USAGPAN 2020

[antsrt4]

Hello all,

I've been cruising this forum for some time now and wanted to start up a USAGPAN 2020 application thread. Who else is applying for FY2020 or thinking about applying? Best of luck to everyone!!! I know the application with Baylor barely opened (Feb 1st) I'm pending my GRE and CCRN. I have 2.5 years ICU the last year being at a level one trauma center in Los Angeles. I Already passed MEPS (what a relief and different experience) and am now getting my LORs in order.

Cheers to all....lets make this happen!!!

[Bhebe55]

sorry no instagram

[tridel, BSN, RN]

• How has your experience been thus far?
• At this point you would be in 2nd semester correct?
• Are your classes solely GPAN students or are there other specialties mixed in?
• How much homework and how much class time do you average?
• Do you wear uniforms on campus or dress as other students do?
• Are there civilians in your classes?
• Do you have to do daily reporting?
• How about daily PT?
• How often are y'all meeting for (Military) administration duties?

Sorry about so many questions, I am likely not the only one with questions.

[Bhebe55]

How has your experience been thus far?

A whirlwind honestly. Trying to adapt to the Army lifestyle and CRNA school at the same time is challenging. Overall I am very happy with the support from the USAGPAN Leadership. You really feel like thy have your back and support you.

At this point you would be in 2nd semester correct?

There are not really semesters. We are continuously taking classes. We have finished the first pharm, biochem, A&P, and informatics.

Are your classes solely GPAN students or are there other specialties mixed in?

Only USAGPAN Students. We have our own classroom for just us.

How much homework and how much class time do you average?

Class time varies between 4-7 hours a day. Then most people are studying till late. I probably average 10-12 hours a day between class and studying.

Do you wear uniforms on campus or dress as other students do?

You are an officer and are expected to be in Uniform at al times. Including class.

Are there civilians in your classes?

No civilians all officers.

Do you have to do daily reporting?

M-F we report to class in the morning. On the weekends don’t.

How about daily PT?

PT is very important. We have scheduled PT once a week and a diagnostic PT test once a month. As an officer you are expected to maintain your physical fitness on your own. Do not neglect this. It is the easiest and dumbest way to get removed from the program.

How often are y'all meeting for (Military) administration duties?

Not really ever. You are here to learn anesthesia. They try to remove anything that would interfere with that. Once a month you might have to come in earlier for a drug screen.

There is no sugar coating it. Its very hard to be accepted, its harder to make it through, it’s incredibly worth it.

[TU RN, DNP, CRNA]

Damn I haven't posted in a while. I remember joining this forum as a venting strategy after accepting my first Stepdown RN position out of nursing school (2013) and absolutely hating it. Here I am in USAGPAN living the effin dream. As Joe Walsh says: life's been good to me so far. And certain fingers up to the doubters, btw, cuz we're out here doing it anyway.

Another direct commission, current Phase I student here (FY 19 represent). I like to think of myself as an underdog (who was refused by 9 civilian programs and accepted only by USAGPAN / I say hooah). Don't let my man Bhebe55 spook ya, yes it is a lot of work, but we have had a lot of fun, struggled together, and learned a lot in the process. I will gladly answer your questions, tridel, and if anyone else has anything please don't hesitate to ask here or PM me. I'm extremely grateful to the help I received from my predecessors and am glad to hand down any help that I can.

How has your experience been thus far?

My experience is relative only to my desires. My goal is to be a CRNA and to serve my country - I'm accomplishing both of those goals satisfactorily and I couldn't be happier.

At this point you would be in 2nd semester correct?

Correct, but "semester" might not have the same meaning as you expect. There aren't typical "breaks" between "semesters," as the next classes are just gradually worked into the curriculum. USAGPAN Phase I is designed to be an onslaught of academia to prepare you for Phase II, an onslaught of practicum.

Are your classes solely GPAN students or are there other specialties mixed in?

The program is taught entirely as one entity, in one classroom: USAGPAN. No other specialty. I spend every day with my 23 Army SRNA colleagues. What I love most about my class is this: 17 of us started talking to each other about this time last year (direct commissions), commiserated about the application and "scrolling" process, and then continued to bond after we met up at our report date in January. I can confidently say now that I love these folks (although they often drive me crazy) and truly appreciate the value of selfless service.

