Route Guidance for BSN/RN wanting CRNA

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Hello all nurses! Ive read a lot of threads here...in the end I might be more confused! Ill sit for the NCLEX in 2 weeks, and Im very excited (and prepared) for it. Ive always wanted to become a CRNA but struggled financially to even make it where I am now. Well, life has changed (getting married) my spouse has a decent income and can support us if I want to continue my education. So im now looking at pursuing my dreams of becoming a CRNA. :woot:

Ive completed BSN, BLS, ALCS, Diploma of Midwifery, Certificate in EKG reading, Pharmacology & Endotracheal Intubation Course, Certificate on rediatric Nursing and Neonatal Resuscitation, National Certificate II in Caregiving, Certificate in Arterial Blood Collection for arterial blood gas analysis, Certificate of Phlebotomy Course for health care professionals

What path do you guys think will give me the best chance of acceptance for me?

Being in the northern VA area and only minutes from the VCU campus in NO. VA. that would be a dream come true. Im not in a rush however not interested in doing things that aren't going to help out in the long term of course. Im not ruling out ANY school to get this done if I can.

I originally thought to study for MSN online while working to gain 1-2 years of experience before applying for CRNA schools. Would it be a better idea to take some different courses related/geared toward CRNA instead?

Obviously in a competitive application environment I want to do everything I can to stand out. A masters would be awesome but if it proves to be useless Id rather invest the time and effort into what will get me closer to my goals, thanks in advance all nurses! Great site for us to collaborate our thoughts. Thanks to all the re-pliers too! ;o)

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Guys? Am I all alone here? Somebody please chime in...its cold and lonely without any replies to my thread ;o)

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Specializes in SICU.

You're asking in order to get into CRNA school, should you get an MSN degree? No. You should do what all the other threads about becoming a CRNA say you should do. Get killer grades, work in an ICU for a few years, preferably a level 1 trauma center, do good on your GRE and other requirements etc., and apply.

I don't think you got responses to your thread because there isn't really much else to say, unless I'm misunderstanding what you're wanting to know...

Hope this helped.

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Thanks for the reply. I've already graduated with a bunch. My go a is roughly a 3.0. I do plan to apply as a nurse in icu. I was also considering taking a MSN course online mostly evenings and weekends to bolster my resume more and hoping to raise my goal further. Any further comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
Thanks for the reply. I've already graduated with a bunch. My go a is roughly a 3.0. I do plan to apply as a nurse in icu. I was also considering taking a MSN course online mostly evenings and weekends to bolster my resume more and hoping to raise my goal further. Any further comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

I agree with the above advice. Also, if VCU is your goal then you will need to probably raise your GPA. Call or meet with their program director and ask what will have more weight. You may need to enroll into a MSN program and raise your GOA. You can get into a school with a 3.0 but I believe that VCU is highly ranked school and will have a higher average from the students they decide to take.

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Thank you, sorry for the mis type...was replying from my cell phone...meant to say Ive already completed my BSN, and my GPA is 3.0 Going directly to the school and asking what they would like to see sounds like a good idea. If I do decide to go for the MSN what specialty would you think would look good? Perhaps administration? There seems to be a lot of MSN programs out there.

Thanks again guys/(gals)

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Don't waste your money on on-line MSN unless you want to do something other than be a CRNA. It's -been a long time since I went to CRNA school but there were pre-reqs that I had to take while working. I had 8 credits in physics and organic chem. before I applied (they used to be requirements) but I imagine that since class sizes are increasing so much, they've softened the prereqs. Just work at learning all you can while in ICU. Experience is everything and if you want to digest what you've been exposed to any day at work, you'll be plenty busy studying after work.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

If you want to become a better candidate and prepare for CRNA school, increase GPA by taking chemistry (organic) and physics courses. They are often prereqs anyways. CCRN is another great way to show you have the knowledge base and can study. Nothing, I think, replaces ICU experience, (think level 1 trauma)!

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Thanks to all...we are narrowing in now to some specific ideas.

1, Take Chemistry classes (raise GPA)

2. Take Physics classes (raise GPA)

3. Get CCRN cert.

4. Get ICU experience (level 1)

Any other suggestions? I really appreciate it

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Keep us posted on your progress!

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