ChillLHI

School is difficult and it will push you mentally to places you did not know you could go. The stress will literally eat away at you if you don't have a support system but to answer your question, yes. The relationship will change completely because now you are part of the family. You will be representing MTSA everywhere you go in town. You will receive nothing but support from faculty members. You don't have to worry about seeking mentorship because it will be provided for you. You will have a mentor who is a faculty member and upperclassman. It's truly a family at MTSA especially with your classmates. I love my group and the clinical sites are decided by a clinical coordinator. It will be organized, and laid out in detail. No worries about clinical.

My clinical experience thus far has been great and yes, I've had ample opportunities to do procedures. Just remember when you start out, that's not going to be happen. Your main focus is mastering anesthesia (especially your induction/emergence phase) because you're getting paid to wake people up. Putting people asleep is the easy part. The program is a mixture; you will start with only didactic then the 3rd semester you will transition into an integrated program where you have class & clinical. By the 6th semester you will be a full clinical student with no more classes. In these phase, some hospitals you will have you run your own cases by yourself (which is an amazing opportunity).

I'm currently in the program. In 2 months - I am starting my senior year. I can't give you much advice about the NEW interview process because it has changed. Before it was very serious, a bit scary and the interviewers DRILLED applicants to determine how much clinical application/knowledge they knew. However last year it was changed. Now it's all about emotional intelligence and selling yourself during the interview. It's okay to be nervous but don't let it over take you (remember these are just people who once had to go through the same process). Secondly, if they happen to ask you a clinical question and you really don't know it. Just try to give the best answer but also state "I don't know". CRNA school isn't for people who are arrogant and "think" they have all the answers. It's for individual with a certain level of drive and determination, but also are very aware of their limitations/weakness. If you can't identify those aspects of yourself - how would you ever know when you're in a critical situation in the OR. You're responsible for that person on the table. You are the leader in the room during a crisis. Lastly, just be yourself ? Good luck!

No problem! Also, nope I’m not applying :) I have been in the program for almost 2 years. Starting my senior year in the next couple of months.

Hi Snobel444! They are probably doing things differently this year due to COVID-19. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just remain positive and focus on how you're going to rock your interview if you are chosen. There are 70 seats (Which is ALOT compared to most schools). Also, there will be people who will decline their acceptance to MTSA. Every year there is ALWAYS multiple people who are accepted into the program from the waitlist.