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Discussion

RN-MSN looking to be a NP

Hello Everyone!

I just got accepted into a direct-entry MSN program in Illinois! I will be obtaining by RN license in 18 months after taking the NCLEX. At the end, I do plan on gaining bedside experience for a minimum of 18 months- 2 years. My end goal is to become a Nurse Anesthetist. This program I have enrolled is a generalist degree, so how can I go about furthering my education after I have obtained my MSN degree?

Thank you in advance.

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Well your thread title says looking to be NP but you wrote that your end goal is nurse anesthetist. NP & CRNA are 2 totally different Advance practice roles.

  • Expert

Moved to the Advanced Practice Nursing forum.

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If your goal is to be a CRNA, then why do a generalist MSN? You might be better off getting your BSN and then working in ICU or PACU and then applying to a graduate program for CRNA.

If your goal is to be a CRNA, then why do a generalist MSN? You might be better off getting your BSN and then working in ICU or PACU and then applying to a graduate program for CRNA.

Not saying this is the case, but sometimes it's cheaper or more cost efficient for someone who already holds a bachelors degree to do a direct entry masters to become an Rn, because of federal loans etc. just something to consider.

  • Author

Thank you. Yes, after I posted this I did some reading and have come to find out that the two are different roles.

  • Author
Not saying this is the case, but sometimes it's cheaper or more cost efficient for someone who already holds a bachelors degree to do a direct entry masters to become an Rn, because of federal loans etc. just something to consider.

Yes, this is my reasoning since I hold a baccalaureate degree other than nursing. So, are there any schools that accept a non-traditional student like me into CRNA programs?

Yes, this is my reasoning since I hold a baccalaureate degree other than nursing. So, are there any schools that accept a non-traditional student like me into CRNA programs?

Once you get your RN and a couple of years experience in icu, there should be schools will accept you, provided you are competitive (grades, experience, interview, etc. )

But if you mean are there any direct entry programs to crna, I doubt it. I have never heard of any programs that let non rn holding individuals enter their program. I could be wrong of course.

  • Author
Once you get your RN and a couple of years experience in icu, there should be schools will accept you, provided you are competitive (grades, experience, interview, etc. )

But if you mean are there any direct entry programs to crna, I doubt it. I have never heard of any programs that let non rn holding individuals enter their program. I could be wrong of course.

Yes, definitely I don't think there any schools that offer direct entry. That was my thought process so I'll just have to kick-butt in school and get good experience as a RN.

Thank you for your response!

Well I will be applying to CRNA schools in couple months. I know 3 of my friends got accepted in CRNA schools and one already graduated. They all took the same track. ADN than BSN with 2+ years icu experience. I dont see a reason why you should go MSN program than CRNA by actually going to MSN track you just going to make it longer and more expensive for yourself.

Yes, definitely I don't think there any schools that offer direct entry. That was my thought process so I'll just have to kick-butt in school and get good experience as a RN.

Thank you for your response!

I can confirm there are 0 CRNA schools that will accept you with no RN experience. I'm an FNP working in the ER. I was curious about going back to get a CRNA and because I have no ICU experience they all said I likely would not get accepted. So for your sake, if you truly want to go to CRNA school, you must work in the ICU or some other critical care floor, ER doesn't count. You will also need your BSN. Save yourself the MSN, since you have a bachelors degree already, I would look into an accelerated BSN program.

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