Direct-Entrty Anesthesia Programs

roxannekkb · Jun 4, 2003

I went to a BSN program, and we only had 2 years of clinical rotation, no summers. Plus clinical was only 2 days a week, with a lot of that time taken up with meetings and not a whole lot of patient contact. I went to a school that was very highly rated by the NLN, so apparently, they thought it was great training! So I don't think the program being discussed is really offering any less clinical time that most BSN programs offer.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2003

I know my program is very clinically based, we have clinical 3 days a week for 6 hours each and have class all day Monday and Tuesday. Of course, we still have some stupid fluff classes (like Community Health and Nursing Leadership) but for the most part they really tried to make it streamlined. I agree with Loisane, I think that direct entry anesthetia program is very forward thinking. I wonder if the graduates of that program are having any difficulty finding jobs though.

DashEFX · Jun 5, 2003

Brenna's Dad- did you diploma of nursing curriculum have ONLY nursing courses in the 6 semesters? If so that is interesting and I would imagine hellish with 5/6 courses each.

Either way, I definitely think its possible for someone to learn and retain alot of information in 12-16 months. (i know i have). I guess that's why its called accelerated and why the programs are so selective. Furthermore, most BSN programs are NOT like Brenna's dad...and are over 4 years with summer breaks where alot of students are not necessarily doing clinical internships or whatever. So, in my eyes the education is equivalent.

Anyway, these accelerated programs are not uncommon in many fields. Several schools have BA/MD programs in 6 years...when people have to normally do it in 8 seperately. Similarly there are BS/MSE engineering programs done in 4 when it would take 6 to do it seperately. I think if people have the drive and the ability...why not?

DashEFX · Jun 5, 2003

I SERIOUSLY doubt a CRNA from Columbia U regardless of whether they did direct entry, masters only or post-masters is having a problem finding a job LOL. Again this is the snob in me talking...but first of all the number of programs in NY are limited AND I bet a MSN from an ivy league institution will not hurt an applicant. But again this is just speculation.

G'town has not graduated a class from their direct entry program yet.

smiling_ru · Jun 5, 2003

It appears that the acute care requirement is still being met by both programs. So, how much time does it really save?

You still have 1 year of experience and 24-?? months of anesthesia school, as well as 16 months? (do you have to go that long in both programs before you start the specialty?)

That is a little over four years, which is longer than someone who had a BS, went to an ADN program, worked for one year and then went to anesthesia school.

So, where is the time saver? (unless someone had their heart set on an MSN with anesthesia certificate, in which case a BSN would be required for entry)

I SERIOUSLY doubt that ANY CRNA will have a problem finding a job, there are more jobs than people right now.

DashEFX · Jun 5, 2003

I am not sure I understand the question. But neither program is past 3.5 years from what I have read. Columbia has something during the phase I (BSN) portion of the program called residency that is taken in lieu of the year of acute care required. Perhaps that is how the time is cut down.

nilepoc · Jun 5, 2003

Ok, according to my schools director. There is a direct entry program as you describe.

Your must have a bachelors in a science oriented field. You must gain entry to the undergraduate nursing program.

Then you finish the undergraduate portion in a year or a little more. After your year, you have to find employment in an ICU for a year. During this time, you take a minimal (emphasized) course load. During your year, you have to take the GRE, and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

You are assured a slot in the program, but keep in mind you have to do well on the GRE. Also be mindful, that GU has added the requirement of a biochemistry course to its admission criteria. Also, no one has tried this yet so YMMV.

It does not sound easy, but it does sound possible. I would have a hard time recommending it though for the cost. Those undergraduate semesters are going to run you $27,000 for your RN. Then you are looking at another $35,000 for the CRNA, and don't forget the huge cost of living in DC.

The program is a good one though.

DashEFX · Jun 5, 2003

There is alot to be said about how accurately a school portrays its programs online..which is why I always make it a point to talk to someone directly. Online...it indicates that a person must take the GRE BEFORE applying to the program period. The application to be filled out is a GRADUATE application. Furthermore there isn't an indication of the new biochemistry requirement...although if you have a degree in the sciences(at least the ones they suggest) I can't see how you can get out of having that as an undergraduate course. (My degree is in molecular biology...biochem was a MUST.) So that being added is not really biggie in my eyes. From the site:

"Application Deadline:

Reviewed on a rolling basis until November 15 for January entry.

Admission Requirements:

(1) Several prerequisite courses (see curriculum). A minimum of a "B' is required for prerequisite science courses.

(2) Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

(3) Completion Graduate School Admissions Application. The application should include all transcripts from any college level coursework.

(4) Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

(5) TOEFL scores (for applicants whose undergraduate program was not taught in English)

(6) Three letters of recommendation (preferably at least one academic reference)

(7) A personal statement

(8) The application fee and the hard copy application form.

The application may be downloaded and printed from (http://www.georgetown.edu/grad/online).

An interview for the program is required. Please call (202) 687-8439 to learn more about the program and to arrange an interview.

Complete applications to the Direct Entry to Advanced Practice should be directed to:

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions and Outreach

School of Nursing and Health Studies

Georgetown University

Box 571107

3700 Reservoir Road, NW

Washington, DC 20057"

Any rate, thanks for the info...I'll pass the word. What does YMMV mean? Finally, I am not sure if you meant no one at g'town has gone through the program yet or that no program has tried this type of program yet....but again, Columbia has had this type of program for a while it seems.

nilepoc · Jun 5, 2003

To clarify,

YMMV = your mileage may vary

and

there is no one currently pursuing this.

Good luck.

BTW our director takes personal calls, and would probably be happy to talk to you. I remember that I talked to her many times before I gained entry to GU.

Craig

euqenna · Aug 6, 2004

Hi Guys, I'm not sure if anyone answered the original question. I know of the Columbia and G'town direct entry crna programs but I'm not sure of others. Nilepoc, do you know since you talked to your director?

And is anyone out there who got into either Columbia or G'town crna direct entry program that we can talk to? Like how hard it was to get in. What scores on the gre's etc?

Thanks!!!

loisane · Aug 7, 2004

I know of the Columbia and G'town direct entry crna programs but I'm not sure of others.

I was quite surprised to find out about these two direct entry programs (earlier on this forum). I have never heard of them outside of this forum. In fact, other CRNAs I have told about them have doubted my sanity for even suggesting such a thing exists!

So, it is my impression that they are new, and limited. Perhaps some grads or current students will respond, to give us more insight.

loisane crna

ugoumeh · Jun 25, 2010

A friend of mine went to the Columbia program. She didn't have any problem finding a job. Are direct entry programs being offered at other universities now?