VCU's accelerated program 2015

Hi Allie, I plan to apply for CRNA schools in the future and I wanted to know if going to to VCU and working at the VCU hospital after graduation can help me become a competitive applicant for CRNA school. I recently got into VCU and UVA nursing and I'm not sure where to go and I would appreciate your input! Thanks!

VCU is an upper third nursing school and VCU Health is one of only 5 level 1 trauma hospitals in VA so from that standpoint it does give you a fairly competitive resume for CRNA school, but just be warned that VCU's actual CRNA school is highly competitive and while on paper their minimum requirement for applicants is 1 year of nursing in an ICU. VCU's CRNA program has made a soft change that 3-5 years of experience is more probable. Not only that but some of the ICU's are telling applicants that they will not give them favorable recommendations if they try to leave without giving the unit 2 years, simply because of the time, effort and cost associated with training a new grad for ICU positions.

In my opinion which school you go to for your BSN is less of an issue than where you work your required ICU time. I would choose the school that's most convenient and cheapest for you in terms of living and tuition. Some of the CRNA schools are so competitive that a level 1 trauma is almost a requirement others are much more lenient as long as it's a large, busy hospital. Research some of your probable CRNA school requirements and "successful applicant profiles" because many times the minimum requirements are just not going to cut it, and that should help steer you in the right direction. Good luck.