How much homework and how much class time do you average?

Yeah we have about 2-3, 2-hour classes daily paired with 5-6 hours of study time after class. Like Bhebe said, 9-12 hours total daily x5. Actual physical homework isn't quite as prevalent as in undergrad, but you're expect to have a conversational understanding of the concepts for class as you will be grilled. More importantly, you will be expected to function independently as an anesthesia provider in a deployed setting to save our soldiers and allies.

Do you wear uniforms on campus or dress as other students do?

Uniform is the ACU.

Are there civilians in your classes?

We're all soldiers and officers in the United States Army.

Do you have to do daily reporting?

When there is class, you are required to report. It's nothing crazy like some formation then you fall out to classroom, but you're expected to be in your seat at 0745 for class every day. If you're not well, you have to go to sick call and be evaluated. My people would refer to this type of practice as "no ***" - being a student in USAGPAN is your military occupational specialty.

How about daily PT?

PT is not conducted daily as a group in USAGPAN, but you are expected to physically prepared to participate in group PT sessions once weekly, a diagnostic PT test monthly, and a record PT test every 6 months. Do not neglect exercise. In this program, you are a soldier. Absolutely research the APFT (push-ups, pull-ups, and two-mile run) and the ACFT (more intense, functional physical fitness test that will be officially replacing the APFT in 2021). As a general rule, I'd say be able to do 40 pushups and 40 situps or more in 2 minutes, and be able to run 2 miles in 17 minutes or less. If you can't perform in PT for the program you won't be kicked out immediately, but you will be ridden (not comfortable) until you succeed.

How often are y'all meeting for (Military) administration duties?

For USAGPAN, outside of DCC and BOLC, nothing. I'll have to get back to you once I finish Phase II, though.

[tridel, BSN, RN]

Tu RN and Bhebe55 how different is the process applying for civilian schools versus military? I have never even thought of applying for civilian schools. I spent several years in the Reserves as a medic with the plan of going to nursing school, getting into ICU and then applying for the Army CRNA program. I had never planned on getting out but getting out made it easier to finish nursing school and grow a family. Now that I am starting in ICU I am growing more and more motivated to apply for CRNA school when I meet the requirements.
How was BOLC and DCC? Where did you do those? Did you do them in Feb/Mar before school started? How much time between those and school starting was there to get your stuff in order? Are there students in your cohort that have families there with them?
i am certain I’ll have more questions soon. Thanks for answering all of my questions btw! You guys rock!

[lindswolf]

Hi fellow VA people, I'm in South Texas. How did the process end up for you? I'm aiming to apply 2021.

[Bryan Ainsworth, BSN, RN]

On 10/7/2019 at 2:29 PM, lindswolf said:

Hi fellow VA people, I'm in South Texas. How did the process end up for you? I'm aiming to apply 2021.

I did not make the cut for the VA this year. I was told that if I had applied for the Active Army side I would have been selected but because of the extremely limited slots for the VA it is far more competitive. I believe they have 2-4 slots most years. I will apply again next year. The mistake I made this year was not addressing my gpa or my current employment/school status in my letter. Although the instructions stated to write the letter to explain why you want to be a CRNA, I was told afterwards that I should have included more exposition on who I am and what I offer as opposed to just why I want to be a CRNA. So I plan on addressing that this next cycle.

Feel free to ask me any other questions, I will try to answer what I can!

[pizzabox2]

TU RN and Bhebe,

Thanks for taking the time to reach out to the forum during what I am sure is an intense schedule. I have a couple questions. I am a direct commission and have relative timeline that starts with orders to report to Fort Sam at some point in January.

Any living recommendations as far as apartment complexes, neighborhoods, etc? Do you recommend off base or on base ?

Between DCC and BOLC and the start of the program, what goes on? From the timeline I got, there is a lot of time in between.

I am moving from New York, did anyone travel from a distance? How was the moving process and what was the mode of transportation? Do you drive or are you flown in?

What is the most unexpected thing about army life or being an SRNA that you could warn the incoming class about?

How have you been impacted financially? Does salary seem sufficient to live comfortably and get the bills paid? Any advice in this aspect?

How is the faculty?

Most important piece of advice coming in?

Feel free to PM me and thanks for your time. Keep killing phase I!

