question about NURSE ANESTHETIST

ColtsMom · Dec 3, 2008

I think this is always a Master's level program. I am familiar with the one at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. It requires a BSN and one year of full time nursing practice in ICU.

smartin13 · Dec 3, 2008

The program at my college requires a bsn and 7 years of ICU experience

MB37 · Dec 3, 2008

7? What program is that, exactly? CRNA programs are all at least master's level, with a few now switching to offer a DNAP. The minimum requirements to apply are an RN license; a bachelor's degree - not necessarily in nursing, but many schools require a BSN; and at least one year "acute care" experience (this is usually defined by schools as adult ICU experience, though some will accept PICU/NICU/ER/PACU on a conditional basis). Also, many schools require 2 years experience - it's up to them. I've never heard of 7, but I haven't checked out every school. There are also a few creative programs out there, including at least one that will accept ADN nurses into kind of a bridge program and take them through their BSN and MSN coursework. Go here to investigate requirements and link to accredited programs: http://www.aacn.org/DM/MainPages/AACNHomePage.aspx?enc=9RdxXufgiNKQ0ZMRg/3r954IOInUCizQRXH1LspdNSc=

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 3, 2008

Previous post is correct. CRNA is a graduate degree - with extensive 'internship' required. Many programs are structured as a 'hybrid' program in parntnership with a medical school. It is just about impossible to work during the program. Applicants must have at least 2 years ICU experience (CCRN certification is usually preferred. Acceptance to these programs is extremely competitive.

CRNA curricula includes heavy duty stuff (advanced patho, chemistry & physics)... if you're not keen on hard science, it may be better to look in another direction.

lifesacomedy · Dec 3, 2008

Also, if you go to the "Specialty" tab, then to Advanced Practice, you'll find a forum for CRNA's, SRNA's (CRNA students), and pre-CRNA's. You can do a lot of reading this way and can post questions. This is a field I am considering and this is what I did to find information.

There are also other forums out there where you could go and ask questions and read up

Just some ideas...good luck!

smartin13 · Dec 3, 2008

I'm sorry I don't know where I got seven, I meant one, my brain is fried with finals comming up. Here is a link to the program I was talking about. It even says what classes and how many credits you take. http://nursing.uc.edu/AcademicGraduate/MajorInfo/Anesthesia.htm

back2thebooks · Dec 3, 2008

The program at my college requires a bsn and 7 years of ICU experience

SEVEN years? Wow. Most around this area require 1-2 years. This is my plan as of now...we'll see if things change when I get further into the program/graduate.

ETA: Just read your second posting! LOL I was thinking, MAN! They want some serious experience! LOL

AFree · Dec 3, 2008

THANK YALL FOR THE INPUT! I'm stuck between that and forensic nurse...lol i know complete ends of the sprctrum, right. I will go post there I guess for that question...wondering how "in demand" a forensic nurse is???

AtomicWoman · Dec 3, 2008

Just bear in mind that most CRNA programs are about 30 to 36 months in length. They strongly discourage working while in the program, and with the level of science required, you might find it nearly impossible to work anyway.

Here's some "advice" to applicants on the UMDNJ CRNA website:

http://sn.umdnj.edu/academics/masters/nurseanesthesia/advice.html

Notice it says they are looking for "intense" ICU experience! I think that is pretty typical.

BTW, you might want to consider the military, too. A friend of mine got his CRNA training while in the Navy.

P.S. This is one program where your admissions interview is very important!

AFree · Dec 4, 2008

thamks! my hubby is in the military...not for me! lol but thanks!

Columnist · Dec 4, 2008

Thread moved to Pre-CRNA Forum.