To BSN, or not to BSN... your opinions please.

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I have a 2001 BA in environmental science. Then I got an ADN in 2008. I just started SICU in January. My bachelor's GPA was about 3.3 and my last 60 units (ADN and pre-reqs) is 4.0. My question is whether I should go ahead and get a BSN before applying to CRNA schools or take my chances with those schools that don't require a BSN? A BSN would undeniably help my chances, but I don't want to stress my brain cells any more than necessary given the amount of schooling I have ahead of me in CRNA school.

I know no one "knows" the answer to this question except the admissions board, but I just wanted your opinion and perhaps hear from anyone who was in the same position as me. Would you get a BSN or focus your energies on other things such as CCRN?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

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Specializes in CVICU.

I don't even know of any schools that don't require a BSN. I'm fairly sure that all CRNA programs require a BSN, so yes, you should get it.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Look at the websites of CRNA programs you are interested in for guidance. You want to be the strongest candidate to be able to gain acceptance at their program. Having BSN would add more weight in admission process in some schools eyes.

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Specializes in Cardiac Surgery ICU.
I don't even know of any schools that don't require a BSN. I'm fairly sure that all CRNA programs require a BSN, so yes, you should get it.

You would be wrong. Some programs accept a BS in a "related science". No BSN needed. The OP should check with the schools he/she is interested in.

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Specializes in SICU, L&D, MCC, Tele.

I have a BS in Biology and an AAS in Nursing and I have been accepted into a CRNA program. My school accepts non-nursing bachelors but you have to take 5 credits of community health. I agree with the above posters I think you have the best chances of admission with a bsn and you certainly have MANY more options. That being said--I didn't want to spend the time, energy, or money getting my bsn and luckily I don't have to! There are schools out there--do some research (most want a chem or bio degree--my school didn't specify).

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Thanks for the responses so far - yeah, I figure BSN it is just to be safe. I'm just trying to save some time and effort, that's all. Like I took a CNA course for a nursing school that I ended up not attending - no harm done, but I could've learned to give a bed bath without hanging out in a SNF for 3 months!

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