I'm a junior in nursing school...and I'm 25 (spent some time in corporate america before I decided on nursing) --- this means I'll be 27 3/4 when I graduate with my BSN and my goal is to become a CRNA.
I'm noticing that some programs require up to two years of intensive care experience while others only require one year of experience. Also, as far as the CRNA program itself...I'm seeing them range up to 36 months!!!
Does anyone know the SHORTEST crna program out there? Are there any programs out there that transition directly from the undergrad level?
I heard its almostimpossible to get into crna school. Is that true?
Oh good lord people! it WILL be impossible if you NEVER APPLY because you think it's impossible. . .
I know rejection is horrible and sometimes you just would rather not try, but come one! if you want it bad enough you will do whatever is necessary to get in. I say all this with a smile
I'm 32 (dang, that looks old when I typ it!), and finishing my first semester of a 30month program. I had just under 2 yrs ICU experience when I started the program, so about 18months or so when I interviewed.
Get good grades or take some classes to improve grades if you're completed a degree already. Get good experience. You will need it! Do good in GRE. Get CCRN, ACLS, PALS for sure. I don't know what the magic number of yrs experience is. It's different for everybody and for every school, and by that I mean there is no magic number. Once you have a yr, or when you know you will have a yr by the time a prospective program would start, of experience you can apply. I say this all the time, but really, the worst that can happen is you don't get an interview, but all your stuff is together and ready for then next year when you have another yr of experience behind you and you are an even better candidate. If you keep telling yourself you can't do it then you are right, because you'll never do it.
Good luck! study/work hard. Shadow some CRNAs, decide if you really want to do it and then start taking the steps you need to get there --CRNA school or whatever it is you want to do.
and my goal is to become a CRNA.
My_brain_hurts
135 Posts
Oh good lord people! it WILL be impossible if you NEVER APPLY because you think it's impossible. . .
I know rejection is horrible and sometimes you just would rather not try, but come one! if you want it bad enough you will do whatever is necessary to get in. I say all this with a smile
I'm 32 (dang, that looks old when I typ it!), and finishing my first semester of a 30month program. I had just under 2 yrs ICU experience when I started the program, so about 18months or so when I interviewed.
Get good grades or take some classes to improve grades if you're completed a degree already. Get good experience. You will need it! Do good in GRE. Get CCRN, ACLS, PALS for sure. I don't know what the magic number of yrs experience is. It's different for everybody and for every school, and by that I mean there is no magic number. Once you have a yr, or when you know you will have a yr by the time a prospective program would start, of experience you can apply. I say this all the time, but really, the worst that can happen is you don't get an interview, but all your stuff is together and ready for then next year when you have another yr of experience behind you and you are an even better candidate. If you keep telling yourself you can't do it then you are right, because you'll never do it.
Good luck! study/work hard. Shadow some CRNAs, decide if you really want to do it and then start taking the steps you need to get there --CRNA school or whatever it is you want to do.