CRNA Program without BSN/RN?

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hi all-

My first post, to inquire about something I've been having trouble finding by on my own.

I know there are some CRNA schools that accept students without a BSN or RN, but I have been having trouble finding them online. None of the CRNA program search engines I have found have a search criteria for 'degree required' or something of that sort.

I transferred from a nursing school to another school as a biology student. In my nursing curriculum, I completed a med-surg clinical, as well as all the courses required before it (2 semesters of anatomy and phys., Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, health assesment, etc.) At my new University, I have completed two semesters of Organic chemistry, Physics, and several physiology related biology courses.

So, I am also wondering if my background in Nursing education, in addition to the advanced courses I have taken to complete my degree in biology will make me a desirable candidate. I anticipate to graduate with a GPA of approximately 3.3/4.0 scale.

Really, I am looking for a way to find schools that will do a direct entry into a CRNA program, without a BSN. I have heard of some schools offering a one year BSN program for those with another bachelors degree, giving a year of experience in their university hospital ICU/ER, and then admission into the CRNA program.

Any help here is appreciated. Thanks all,

-Tombot

Specializes in Anesthesia.

Hey there...I hate to burst your bubble but there are no Nurse Anesthesia programs that allow non-nurses in, even with your background. As a CRNA, your liscense is through your states Nursing Board. You must first have a nursing liscense prior to becoming an advanced practice nurse such as a CRNA, NP, etc.... There is a profession called Anesthesia Assistant (AA) which is similar to that of a PA and requires similar classes to that of which you have undertaken, however your scope is limited to the OR (i think). I don't know too much about their profession so i will refrain from talking about it.

You are right though, there are in-fact accelerated programs to obtain your BSN in usually 16months....I believe you must have a prior 4 year degree though in something. Good luck in your path...

Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
Hi all-

My first post, to inquire about something I've been having trouble finding by on my own.

I know there are some CRNA schools that accept students without a BSN or RN, but I have been having trouble finding them online. None of the CRNA program search engines I have found have a search criteria for 'degree required' or something of that sort.

I transferred from a nursing school to another school as a biology student. In my nursing curriculum, I completed a med-surg clinical, as well as all the courses required before it (2 semesters of anatomy and phys., Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, health assesment, etc.) At my new University, I have completed two semesters of Organic chemistry, Physics, and several physiology related biology courses.

So, I am also wondering if my background in Nursing education, in addition to the advanced courses I have taken to complete my degree in biology will make me a desirable candidate. I anticipate to graduate with a GPA of approximately 3.3/4.0 scale.

Really, I am looking for a way to find schools that will do a direct entry into a CRNA program, without a BSN. I have heard of some schools offering a one year BSN program for those with another bachelors degree, giving a year of experience in their university hospital ICU/ER, and then admission into the CRNA program.

Any help here is appreciated. Thanks all,

-Tombot

So you have like 1 semester of nursing school? Why did you leave? Of course you cannot find a CRNA program that doesn't require an RN, it's in the name. Sounds like you are looking for AA school. There are at least a few schools for that and you can work in like 15 states or so.

Specializes in ICU.
Hi all-

My first post, to inquire about something I've been having trouble finding by on my own.

I know there are some CRNA schools that accept students without a BSN or RN,

-Tombot

CRNA Stands for Certified REGISTERED NURSE Anesthetist. Not Certified BIOLOGIST Anesthetist. You need to be a nurse first. Like the poster above said, you might want to consider AA. Or just go to med school. You biology degree will be heplful.

Hi all-

My first post, to inquire about something I've been having trouble finding by on my own.

I know there are some CRNA schools that accept students without a BSN or RN, but I have been having trouble finding them online. None of the CRNA program search engines I have found have a search criteria for 'degree required' or something of that sort.

I transferred from a nursing school to another school as a biology student. In my nursing curriculum, I completed a med-surg clinical, as well as all the courses required before it (2 semesters of anatomy and phys., Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, health assesment, etc.) At my new University, I have completed two semesters of Organic chemistry, Physics, and several physiology related biology courses.

So, I am also wondering if my background in Nursing education, in addition to the advanced courses I have taken to complete my degree in biology will make me a desirable candidate. I anticipate to graduate with a GPA of approximately 3.3/4.0 scale.

Really, I am looking for a way to find schools that will do a direct entry into a CRNA program, without a BSN. I have heard of some schools offering a one year BSN program for those with another bachelors degree, giving a year of experience in their university hospital ICU/ER, and then admission into the CRNA program.

Any help here is appreciated. Thanks all,

-Tombot

As everyone has said, there are no schools that allow entry to the program without RN, and most require BSN, although some will accept other bachelor's in science if you are already a nurse. This is per the council on accredidation standards, not school specific really. I can also tell you this for sure as I took the entire list of all programs in the U.S. and evaluated them to decide where I wanted to go.

Yes you can do an accelerated BSN, but you will still have to have your critical care background prior to acceptance into a program. You will also be able to bring up your gpa some while in nursing school. Although the minimum is usally 3.0, most applicants are in the 3.6+ range-from what I have seen anyway.

