KVYEng

I will most likely have to redo my chem and biology courses. It's been over 10 years now! Thank you, K

I have both a BS and MS in engineering and want to become a CRNA. I have been looking into accelerated BSN programs. However, I understand that I can get a ADN and then practice for at least one year (critical care preferred) and then apply to a CRNA program if I have a bachelors in a science field. I know that I have to confirm with the CRNA school if engineering is considered a science program, but can someone tell me, with my background, should I still seek an BSN? I will need to continue to work so that I can supporty my family so I thought a ADN would fit better into my life, but I just want to be know if my bachelors is okay. I have had two semesters (plus lab) chemistry and three organic chemistry classes and even took physical chemistry (which was a b!tch) and my biology course (plus lab). Will an ADN suffice? Thank you, KVYEng

I think it's pretty clear now. I'm willing to do the work to get to the goal. Thanks All!

this is great information! i was thinking it would take at least eight years to get to graduation as a crna. thank your for the other suggestions and although the money is always a factor, i'm drawn to be a crna (for several reasons). it's funny how i managed to get an ms in industrial engineering and never really felt that it was right for me. i never even knew that one could be a crna and when i first heard about the job (through working in on an operational improvement project at my hospital), i immediately felt something, but hesitated because i thought it was too late to start. if only i would have started then, i'd probably be down with my bsn by now. and i will never sell! that is not my personality or my desire. thank you, kvyeng

Wow! I never expected this to be such a hot topic. This discussion is eye opening. I wanted to make clear that I am not saying that my other degree can substitute patient care. I am not that ignorant. I am just wondering why can't CRNA schooling include enough (1 years worth of acute care)clinical work before graduation? I appreciate all of the responses, even the ones that were a little nasty. Thank you, KVYEng

Everyone, This is a great resource for a non-clinical person who wants explore being a CRNA more. I am thankful for the opportunity to read all of your advice and comments. I know, admire, and respect every nurse that I have ever worked with or met. It's not that I don't want to be one, like I said, I respect them. To be honest, my goal is to be a CRNA so I just feel a little fakey--like I am using the position to get to my goal. Again, thank you for your responses. You've given me a lot to think about. Sincerely, KVYEng

I have an M.S. in Industrial Engineering and have worked in healthcare (operations improvement) for several years and now know that I want to be a CRNA. I have worked with nurses and respect them, but I just see myself more as a CRNA (with the knowledge that I have between the two). I am planning to return to an accelerated BSN program in the fall. I know that there is a requirement of at least one year of acute care nursing before even applying to CRNA programs. I am already almost 31 so I'm "late", but I am really just trying understand the reasoning behind this...is it really more for experience? Why can't I get experience from being a CRNA? Thank you, KVY