Start to finish becoming a male crna? Military vs Civilian

[rncharlie]

Alright basically im just graduating highschool. I want to end up finally achieving crna status within my nursing career. Now my question is step by step what is the best route for me to take?

And i want to know the same route but the difference in going through military vs civilian attending college? and if i was to go the military route is it ethical to continue become a crna after achieving my asn? im just asking that question because i know you are drastically paid less and they want to keep you for extra years. So if i can get some people to clear that up and i can get a generally idea on whats the most logical thing to do. Much appreciation for any feedback.

sincerely, a inspiring crna

[STERLING684]

i hate to burst your bubble, but you have a good six to seven years before you will ever apply to a crna program. as far as trying to obtain your crna with an adn, well that is impossible. you should be taking this time and concentrate on getting into a bsn program and graduating among the top of your class. after graduating comes, your next hurdle will be getting critical care experience.

all of your other questions can be answered on the crna specialty page and military page… good luck!

[rncharlie]

Not trying to become a crna with adn maybe i should of reworded that i ment from adn to crna the whole thing including all the steps inbetween , but with that said i see the difficulty and appreciate the feedback.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Not trying to become a crna with adn maybe i should of reworded that i ment from adn to crna the whole thing including all the steps inbetween , but with that said i see the difficulty and appreciate the feedback.

I do not believe any branch of the armed forces will accept you as nurse with an ADN. The basic problem is that you cannot get your commission into the nurse corps with an ADN - a bachelor's degree is required. Additionally, the present nursing surplus has made the competition for nursing commissions very stiff. I think there is a thread here on AN that talks about this.

One alternative would be for you to enlist in the National Guard - with your ADN you would start as an E-3 (or at least that's the way it used to be) and after basic, get your MOS as a medic (68W). Working as an Army medic would give you some valuable experience in patient care and you could then concentrate on getting your BSN. With the BSN, you would be a position to get a direct commission and a nursing assignment. Your subsequent experience as a military nurse would be needed for admission into a CRNA program. Another benefit is that the military should provide tuition assistance, both for the BSN and for grad school if you elect to stay in. Another option would be to simply go to college and join ROTC - there may even be scholarship money for you in this. You would need to put your time in the service after graduation but you need nursing experience for admission to a CRNA program anyway. No matter what, it's a tough road though.

Not trying to discourage you but you need to be realistic about the time and energy needed to go from high school grad to credentialed CRNA. Best of luck to you.