What do you wish you knew before becoming a CRNA?

[Yuliya.M]

After doing a lot of thinking and some shadowing I decided that I would like to be a CRNA or DNAP. I'm about to start my BSN program in the fall and was wondering what I can do to better prepare myself for when I start anesthesia school. I'll have my summers off while I'm in the program so if needed what are some classes that I could take to prepare myself? I already took inorganic and organic chemistry, A&P 1 and 2, and microbiology. I got an A in microbiology and a B in the rest. Should I try retaking some courses and try to get an A in order to raise my science GPA? Any advice or recommendations are appreciated.

[Bluebolt]

First thing to understand is that MSN, DNP and DNAP are all just education levels that prepare you to take boards and practice as a CRNA. You mention wanting to be a CRNA or DNAP (which is the same thing) so I wanted to clear that up for you. It's equivalent to saying you want to be an RN or be a BSN, it's the same thing. For the next few years you can get into a masters CRNA program but after that it's required to go to a doctorate (DNP, DNAP) CRNA program.

[Yuliya.M]

I understand the differences. In NE Ohio there are only CRNA programs which I realize is a MSN. When I said CRNA or DNAP I meant I wasn't sure if I would do a masters or doctorate program. Not all states require a doctorate yet but I heard this is likely to change in a few years.

[Bluebolt]

I understand the differences. In NE Ohio there are only CRNA programs which I realize is a MSN. When I said CRNA or DNAP I meant I wasn't sure if I would do a masters or doctorate program. Not all states require a doctorate yet but I heard this is likely to change in a few years.

"An RN wishing to become a CRNA should know, education requirements are on the cusp of changing. In 2025, all CRNAs will need a doctorate in nurse anesthesia to enter the field. Currently, a master's degree is required. That means the master-level nurse anesthesia programs will have to transition to a doctorate program by 2022 – to meet this 2025 requirement.

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs states All accredited programs must offer a doctoral degree for entry practice by January 1, 2022. On January 1, 2022 and thereafter all students matriculating into an accredited program must be enrolled in a doctoral program.”

3 Reasons to Become a CRNA Now - Texas Wesleyan University

[Yuliya.M]

Thank you for sharing this information!

[JEStewart]

Aside from the eventually required doctorate information, was there anything that caught you totally unprepared for, or something about the program/job that was a surprise?