Question about applying and grad school classes

[piratenurse0226]

Hey all, this post is generally directed for those who have applied to ECU's nurse anesthesia program.

A quick overview, I am just hitting my one year mark on a CTICU unit and after applying and hopefully being accepted I would have 2 years CTICU exp prior to entry. I was an LPN in the Army for 5 years with exp in an ICU setting in a combat zone. I graduated from ECU with a 3.7 GPA, aced all my A/P classes, micro, statistics, patho, and pharm classes. Excelled in nursing school and was on various committees (know a lot of schools like that). On my unit I'm also on the safety committee as secretary. I'm planning on taking my CCRN in Feb right before I submit my application and will also have my PALS and ACLS.

My question is that I've been talking to the director of the program and been trying to get into some of the ECU core classes so that I may have a head start if I get accepted. She regretfully informed me that she had no spots available for those who are not in the program but if accepted he will try to get me a few classes if possible.

I know taking grad level classes helps but if it doesn't apply to your overall graduation is it worth it? Some classes are upwards of 1K and I feel if I aced my A/P classes which the director says is a big deal would it be worth it? Would it make me less a candidate if I didn't take grad level classes? Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers!

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

I don't know about that particular program but in general it always makes you look better if you excel in grad level phys or pathophys, etc. It also helps in school as people seem to have trouble with phys. At least that is what I have heard. I have also been trying to find a trad level class that isn't extremely expensive but the cheapest is 1500. I have seen up to 5 grand. Its crazy.