CRNA later, Can I get in without a BSN degree?

I understand most programs prefer Bachelor's degree in Science/eg Chemistry, Biology, if not BSN. Is it possible for me to take as many as Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc) classes as possible to make up the deficit?

I really have no interest in getting a BSN, as ADN sufficiently allows me to work as an RN. Though I graduate from business major, I'm pretty strong at Science subjects. (I took not a few science classes and got all As).

But I do not intend to get a BS degree in Chemistry or Biology either. Just want to take as many classes as possible. I also enjoy taking these classes as my personal interest. In this situation, is it possible for me to go for CRNA program later on?

thanks

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Specializes in SICU--CRNA 2010.

I'm pretty sure you either need a BSN or Bachelors in another science. Check with the programs you are interested in applying to and see what they say.

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

Why not look into an Accelerated BSN degree? Since you already have a bachelor's degree, you can do an accelerated program (typically 60 hours in 3 or 4 semesters -- yes 20 hours/semester in most programs!). That's half the time to an ADN and you'll have a BSN when you're done!

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I would definitely look at an accelerated BSN for people with a previous BA or BS. Your MBA would make you a more competitive candidate. You would finish faster then at an AD, have a BSN and start gaining experience and a paycheck much sooner. I attended a program with 1 MBA 2 psych majors and lots of other backgrounds. You might find that this type of program is tailored to your learning style. The wait for AD programs is often a turn off.

Good Luck

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.

I've never heard of a program you can get into without a BSN. Seems like thats kind of a big deal for admission lol

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I agree with the others: go through an Accelerated BSN program. You can get your BSN very quickly, and save a lot of time. I just finished going through one, and I am very happy I did it this way. I will be starting in a cardiac ICU, and then I will apply to nurse anesthetist schools in a year of two.

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Specializes in CRNA.

I have a different take on this. You are already in the ADN program, so finish that. There are many programs you can consider without a BSN, they all do have specific science course requirements that you will have to meet. About half of nurse anesthesia programs are MSN programs, and most of those (but not all) will require a BSN. But about half of nurse anesthesia programs are MS programs, not in nursing. Check those out and you'll have a lot of options to consider. A BSN is not absolutely necessary to become a CRNA.

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

Sorry, didn't realize that you are already in an ADN program! Okay, so the Accelerated BSN isn't really an option at this point...

Many schools do accept applicants that don't have a BSN. Unfortunately, they do still require a science related major (BS) degree (I don't think I've ever seen a BA listed as acceptable for CRNA school...but I could be wrong). Usually, those schools will specify that the major must be chemistry or biology or something related.

So, best thing to do would be to contact program directors of those schools you are interested in and just ask them. Explain your situation, and ask them for guidance on how you can become a competitive applicant for their program.

The last option, of course, is to complete the BSN while you are completing your minimum 1 year of experience requirement. Really, the RN/BSN online programs are not difficult, but can be time consuming, but they are easily completed while working full time and can easily be done in 3 semesters.

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You don't say where you live or would be willing to move to. I agree with others, an ABSN program would have been your best bet - but since you went the ADN route, you'll have to do a lot of research to determine what's available to you in your area. Having a BSN gives you the most options when applying to CRNA programs, and you may decide to get one eventually, either while gaining your critical care experience or after your application is rejected a couple of times. I've read the entrance requirements of all the schools in FL, and neither of my top choice schools (Barry and USF) specifically require a BSN. They "consider applicants with a non-science bachelor's on a case-by-case basis." You may have a harder time getting in, so your nursing and science GPAs better be as close to 4.0 as possible to prove you can handle the work. Understand that you will probably have to explain to an admissions committee WHY you chose not to get a BSN, and why your previous experience in the business world makes you a better candidate than someone who did.

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