What's the best path to CRNA for me?

shrimp · Apr 19, 2016

There are no shortcuts to being a CRNA. It's a long and trying process due to the knowledge and responsibility that comes with it. You'll be doing your future patients, as well as yourself really, a great disservice if you don't have the necessary experience that comes with being an RN on the floor and gaining at least a year of ICU/critical care experience before going the CRNA route. Come to think of it, I don't know of any anesthesia programs that take students without RN experience actually. Some schools, however, look at RNs with a bachelors in something other than nursing on a case by case basis. Check your local CRNA programs' requirements. If you don't want to get another bachelors, consider getting an ADN. You're going to have to take classes regardless of the route you take. Your priority should be becoming an RN and getting your acute care experience.

CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA · Apr 19, 2016

Hello there,
This is my first post on this site, so please excuse any faux pas.
I'm a career changer in my mid-30s and am very interested in eventually becoming a CRNA. I've done a lot of research as to the typical CRNA career path, but am unsure about which degree and program would be best for my situation.
My main objectives:
-I'm looking to get started on the path as soon as possible.
-I don't want to take extra prerequisite classes if I can avoid them
-I don't want loads of debt when I graduate
I have looked at UCONN's Direct entry BS for career changes, Columbia's DEPN Masters program and Yale's GEPN Master's Program. (I want to stay in the CT/NYC area, as I have kids)
I already have a BA and a BFA, so I'm hesitant to get another Bachelor degree, which would require me to do lots of prerequisites.
Here's what I've found:
The Direct Entry Masters programs at Columbia (MDE) and Yale (GEPN) both seem attractive.
Pros: Neither requires me to complete 2 years worth of prerequisites in Bio, Chem, A&P I&II, Statistics, Nutrition and Microbiology. (Columbia does require a couple of classes)
So you don't want to take the classes that are normally looked at the most with CRNA programs? These are the backbone of being an RN and what will be the basis of every CRNA program. Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. Most CRNA programs what you to have statistics as well.
Cons:
They are ungodly expensive!
I'd still have to apply to a separate Nurse Anesthesia program after I graduate.
UCONN:
Pros: Less expensive tuition
I'd graduate with a BS in Nursing (the required degree for entrance into Nurse Anesthesia programs)
Cons:
Much longer time to complete prerequisites and the BS degree.
My question is, since a CRNA requires a BS in Nursing, plus acute care experience prior to the MS in Nurse Anesthesia, would it be more cost effective and a better idea to do a Direct Entry Masters Program, or go the long route, get a more BS in Nursing, and then do a Master's in Nurse Anesthesia?
Sorry if this is such a long post. Any advice from someone in my situation would be much appreciated

I do want to wish you luck with what every you chose to go with. I know what it is like to change careers but mine was from one discipline in the health services to another. Like the previous poster said, it is grind to become a CRNA but that what makes it worth it. I'm on the same path as well.

jeanne_w_a · Apr 22, 2016

Thank you both for your advice. I agree that the path to becoming CRNA is going to long and arduous, but I do think it's a career I would be passionate about.

I guess my question would just be, is there really any benefit to pursuing an MS in Nursing vs. a BSN in my case? It seems that the MS isn't necessary, and isn't looked on any more favorably than an BS. Is that correct? It's really the Critical Care experience and performance in Nursing school that will determine whether or not I get into a NA program.

kbl7td · Apr 22, 2016

Thank you both for your advice. I agree that the path to becoming CRNA is going to long and arduous, but I do think it's a career I would be passionate about.
I guess my question would just be, is there really any benefit to pursuing an MS in Nursing vs. a BSN in my case? It seems that the MS isn't necessary, and isn't looked on any more favorably than an BS. Is that correct? It's really the Critical Care experience and performance in Nursing school that will determine whether or not I get into a NA program.

To be very blunt, I think you are getting a little ahead of yourself here. It's my understanding that you're not a nurse yet? Not that becoming an RN is incredibly hard, but it isn't exactly a cake walk either...

My best personal advice is to get your ADN. This will put you into an RN career more quickly which will give you the experience you need. Try to get into an ICU after the ADN, ANY ICU at first. Then attend an online ADN-BSN program while working. This will get you the research, stats, and health assessment class that most CRNA schools require. Also, if you don't have a recent chemistry, anatomy, microbiology class, etc, you need those.

After all that is complete, THEN worry about which CRNA school to attend.

This is a long process. 14-18months for ADN. 1 yr for online BSN if doing full time. Plus any added time for CRNA prereqs you don't have.