[TU RN, DNP, CRNA]

On 9/27/2019 at 6:27 AM, tridel said:

Tu RN and Bhebe55 how different is the process applying for civilian schools versus military? I have never even thought of applying for civilian schools. I spent several years in the Reserves as a medic with the plan of going to nursing school, getting into ICU and then applying for the Army CRNA program. I had never planned on getting out but getting out made it easier to finish nursing school and grow a family. Now that I am starting in ICU I am growing more and more motivated to apply for CRNA school when I meet the requirements.
How was BOLC and DCC? Where did you do those? Did you do them in Feb/Mar before school started? How much time between those and school starting was there to get your stuff in order? Are there students in your cohort that have families there with them?
i am certain I’ll have more questions soon. Thanks for answering all of my questions btw! You guys rock!

Hey tridel! Good look researching USAGPAN - best kept secret in anesthesia education in the US!

I applied to several civilian programs along with USAGPAN. With USAGPAN you're applying to both the accrediting university (Baylor University) as well as the US Army. The Army runs the show here, though - it's the Phase II interview, which is one of the first things you do once you contact a healthcare recruiter that really determines whether you get into the program or not. I'd make good with your manager/professional references and let them know that you might need some extra documentation for this program (letters for Army and Baylor each, certification of ICU experience).

DCC and BOLC are easy. You report to Fort Sam Houston, TX early-mid January and in-process there. That is, house hunt, get your finance/insurance/military admin stuff in order, get your bills in order, buy your uniforms, etc. Act quick on your apartment/house. I got bored waiting for DCC. DCC doesn't start until early February and only lasts a month. BOLC takes place at MEDCOE in FSH, TX and usually picks up within a week upon your return from DCC and lasts until about mid-May. You commute from the home that you (should have) set up from between your report date and start of DCC. Also easy, it requires a bit more time and focus compared to DCC. The program starts in mid-June, so whatever you couldn't get set-up before DCC and during BOLC you can finish up in this time frame. If your USAGPAN cohort has other direct commissions, you'll be doing these programs with them.

I have been fortunate to have 16 others with me (I was a direct commission) and we made the most of it. Many of the other direct commissions have families, but pretty much mostly waited until after DCC to have them come to San Antonio. You will not see your family when you are at Fort Sill for DCC. Some even waited until after BOLC to bring their families, since you're at AMEDDCS (now called MEDCOE) for class most of the days. My wife was here and I saw her plenty. USAGPAN will assuredly remove you from your family and that is something you must prepare for. It's a strain to be sure. To put it into context, I spend from 0650 til about 1730 every weekday away from my wife. There are guys who have children who spend even more time away. If you're serious about USAGPAN, know that your family's understanding and support are essential to your success. I picture my attendance in this program as a lifetime achievement and my wife supports it as such.

On 10/15/2019 at 5:33 PM, pizzabox2 said:

TU RN and Bhebe,

Thanks for taking the time to reach out to the forum during what I am sure is an intense schedule. I have a couple questions. I am a direct commission and have relative timeline that starts with orders to report to Fort Sam at some point in January.

Any living recommendations as far as apartment complexes, neighborhoods, etc? Do you recommend off base or on base ?

Between DCC and BOLC and the start of the program, what goes on? From the timeline I got, there is a lot of time in between.

I am moving from New York, did anyone travel from a distance? How was the moving process and what was the mode of transportation? Do you drive or are you flown in?

What is the most unexpected thing about army life or being an SRNA that you could warn the incoming class about?

How have you been impacted financially? Does salary seem sufficient to live comfortably and get the bills paid? Any advice in this aspect?

How is the faculty?

Most important piece of advice coming in?

Feel free to PM me and thanks for your time. Keep killing phase I!

What's up pizzabox! Nice to meet another direct commission! Congratulations on your acceptance to USAGPAN and on embarking on the most incredible and rewarding experience of your life. Phase I is pretty heated right now but we're getting it done (FY19 is gonna be a tough act to follow ?)

As far as living recommendations are concerned, I recommend finding a spot as close to base as possible. The commute becomes a bit of an issue during the program where your first hit time is usually 0745 (peak rush hour). I live in Selma, TX which is 17 miles North of base. I commute 20 minutes down I-35 Find a spot that charges you less than your O-1/2 BAH ?

