Questions about BSN requirement for Nurse Anesthesia Programs

[mylovemyway]

Hi all, I am new to this forum and interested in pursuing a career as a Nurse Anesthetist but I am pretty confused. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone can help me.

I currently have a B.A. in Psychology only. I've looked up the requirements for Nurse Anesthesia programs and it states that I need a BSN. Therefore, I am currently looking to obtain a BSN. However, I was wondering if an entry level MSN will also enable me to apply to a Nurse Anesthesia program, for example, the one offered at Kaiser Permanente's School of Anesthesia (Kaiser Permanente - School of Anesthesia). If I completed the EL-MSN at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF Nursing

) or the M.S.N./Master's Entry Clinical Nurse at UCLA (UCLA School of Nursing), would I also have a BSN? Or will I just have a MSN with no BSN?

I've thought about applying to an accelerated BSN program, and forgetting the EL-MSN. However, the EL-MSN program only takes a year or so longer than an accelerated BSN program, and I thought it might be a good idea to get a MSN instead of a BSN, so I'd have more options in case I change my mind about becoming a Nurse Anesthetist.

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Thank you for reading.

[howsoon]

I've wondered this also. Interested in other's input.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

I think the reason they say BSN is because there is specific classes they want you to have:

An advanced pathophysiology

Statistics

Health Assessment

You may not necessarily get those specific classes depending on the master's program you attend. An entry level nursing degree does not require them. It really depends on the program you are going to go to.

Many BSN programs typically include them in their curriculum.

BTW, so many people state they are going for their CRNA, but few actually know anything about it prior to entry in the nursing field. I would not already be committed absolutely to a CRNA if you have not been exposed to it.

It involves on call, weekends, a lot of liability, etc. There is a CRNA forum on here though that you can get more information. I thought it's what I wanted to do someday when I entered LVN school, the dollar signs were in my eyes as they are in so many peoples. Usually if a career is high paying though, there is a reason for it. In my RN program I got to witness a CRNA's job....completely boring honestly, and that stress of things possibly going wrong at any minute...eh not for me.

[Class2011]

Nice post Nicki. Most people who end up having 2nd thoughts never bother to post why. Thank you.

All schools require a Bachelor's degree and a valid nursing license.

Most schools prefer a BS degree over a BA because it is science based study

Many schools require a BSN because they want you to have nursing theory too

Most MSN programs will require a BSN for the same reason--nursing theory

Some MSN programs integrate BSN theory in and award a BSN mid-program

All schools have their own particular requirements; contact the school

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Class2011 is 100% correct; admissions requirements will vary by school. Most programs require a BSN degree, some will accept a ADN-prepared RN with a BS in another discipline.

You will also find that the course prerequisites will also vary by school. I have seen some that want 2 years of college-level chemistry (1 year of General plus a year of Organic), others may not require any chemistry.