TCU or U Penn?

Columnist · Jan 23, 2008

Hello valerinna!! Welcome to AllNurses.

Hopefully you will get some good input regarding these programs.

Good luck with your decision and congratulations!!

wayunderpaid · Jan 24, 2008

If anyone has any feedback on TCU CRNA school or U Penn CRNA school, I would appreciate it. I've been accepted to both programs and I can't decide where to go...any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

I don't know much about being a CRNA, schools or whatnot, but I have a few pieces of advice for you

1- Cost. Find out how much each cost, what the cost of living would be in the area, etc, and financial aid, that is how much are you expected to pony-up.

2- Program design. Look at the classes you will be taking (ie, is there a lot of "fluff" (nursing is notorious for adding fluff to its programs)

3- Length of program. How long is each and how will it affect you.

4- Class size and diversity. You can find out from schools how big the classes are and how diverse (if you care..). A diverse program generally speaks well of the faculty, IMHO.

I am sure that there are other factors that you can take in. Also, remember that any comments of people who attended either of these programs would be strictly anecdotal.

I personally think that whether nurse or CRNA, once certified, it does not matter where you got the degree. However, for people who have no idea about the specific quality of the programs, UPenn is a much more recognizable institution than TCU. Although the CRNA program may be inferior in nature, UPenn is an Ivy League school and if you care about that, you would have to weigh that in... Good luck. I hear it is really hard to get into anesthesia school. Having two spots is certainly enviable...

wayunderpaid

DreamMatrix · Jan 24, 2008

Just some info regarding the two schools in question. First, TCU may have more name recognition around the nation than the U. of Penn, just because of their sports affiliations. Regarding the fact that U. of Penn is an Ivy League School makes no difference in the world of anesthesia. The U. of Penn is shorter with a 24 month program vs. TCUs 28 months. TCU offers a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and the U. of Penn a Master of Science in Nursing. The U. of Penn has an intergrated program (clinicals and didactics mixed) vs. a front loaded program (didactics then a clinical residency) at TCU.

Now, I am not a graduate of TCU, but live in the Fort Worth area, and I am very familiar with the schools in this state and the administrations of those schools. TCU is a very high quality school with experienced and competent faculty. I don't have the same knowledge about the U. of Penn, but I assume that they are also a very decent school. My personal preference would be to live in the warmer climate, and probably lower cost of living environment...but, with that said, I'm sure you will make the best choice for YOU. :twocents:

one_crna · Jan 25, 2008

no [/b]difference in the world of anesthesia.
I have to strongly disagree with the above statement. Since when does a school's sports affiliation trump the Ivy league? Maybe in Texas.... I would be much more concerned with the academic reputation of the school. If you are working with a surgeon who went to Harvard, you will automatically have more credibility coming out of a school like U Penn than TCU. Where you went to anesthesia school may or may not matter depending on what your career aspirations are. Just like where you went to medical school may or may not matter... Yes, everyone who graduates from an accredited program and passes their board exam will become a CRNA. However, when two individuals are applying for a position, all other things being equal, where you went to school may come into play. There is no other way around it. One thing to consider is that the U Penn program is VERY expensive. However, given the value of the U Penn name, the fact that you can work 3 months sooner given the length, it is probably worth it. You just have to evaluate in terms of your life situation. I know where I'd go...
ps. I recently talked to a CRNA who reviews programs with the CCNA. I asked her which ones she considered to be exceptional and U Penn was the first name that came to her mind.

DreamMatrix · Jan 25, 2008

If you are working with a surgeon who went to Harvard, you will automatically have more credibility coming out of a school like U Penn than TCU. Where you went to anesthesia school may or may not matter depending on what your career aspirations are. Just like where you went to medical school may or may not matter... Yes, everyone who graduates from an accredited program and passes their board exam will become a CRNA. However, when two individuals are applying for a position, all other things being equal, where you went to school may come into play. There is no other way around it. One thing to consider is that the U Penn program is VERY expensive. However, given the value of the U Penn name, the fact that you can work 3 months sooner given the length, it is probably worth it. You just have to evaluate in terms of your life situation. I know where I'd go...

Well, I have to disagree with the statement that where you go to school would matter to a surgeon...any surgeon...first place he/she could care less, and second, your a nurse anesthetist...not a physician. I can assure you that where you went to school in the long run does not really matter, just that you have the credentials. Look at the schools records and what you want in a school...i.e., front loaded vs intergrated, degree offered and courses offered...then decide. Good luck.

DM

californianurse · Jan 25, 2008

:plsebeg: Go to U. Penn so one of us can get into TCU! :plsebeg:

nrsmelissa1 · Jan 26, 2008

I agree with californianurse!:yeahthat:

GmanRN · Jan 26, 2008

I agree with californianurse!:yeahthat:

Ditto. :)-

armynse · Jan 26, 2008

Here's my unbiased opinion...if the two programs differ in format, front-loaded vs integrated, you might want to let that be a significant factor in your decision-making. Also, consider the disparity in the costs of attending these schools. While the allure of attending an Ivy league school might be a powerful force, the thought of graduating deeply in debt should provide a reality check!!

I only considered front-loaded anesthesia programs because I'd rather not split my time between the classroom and the OR. Perhaps you should take the program formats into consideration. Best of luck to you...

Army :twocents:

californianurse · Jan 26, 2008

True armynse, but TCU is $56,000 for the entire program. I don't know how much more expensive you can get.

armynse · Jan 26, 2008

True armynse, but TCU is $56,000 for the entire program. I don't know how much more expensive you can get.

You're just looking at tuition costs, correct? Consider the cost of attendance for the length of the program...you will have to borrow money to pay your everyday living expenses. I have friends in CRNA school that are looking at total debt in the $100,000 range, if not higher. I chose the high road...full scholarship. No debt, just a service obligation. I shudder at the probable cost of attending U Penn... :bugeyes: