USAGPAN 2018

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I noticed someone had started a thread to rally up nurses applying to the USAGPAN class starting this year so I thought I'd do the same for next year's class! I'll be speaking with a recruiter soon, but I hope to begin the application process very soon! I have about 2 years of critical care experience, just took my GRE and I'm scheduled to take my CCRN next month. I'll be doing that biochem class sometimes before June as well. Anyone else out there applying for next year's Army Nurse Anesthesia Program?

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Same here planning on applying for 2018. Currently studying for the GRE. Direct commission packet is pretty much done because I was planning to join reserves as a critical care nurse. Little about me: A little over a year in TICU at level 1 in buffalo NY, CCRN complete, >3.5 gpa . Taking GRE in March. 4 years active duty army experience as an airborne infantryman and another 6 in the national guard so I can answer most army questions. Interested to see where everyone else is in the process. My recruiters have not been much help with this program thus far cause they have no experience with applicants.

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DRC6262, BSN where are you taking biochemistry? I have organic chemist but it's not the best grade and biochemistry I think is the preferred. Was thinking about taking a self paced online course.

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Awesome! Hope to be meeting you this time next year at USAGPAN! I am prior service with 4 years as a paralegal specialist/court reporter. I look forward to serving my country again, especially in such a rewarding career!

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DRC6262, BSN where are you taking biochemistry? I have organic chemist but it's not the best grade and biochemistry I think is the preferred. Was thinking about taking a self paced online course.

So I emailed Ms. Litzinger over at North Eastern U and this is what she sent me:

"An undergraduate biochemistry course is preferred as it would provide a background in molecular biology and signal transduction, integral to pharmacology. Additionally, common metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids are presented in biochemistry and this content is the foundation of understanding normal physiology and pathophysiology of clinical practice. However, if biochemistry is not offered or available, organic chemistry with a healthcare focus on chemical structure and function would also be beneficial. Laboratory time for both undergraduate biochemistry or organic chemistry are not required or recommended."

Just a suggestions - The Medical Biochemistry (CHEM 1005) at the U of New England, and Introductory Biochemistry (MCELLBI X105) at UC Berkley

I'm inclined to do the U of New England one because I've read better reviews, and you can even take the proctored exams at home. But they are both stupid expensive; however, they are go at your own pace. I may end up just doing it at a community college, not sure.

So, have your recruiters given you any type of timeline? I keep trying to make contact with one here, but she tells me I don't need to start the process until June/July. So she asked me to call her back then. lol

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Hi, I am applying this year for the program. I have worked in the cardiac ICU and Trauma ICU for the past year. I will have my BSN and CCRN by May. Took the GRE last year. Very nice to meet all of you!

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No they haven't given me a timeline or anything. I am getting ready to take the GRE and after that pending I get >300 I plan to get on there case. I would definitely get in touch with them to start your direct commission paper work because that is daunting.

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No they haven't given me a timeline or anything. I am getting ready to take the GRE and after that pending I get >300 I plan to get on there case. I would definitely get in touch with them to start your direct commission paper work because that is daunting.

That's the thing, every time I call her she tells me to call back June/July. I may need to try another recruiter and see what they say.

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Hello all! After almost a year of convincing my wife, I too will be applying this summer for the Army's anesthesia program. I'd be a direct accession candidate with no prior military experience. I currently work in a CVICU at a level 1 trauma center here in WI. By the time of application I will have 3 years of ICU experience. I just completed my BSN in December of 2016. The only thing standing in my way is the GRE. I took a biochemistry course while in my associate's program, but I decided to take the course again as a refresher. I'm taking an Intro to Organic/Biochemistry class through Central Iowa. It was cheap, about 700 when including the book. The class seemed like a great fit because it doesn't have a lab or the hassle of setting up proctored exams. In all honesty, I could have went on Khan academy and done a free brush up on biochem topics. However, I am one of those fools who likes a grade for my effort. :D I'll be talking to a recruiter toward the latter half of March. I'm in the process of changing my name and I didn't want to do a bunch of paperwork with my old name. It is hard to believe that after all this hoop jumping I am nearing the end of the CRNA program checklist. Very exciting! Personally, it is USAGPAN or bust. After talking to a USAGPAN graduates and surfing forums, I am convinced the training the military provides is second to none. No debt and getting paid while in school is nice. However, the Army's training quality and having the opportunity to serve my country are the real attractive points for me personally.

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I too am applying to the program beginning in 2018. I'm almost done with my Army application and waiting to hear about the phase 2 interview dates. I'm probably a bit early but my healthcare recruiter has really been pushing me to complete it all very early... which works for me as it gives me more time to plan ahead. I'm working on completing my school application - have to submit the references and the personal statement. Does anyone know if the references/ recommendations are in the form of an online survey or a formal letter?

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I too am applying to the program beginning in 2018. I'm almost done with my Army application and waiting to hear about the phase 2 interview dates. I'm probably a bit early but my healthcare recruiter has really been pushing me to complete it all very early... which works for me as it gives me more time to plan ahead. I'm working on completing my school application - have to submit the references and the personal statement. Does anyone know if the references/ recommendations are in the form of an online survey or a formal letter?

That's awesome! I feel very on edge about the whole thing because my receruiter doesn't even want to talk to me until May. So I haven't started any of that except I've lined up some of my letters of recommendation. I honestly don't know if they are to be submit online or in actual paper format, sorry. Keep us posted about your progress though!

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I really don't know what the right timing is... it seems like it all depends on the recruiter's preference. I have read some bad things about recruiters here but mine has been extremely helpful with everything so far. Also I just figured the earlier the better... this way if something pops out along the way there's time to sort it out. I already done MEPS and the CV review which was approved. I'm working on the required 5 letters of recommendation for the army and waiting to hear about the dates for phase 2 interview (hopefully in april). I also need to finish up my Northeastern application. I've already done CCRN and GRE and have organic chem 1. I'm thinking about doing CMC and CSC certifications and maybe biochem or organic 2 this summer. I have also been strongly advised to find a CRNA to shadow.

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