What's competitive?

Although I'm still in school, and have yet to get my RN, I've researched this field pretty thoroughly (or so I'd like to think!).

Most people who apply to the CRNA program have around the following:

3.6-3.7 or higher overall GPA

1000+ GRE score

1+ ICU experience (The more ICU experience the better!)

If she wants to try to get in with 1 year of ICU experience, I'd recommend that she goes for her CCRN, and gets involved with as many nursing things she can to make it stand out on her application.

Many people have gotten in with lower scores than I posted, but with schools becoming more and more competitive, it is probably better that she strives for the best.

Good luck!

I'm currently an upcoming anesthesiology resident, and trying to guide my younger sis into CRNA. I met a lot a cool one's when I was doing my rotations and I respected their profession. However, although I know the ins and outs of the MD matriculation/residency ect. I have not the slightest clue about the nursing school side.

I was just wondering... whats considered competitive if you want to get into a CRNA program these days (GPA, ect)? She is starting her freshman year at a university this year with a clean slate... she's a pretty bright girl.

Lastly, aside from the GPA, what other forms of assessment are considered? Like is there a standardized test that's score is heavily weighted? (like MCAT for premed or USMLE for med school?)

Thanks guy for any advice..

GPA should be competitive--especially in the science courses--most programs I've looked into require at least a 3.3 GPA, but many of the applicants have GPAs much higher than that--it all depends on who's in the applicant pool at the time she applies. Just keep the GPA as high as possible would be my advice.

Of course she'll need to get her B.S. in Nursing, and then complete at least 1 year working in critical care before she'd even be considered for admission for CRNA school. The minimum experience required by most programs is one year, although I've heard some schools are now requiring two years--the programs want applicants who are truly well-rounded and have a definite understanding of critical care.

CCRN certification is recommended--it definitely gives you an advantage over someone who is not CCRN certified, and it's a standardized way to measure one's knowledge in critical care and critical thinking skills.

Many schools require the GRE--I've heard a score of 1100 is considered competitive, but don't quote me on that--the schools I've applied to don't require it:)

Other certifications also look good--of course ACLS is required, but PALS, CMC, CSC, etc etc....all good. Definitely can't hurt.

She should shadow a CRNA to get a feel for the role and responsibilities involved--most schools like to see that an applicant has invested time in exploring and learning about the profession (that they really, truly understand the role).

She's still a long way from even being able to apply to a CRNA program, but now would be a good time to shadow a CRNA, do a little research into the profession, and definitely keep the GPA up!

I wish her luck!

We have an advanced practice nurses specialty where you can get many answers to all your CRNA questions. Have her get on there and take a look!

Thanks a lot guys! Yeah I keep asking her to get on board but you know how those post-high school kids are... they think they have all the time in the world. Little do they know that one bad semester could jeopardize them for life, so I figure she should start researching the career early. I wish someone would of done that for me before I started my medical school quest :)~

I'll get her to join this forum, you guys seem really friendly/helpful. Plus lots of info. THanks a lot guys for the advice!