Unique Situation, thoughts please...

I kind of am in a unique situation and just wanted your opinions/thoughts.

I graduated from a U.C. in 02 w/ a BA in Law and Society. Working in sales/finance for the past 6 years.

I have now become interested in Healthcare and more specifically the CRNA program. I am currently looking into local and online RN programs; but I was wondering what my chances would be in getting admitted into a CRNA school w/ a BA and not a BS?

I was looking into the Kaiser School of CAL STATE FULLERTON here in so cal and their website indicated that a BS was preferred but not required however when I called there they did say that a BS was required.

Just kind of wondering if you guys have known anyone with this type of scenario before?

Thanks.

You need a BSN for CRNA schools. A two year ADN nursing program will not work. You can use your BA to get into an accelerated nursing program for a BSN. You will still need to do the prereqs, A & P, chem, etc......

good luck,

c.

You will have more options with a BSN, but if you meet the pre-req's some programs will take you with a BA, meeting all the other requirements for ICU, good interview etc, etc. Definitely more options with a BSN. Not sure what you mean by an online RN program, but think twice about that. You need hands on patient contact.

As I have a BSN, I haven't paid attention to which schools accept applicants with other types of baccalureate degrees - but I know that there are schools I've checked out that at least "consider" non-nursing BS/BAs. Go to the AANA website and click on the list of schools in CA, and check out each school's admission requirements.

Your situation really isn't unique though - tons of nurses have bachelor's degrees in other fields (myself included). You may want to check out accelerated 2nd degree BSN programs in your area as well - mine was cheaper and faster than an ADN program, and will allow me to apply to any CRNA program in the country. Having a BA and and ADN will severely limit your options, so it's smart to check out which schools will even consider you, and if they're anywhere you would be OK with going. I feel like most schools that I've checked out are either BSN only or BSN preferred, so you'll be putting yourself at a disadvantage.

You need a BSN for CRNA schools. A two year ADN nursing program will not work. You can use your BA to get into an accelerated nursing program for a BSN. You will still need to do the prereqs, A & P, chem, etc......

good luck,

c.

Not to mention, if I remember correctly, the assistant director of my program said she can easily estimate that most people in CRNA programs have 4+ years critical care experience. It's one thing to be qualified and another to be a competitive candidate. I myself attended an accelerated program and most of my class came from a non-healthcare/non-scientific background. Needless to say, most of them are no longer in nursing. Jobs are plentiful and the field is quite enticing due to the current economic climate. However, nursing can be tough at times and it defintely takes a certain type of person to stick with the job in the long run. So, coming from another field, you have a long road ahead of you emotionally, financially, and academically. I use to question why the requirements are the way they are, but as someone entering clinical residency, it makes sense now. Good luck.