Required GPA

Published

Specializes in ICU, oncology, orthopedics, med/surge.

I'm currently in an accelerated BSN program and finding that it's harder to maintain my 4.0 GPA than my prereqs courses. I'm worried that by sticking with the accl program, my GPA won't be good enough to apply to CRNA schools. Anyone here could tell what GPA norm is to be accepted? As it is, I think I'll b lucky if I can manage a 3.5

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

heehee-

Long answer- Do a search for a thread called GPA, GRE, ETC and you will find that GPA isn't the only thing that gets you an interview. I'll admit that it is important to get the best grades you can, but less for becoming an SRNA (not a CRNA until you pass boards:wink2: ) than to apply that knowledge in practice for your patients. Your goal at this stage is to absorb all you can in completion of a BSN, as the knowlege will allow you to gain employment into a critical care area, where you get to learn a WHOLE lot more. A 3.5 GPA is acceptable to most programs, especially if your hard sciences (A&P, Chem, Etc.) are higher (the schools recalculate your GPA, which can be humbling). Once you are through your BSN, immerse yourself in critical care and try to become a resource for other nurses- the best way to learn something is to be able to teach it. Keep your eyes on the overriding goal of becoming an SRNA and don't go into critical care with the "I just need to do my time" prison-like attitude. You will find that opportunities like committee work, certifications, and inservicing other nurses will be open to you, and trust me these things look great on a CV. I have had 5 years of critical care, My GPA is above 3.5 overall, but LESS than 3.5 in the sciences. I have a respectable but not stellar GRE, and hold multiple additional certifications. I start in the Fall of '07 at a "top ten" school.

Short answer- GPA in the 3.5 range is ok.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, oncology, orthopedics, med/surge.
heehee-

Long answer- Do a search for a thread called GPA, GRE, ETC and you will find that GPA isn't the only thing that gets you an interview. I'll admit that it is important to get the best grades you can, but less for becoming an SRNA (not a CRNA until you pass boards:wink2: ) than to apply that knowledge in practice for your patients. Your goal at this stage is to absorb all you can in completion of a BSN, as the knowlege will allow you to gain employment into a critical care area, where you get to learn a WHOLE lot more. A 3.5 GPA is acceptable to most programs, especially if your hard sciences (A&P, Chem, Etc.) are higher (the schools recalculate your GPA, which can be humbling). Once you are through your BSN, immerse yourself in critical care and try to become a resource for other nurses- the best way to learn something is to be able to teach it. Keep your eyes on the overriding goal of becoming an SRNA and don't go into critical care with the "I just need to do my time" prison-like attitude. You will find that opportunities like committee work, certifications, and inservicing other nurses will be open to you, and trust me these things look great on a CV. I have had 5 years of critical care, My GPA is above 3.5 overall, but LESS than 3.5 in the sciences. I have a respectable but not stellar GRE, and hold multiple additional certifications. I start in the Fall of '07 at a "top ten" school.

Short answer- GPA in the 3.5 range is ok.

First.. Congratulations on your acceptance and thank you for your input.. I hope to say the same in the (near) future. I guess I'm worried because RN school is the most intense schooling I've ever had. My program allows me the option to get an MSN immediately after the BSN, which I intend to do. If what you say is true, then the extra degree in nursing should help. For the time being, I'll try to absorb as much as I can.

Thanks again. Where are you going for your CRNA degree?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

You need at least a 5.0 to get into anesthesia school - but a 6.2 is preferable.

Man - why does everyone seem to think that you need a 4.0 to get in? You are getting some poor advice there. If you have a 3.5 and above and a year of experience at a busy ICU with lots of pressors and swans you'll get in no problem. If your GPA is a below 3.5 you *might* need more experience or not. It all depends who you are competing with at the time you apply. I had a pretty high GPA and less than one year of ICU (my only nursing experience) and got into every program that applied to.

-S

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.
You need at least a 5.0 to get into anesthesia school - but a 6.2 is preferable.

Man - why does everyone seem to think that you need a 4.0 to get in? You are getting some poor advice there. If you have a 3.5 and above and a year of experience at a busy ICU with lots of pressors and swans you'll get in no problem. If your GPA is a below 3.5 you *might* need more experience or not. It all depends who you are competing with at the time you apply. I had a pretty high GPA and less than one year of ICU (my only nursing experience) and got into every program that applied to.

-S

LOL, I have spent countless hours trying to explain to people it is not all about the GPA...

I agree with your advice it sounds dead on for where I am from. From someone who has gotten in, I would be more worried about the interview than my GPA. A good GPA can get you in the door faster but the interview is what gets you an acceptance letter.

If you are still in school just get the best grades you can. Not getting a 4.0 is not the end of your career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion