TCU CRNA program for January 2017

MedicRN204 · Jan 27, 2016

Just checking back in on the page.... I'm hopeful to hear from other future applicants of the TCU program to see how their application process is going including study techniques for the CCRN or GRE. I just completed the CCRN last week and will start studying for the GRE sometime in the next few weeks. Thanks for looking at my post and good luck!

GaMommy81 · Jan 27, 2016

Hi there. I am thinking about throwing my hat in the arena for TCU this year. I am just trying to see how things pan out with a few schools here on the east coast first. I have my CCRN and I am also studying to retake the GRE. I did not do so well the last time I took it. I work in a Level I trauma medical ICU. Let us know how things are going for you. Best wishes.

MedicRN204 · Jan 28, 2016

Thanks for the reply GaMommy81,

I thought the CCRN was a tough challenge and was relieved to pass! I work in a CVICU have just started open heart recoveries which I think supplied hands on experience that was valuable during the test.

Do you have any recommendations for preparing to take the GRE? Any study books or apps that you have found to help? I've downloaded the GRE prep app and it just seems like a lot of flash cards. I didn't expect much from a free smart phone app, but am curious as to if the study books are similar? The GRE website has some free material and/or a series of books for purchase as well. Good luck in your preparation and retesting!

cgun101 · Jan 28, 2016

A friend of mine recommended Manhattan prep GRE books.

GaMommy81 · Jan 28, 2016

Yes, I agree that the CCRN was very challenging. I am glad that hurdle is over and done with. It sounds like you are getting some awesome experience. I have heard people swear that Magoosh was a very good study tool so I invested in it, and I purchased three ETS GRE prep books. I am slowly working my way through the lessons and practice questions. If I can make a 300 or above I will be extremely pleased. I plan to take it in the next month or so. Best wishes to you as well.

MedicRN204 · Jan 29, 2016

That's good to know, Thanks!

mace8704 · Feb 11, 2016

Hey MedicRN,

I'm a student in TCU's anesthesia program. Just started my 2nd year so I'm currently in the didactic portion. TCU's administrative assistants, ***** ***** and ***********, are great at answering any questions you may have, but if you have any informal questions you want to ask a current student, I'll try to check on this board once a week and answer them. Keep in mind since it is a front loaded program, I do not have any clinical experience.

Tip: They want you to have job shadowed a CRNA prior to the interview. It may take awhile to line this up so I wouldn't slack on this.

Best of Luck

MedicRN204 · Feb 11, 2016

Hello mace8704,

I appreciate you checking in o the thread as I'm sure your busy, it's a big help!!

In your experience did you find that they would have liked for you to have multiple shadow experiences (L&D, surgery, or just multiple trips) with a CRNA or Physician?

mace8704 · Feb 12, 2016

At the time of my interview, I had job shadowed an anesthesiologist. I was left with the impression the faculty strongly preferred a recent CRNA shadowing experience over an anesthesiologist. It might of just been my insecurities creeping in though, because one of TCU's lead professors is an anesthesiologist. Didn't get the vibe the faculty members preferred shadowing one CRNA specialty over another. The faculty members just want you to have a strong grasp of what a CRNA does prior to your interview.

longhornccrn2014 · Feb 19, 2016

Hi! I am looking at applying for TCU's program to begin in January 2017. It is my top choice, and the first school I will be applying to. I have my CCRN already, and am currently using Kaplan's online review to study for the GRE that I will be taking here in a couple of weeks. Studying for the GRE has been absolutely dreadful and I cannot wait to be done with it! Any current SRNA's at this program have any advice on wow-ing the admissions board or any helpful tips? :)

MedicRN204 · Feb 20, 2016

Longhornccrn thanks for posting to the thread, is sounds like we are about in the same position thus far. I'm also studying for the GRE using the Magoosh material and can't wait to just be done with it all. I'm hoping to take mine in march sometime but haven't scheduled it yet. Good luck on your test!