There is one school in which you have described where you get your bachelor's they allow you one year to work, then get into their program. I believe that it is Columbia. However, I have also heard that many people are unable to complete the program as specified b/c they can not get the ICU experience needed in the time frame they need d/t there are no available jobs in their units. I can't imagine that many of the units would want to hire a nurse when they knew they would only have them for a year.

good luck to you.

Specializes in ICU, Telemetry, Cardiac/Renal, Ortho,FNP.

Like the others have said there is NO WAY that you can be in a CRNA program w/o an RN. Maybe w/o a BSN b/c there are APN RN-MSN programs with a CRNA track but you still have to have a license. I have zero experience as an RN, but even with a license and minimal nursing degree, BS degree and Professional Doctorate is doesn't impress the nursing crowd at all. What impresses them is not education but experience; real experience. So I'd tell you get your BSN-RN. Why? B/c every other experienced nurse getting in those programs probably has one AND extensive knowledge.

As others have stated, the Anesthesiologist Assistant program is a better route for you if you want to pass gas. Many of those just need good grades and a BS.

Good luck.

To everyone so far;

What I was referring to is a program like Columbia's combined BSN/MSN program. They offer the 16 month accelerated BSN, and then guaranteed entry into one of their MSN programs. For those interested in CRNA, following graduation from BSN, they provide you with an ICU position for one year, and then hold a spot in the Nurse Anesthesia program.

So, to clarify- yes, you cannot become a CRNA without the RN part. But I am referring to programs such as Columbia's- programs that will see you through the process from BSN, to ICU experience, CRNA education and certification.

I hope this clears up any confusion.

Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
To everyone so far;

What I was referring to is a program like Columbia's combined BSN/MSN program. They offer the 16 month accelerated BSN, and then guaranteed entry into one of their MSN programs. For those interested in CRNA, following graduation from BSN, they provide you with an ICU position for one year, and then hold a spot in the Nurse Anesthesia program.

So, to clarify- yes, you cannot become a CRNA without the RN part. But I am referring to programs such as Columbia's- programs that will see you through the process from BSN, to ICU experience, CRNA education and certification.

I hope this clears up any confusion.

Gotcha. I hear Columbia does a program that fits your description.

So you have like 1 semester of nursing school? Why did you leave? Of course you cannot find a CRNA program that doesn't require an RN, it's in the name. Sounds like you are looking for AA school. There are at least a few schools for that and you can work in like 15 states or so.

Why I left nursing school- I was on a full scholarship for Athletics at an expensive, private Catholic school. They cut the program, ergo, they cut my scholarship. I moved back home to finish school and help out my family during some tough times. The University I transferred to originally told me I had been accepted into the nursing program, but later was told they were not accepting transfers. Long story short, I switched to Biology. After 2 years of debating a different route (specifically, ecological research) I decided I want to be back in nursing, and pursue CRNA (which was my original intended career path in nursing school). I am hoping my background in Nursing, combined with a biology degree that entails a more difficult course load, will help my acceptance probability to one of the combined BSN/MSN programs. My nursing school GPA was about 2.9, and I intend to graduate from Biology with at least a 3.3

Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

Why I left nursing school- I was on a full scholarship for Athletics at an expensive, private Catholic school. They cut the program, ergo, they cut my scholarship. I moved back home to finish school and help out my family during some tough times. The University I transferred to originally told me I had been accepted into the nursing program, but later was told they were not accepting transfers. Long story short, I switched to Biology. After 2 years of debating a different route (specifically, ecological research) I decided I want to be back in nursing, and pursue CRNA (which was my original intended career path in nursing school). I am hoping my background in Nursing, combined with a biology degree that entails a more difficult course load, will help my acceptance probability to one of the combined BSN/MSN programs. My nursing school GPA was about 2.9, and I intend to graduate from Biology with at least a 3.3

Columbia is the only one I have heard of. I would call and ask them what there avg accepted student has for stats. I would think they are dang near a 4.0 for a program that guarantees acceptance to their CRNA school, but only they can tell you for sure. Just saying that anesthesia school is competitive and a 3.3 plus your 2.9 would be on the low end of avg GPAs being accepted. But call and check with their PD.

There has also been some discussion about the one-year only requirement - how practicing crnas do not feel that that is adequate and really a disservice to the profession. Is that a year off of orientation and taking your own pts ? There is so much to learn , a year really isn't enough according to what many of them say. That is what I have read though. Remember getting in and out of any program is great but u want to ensure that the program is top quality and preparing you to be an independent practioner. If you haven't experienced an infrequent complication then you may be a little weaker than your more experienced icu nurses prior to school. I hear stories of how the low experienced icu rn turned crna could not identify an intraop mi to the detriment of the Pt as they had never seen one before. It is this type of exposure that you need in your icu time that they expect you to have prior to school. Just saying everyone needs to eval their school choices carefully and what makes a strong crna at the end of it .

Good luck !

I don't know if this will help years later but Union University in Tennessee offers this option 

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