There are about 2 weeks between your report date and DCC, where you're expected to establish yourself in San Antonio. As I said above, in-process with the Army, get your uniforms, figure out the lay of the base, find a house/apartment, set up your bills, get a car or whatever you gotta do to get to and from base, get in shape, etc. There are another 2 weeks between BOLC and USAGPAN, but you should be pretty much squared away by then besides settling up your ORB and DA photo which you'll learn more about later (really no big deal).

I moved from Philly and flew, as a civilian. My other buds flew from CT and NY and drove. This part is really your choice (i.e. drive or fly) - you'll be compensated more for travel days driven than flown, but weigh that convenience VS compensation yourself. The Army moves your goods regardless, without additional charge (I'd say free of charge, but here you are serving your country). If you're single, it would behoove you to set this up so that the loading takes place before your departure. They movers need a receiver. Otherwise a parent or spouse is usually sufficient. If you drove, or if your wife drove, you'll be compensated for your travel and lodging by mile. There's a weird alchemy that exists in Army finance that I am not qualified to answer, but you end up getting paid either way.

I expected the school would be the hardest I ever saw. I expected I would spend all my time away from my wife. I expected that it would be hot as hell in Texas. I guess that the most unexpected thing for me would be how motivated I am by my classmates, faculty, and the US Army. I didn't anticipate in my wildest dreams how functional and driven everybody is both in my program and on the base as a whole. It truly is a unique and extremely motivational experience to be in a place where every. single. person. is moving towards some productive end.

As far as financials go, you'll probably find an all-around better deal in some civilian program if that's your main concern. Obviously you specifically have already decided, but it's worthy of mentioning that the math doesn't work out to support USAGPAN from a financial perspective. My (really, our) motivation in USAGPAN consists of a greater desire for service in the US Army. I don't think I could have lived with myself in the long term in a civilian program realizing that I refused to do my part for this people which has selflessly given me so much. We nurses convince the public that we exist for them - to give care. If my consciousness is obliterated, and my vital signs are reduced to barely sustainable metrics, I would want a vigilant, elite individual watching over me. Laziness and incompetence have no place here. In the Army, state-of-the-art machinery and pristine environments may not necessarily be available either. However, the anesthesia provider is the ultimate embodiment of guardianship over that individual. In my opinion, no greater compassion exists than in the ANC. If you need any more motivation than this, I suggest you listen to the Gettysburg Address.

Effective, modern anesthesia began in the military and is most excellently carried on here. Besides not having to shell out the $75-150K for nurse anesthesia education, the financials are available online. I came in with enough experience and the CCRN to commission O-2, so I make $3673 (grade) + $1710 (BAH w/ dependents) per month (google it yourself). If your BAH is greater than your rent, you are not required to return the allowance, just saying... this combined with my own subjective motives serve as more than adequate compensation. In fact, I feel as though I owe them more still. Got 7 more years to do that though haha.

I can't say enough about the faculty. These folks are dedicated to your success. You're entering a program where the anesthesia students are the only thing on the faculty's radar (besides one, their only focus is USAGPAN). Our class consists of 24 students and there are about 15 faculty.

Advice coming in: get in shape for the ACFT. The APFT is going to be pretty much phased out by the time you guys have to take a real physical fitness test. The event that people are failing is the leg tuck. You only have to do 1 for our MOS, but many people are struggling. Fortunately, if you're horrible at running even a short distance, you are permitted to run (or power walk) 2 miles in 21 minutes. The requirements are available online.

That's all I got for now - hit me up closer to your PCS date and I'll walk you through the base and such. Great choice, btw.

[CICU.RN]

Tu RN and Bhebe55,

Thanks for your insights! And for the many others that have posted!

I have been following this thread and the previous years. They have been very helpful, though I have yet to comment. Now, I am excited to say I am also a direct accession for the 2020 FY of USAGPAN!!

I am so excited and looking forward to meeting the rest of my class.

[inspiredbynavy]

@CICU.RN, congrats! @littlefrogbutt and I were also accepted as direct access candidates.

January can't come fast enough!

[littlefrogbutt]

Congratulations! We made a FB group where we can get to know each other... as @inspiredbynavy stated... january can’t come fast enough! Im looking forward to meeting everyone ?

FB group: USAGPAN Cohort 2020