What classes beef up my application the most?

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In 2015, I will be applying to CRNA schools, hoping to matriculate in 2016. I am currently working in an ICU and plan on taking a class each semester during 2014. I hope to raise my gpa some (currently 3.3 bsn, 3.6 science & overall) and generally make my app more competitive. I'm applying to six or seven different crna programs and I realize that different ones are impressed with different things, but b/c I'm applying to so many, I just want an overall stronger app. This spring I'm taking Chem 1 and lab at my local community college (for my bsn I only took healthcare chem w/o lab). I can either take Chem 2 and Orgo 1 at the local cc or grad level Patho and Pharm as a non-degree seeker at my local State U. What improves my app more? If the difference is negligible, I'll go to CC where it's much cheaper and A's are pretty much a sure thing. Thank you in advance for responses! I really appreciate this community and people who spend their time sharing their knowledge with others like me.

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You will need ochem. I found physics helpful but it isn't required. A grad level phys would be most helpful. Good luck

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Retake whatever you need that you did not receive an A for the first time around. Having a 4.0 in your science prerequisites is pretty much a must around here, despite schools saying you need a B or better.

Grad level patho and pharm are a waste of your money. You'll cover plenty of anatomy, physiology and pharm in anesthesia school, so there's really no point to taking it on your own initiative.

If you want to spend some cash on something to beef up your application, take the CCRN exam. For some schools, it's becoming a mandatory requirement to have it when applying.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.
Grad level patho and pharm are a waste of your money. You'll cover plenty of anatomy, physiology and pharm in anesthesia school, so there's really no point to taking it on your own initiative.

I'll have to disagree. Grad level classes show the adcom that you can handle grad level work (assuming you get a good grade) which is what they are trying to assess. You already have spent 4+ years proving you can handle undergraduate course work, simply retaking more of those just means you can handle undergraduate classes better the second time around.

If you can dedicate the time required to a grad level patho or pharm and earn a high grade, do it. Plus, the class may even transfer to your future program.

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Thanks for the responses! None of the schools I'm applying to (all in Florida- Barry, UNF, USF, FGCU, Adventist Orlando, Texas Wesleyan Tally clinical site) require orgo chem, though many of them recommend it. The average matriculating student's GPAs at these schools when they divulge that information is significantly less than 4.0. I am still on the lowish side of those GPAs and I understand that acceptance typically gets more competitive every passing year, but that's why I'm taking some extra classes, gonna nail the GRE, get my CCRN, and send out lots of apps. As I've considered it more, I've decided to take grad level pharm (esp b/c i never had bsn pharm, it was integrated into other classes). But now my choice is whether to take grad patho or chem 2. If I take chem 2, then I could take orgo 1 during spring '15. I'd then add that to spring '15 applications late or mention it during interviews. I am still undecided on this, but I appreciate and value all of your thoughts! And thanks again for your input!

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Wow, I thought it was standard for a BSN program to have an individual pharm class. If you haven't had one, yes, definitely take one. It will help you out dramatically then in the anesthesia program. I live and breathe pharmacology at this point in my program (first year).

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I feel that besides those science classes, statistics and research are other classes to consider. Good luck!

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From what I've been told & have read, sounds like you should take as many chemistry courses as possible. Seems like Organic Chem isn't a requirement for most schools but it's like having your CCRN- You better have it under your belt bc everybody else will. Be sure to get As in all of your courses, especially science. As far as where to take it- if your CC offers it, take it there. It's cheaper & it doesn't matter where you took a course. Good luck.

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