What do CRNA admission committees look for?

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I'm having a hard time deciding on my next options, so I thought I'd throw this out for some advice. Obviously, my long-term plan is to enter CRNA school. In the meantime, I'm trying to make my application as competitive as possible. This will be a second career for me, so I'm in the process of finishing up my prerequisites. My plan is to apply to accelerated BSN programs next fall. Since I'll have about a 1 1/2 years before I start the BSN program, I was hoping to fill that time as productively as possible.

To get straight to the point, my options are to finish a Biochemistry degree or to finish an associate's degree in Anesthesia Technology. I definitely won't have time for both. Basically, it comes down to having a very good background in theory with the biochem degree verses the practical experience of the anesthesia tech degree. What do you think the admissions committee would prefer to see? Lately, I've been leaning toward the biochem degree because I could probably get practical experience through volunteer jobs. Of course, it wouldn't be as in-depth. Anyone have experience on which would be more helpful?

Thanks for the advice.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/PACU/ Nurse Anesthetist.

Read the "sticky" at the top of this page it probably has answered all your questions.

Hope this helps.:)

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get in the ICU ASAP. Most won't even consider you until you have at least 1 year ICU experience. Better to have more though, IMHO.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I'm having a hard time deciding on my next options, so I thought I'd throw this out for some advice. Obviously, my long-term plan is to enter CRNA school. In the meantime, I'm trying to make my application as competitive as possible. This will be a second career for me, so I'm in the process of finishing up my prerequisites. My plan is to apply to accelerated BSN programs next fall. Since I'll have about a 1 1/2 years before I start the BSN program, I was hoping to fill that time as productively as possible.

To get straight to the point, my options are to finish a Biochemistry degree or to finish an associate's degree in Anesthesia Technology. I definitely won't have time for both. Basically, it comes down to having a very good background in theory with the biochem degree verses the practical experience of the anesthesia tech degree. What do you think the admissions committee would prefer to see? Lately, I've been leaning toward the biochem degree because I could probably get practical experience through volunteer jobs. Of course, it wouldn't be as in-depth. Anyone have experience on which would be more helpful?

Thanks for the advice.

Associate Degree in Anesthesia Technology?

:uhoh21:

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There are a few educational programs out there for the anesthesia tech position. The tech's responsibility is basically to assist the anesthesiologist or CRNA with minor procedures. Here's a link to list of programs:

http://www.asatt.org/education.html

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
There are a few educational programs out there for the anesthesia tech position. The tech's responsibility is basically to assist the anesthesiologist or CRNA with minor procedures. Here's a link to list of programs:

http://www.asatt.org/education.html

Okay, I had a brain fart. Yes, anesthesia techs are very helpful in the OR.

However, I'm unaware if this degree [AAS in AT] will strengthen an MSN Anesthesia Nursing program application. I would check the criteria of several CRNA programs you may possibly apply to in the future.

You will need at least a year's experience in critical care nursing, a high GPA, and in most programs a high GRE score. I have a very good GPA [3.766], yet a not so good GRE score. I've heard mentioned on this site of some programs that will waive the GRE requirement if the applicant has a 3.5, or higher GPA.

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Finish the Biochem degree- it will carry more weight than the technology degree with an admissions committee as well as better prepare you for all of the pharmacology and other sciences. Good Luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

I was curious what my chances were to get an interview and hopefully accepted in to a crna program. I have 2 1/2 almost 3 years in ICU, GRE 900, working on my CCRNA, overall GPA 3.2. any advice would be GREAT! Thanks, Scott B.

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