VCU without lots of Chemistry

PVCCHoo · Dec 4, 2013

I have no idea cause I am not even in nursing school. But to prepare myself to eventually apply to CRNA school (VCU specifically as well cause I live in VA), I am taking CHM 111 and CHM 112 next year even though the programs I am applying to either don't require chemistry or only need 101 and 102. My plan is to then take CHM 241 and 242 (Orgo 1 and 2) while I am working as a nurse in a few years. I would imagine that is certainly sufficient as VCU's page says: "Upper division undergraduate organic chemistry course or a web-based medicinal chemistry prep course offered through Department of VCU's Department of Chemistry"

kdlrn · Dec 6, 2013

How strong is your cumulative science GPA and overall GPA? If they are strong you probably won't need it, however, I think most people in my class took O Chem.

give em zzzs · Jan 15, 2014

I have a 3.67 for cumulative science courses. I will be taking a Chemistry course each semester until I am accepted, hoping to plump up my application. Overall, my GPA is 3.3. I have 30 some more credit hours until completion of my BSN. I am confident that the vast majority of these credits, if not all, will be As- so that will bump up my GPA.

kdlrn · Jan 15, 2014

That's a great science GPA. I would still take a year of general chemistry to have a strong foundation (you will need to know gas laws, etc. for anesthesia), but it's up to you about O Chem. I did take one semester of it and it's helpful for my medicinal chemistry class.

give em zzzs · Jan 29, 2014

Well, I'm in CHM 111 now, plan on taking 112 this summer. Plan: take a chem course each semester until I get in. Being realistic, I will be fortunate & overjoyed if I even get wait-listed. I have come to terms with the fact that I just won't have enough ICU experience under my belt to get into VCU right after BSN graduation. I will be applying to ODU as well but in 2015 it will be DNP only, no longer MSN as an option for CRNA. If I got accepted/wait-listed to either one, I would be happy.

PVCCHoo · Jan 29, 2014

I didn't realize ODU was switching to DNP only that soon. Since even applying to schools is years away for me, I am operating under the assumption that I will be doing a DNP program anyways, but it would be nice to get in to the field with an MSN while there is still time.

give em zzzs · Feb 24, 2014

I decided against NRSA 403 & am taking a chem course every semester until I apply. By the time that happens, I should have enough to make my application more attractive. Busy, busy but it will be worth it :) Thanks for all of your responses.