Which GPA is more heavily weighed in consideration for acceptance into a CRNA program

[EmpressT]

Hi All,

I am currently in the process of pursuing my five year plan to become a CRNA. I have a BSBA from Boston University, with an overall GPA of 2.8. For BU's program at the time, this was good! I was typically a B student with not many C's. The program was extremely difficult (they have since revised it to lighten the load at the constant complaints of students and parents) but I still did pretty well and graduated in 3 years. My last sixty credits towards my degree (including a few summer school classes taken at a community college) averages to about 3.1 or 3.2 (depends on how they weigh it).

I plan to start a one year accelerated ASN program in August. My current GPA at this new school is a 4.0 (which includes all my science classes to date...no sciences towards my BSBA. I feel like I will do exceptionally well in the ASN program given my recent track record and the fact that I am much more motivated and my heart is into it (unlike business).

Here is my dilemma: I am trying to debate on whether or not I should pursue a BSN online once I finish the ASN program, in hopes that my BSN GPA will be much higher than my BSBA gpa. I am reluctant to do this as it will be quite expensive and I'm already paying on school loans from my BSBA. The schools I intend to apply to requires that I have a bachelor's (in ANY field) and be an RN only...not that I have a BSN. My question is, does anyone know which GPA is considered for admissions purposes to a CRNA program? Will they take the last 60 from my BSN or from my BSBA? And if I decide not to do the BSN, when they look at my BSBA gpa, will they at least take into consideration my ASN GPA (assuming that it will be much higher) in determining whether or not I have the ability to succeed in the program?

Any feedback will be helpful. Thanks.

[tuxedo_1]

You have to have a BSN to get into anesthesia school. And the grade point they will look at will be for the prereq's...all prereq's have to be within last 5-10 yrs of applying. And, an overall. Depending on the rest of your application, and who else has applied, they may choose to use the better (or worse) or the 2.

[nurselizk]

You don't have to have a BSN to get into every school, but you do need it for most. Call the school(s) you are interested in to find out which GPA they will look at.

[EmpressT]

The schools I want to apply to do not require a BSN. I think I'll play my crads and skip the BSN and work on my other credentials. If i have the minimun to attend a graduate program, I'll focus my energies on my GRE, CCRN, and some graduate level courses. Thanks for your comments.

[gasmaster]

It's true that many schools will accept a BS in a related science filed with a ASN. It is not true that many will accept a BSBA. You will need to double check since your BS science based. Also, be aware that there will come the day when a DNP or DNAP will be required to practice as a CRNA. Most schools WILL NOT accept a BS with ASN. So far all I explored are requiring a BSN as undergrad to apply to the DNP/DNAP programs. You need to carefully research all of this before making that decision. As a side note, most on-line BSN programs are very expensive but there are ways around that now. I originally held a ADN, and went by to a local state univ. for my RN-BSN program which was 98% online. Regular tuition rates just as though I was on campus as well so very affordable.

[EmpressT]

You are right. I've already checked with the schools I want to attend and they accept BSBA's.I also have read about the possibilty of CRNA requiring a doctorate in the future. But I understood that to be for newcomers and not for those already practicing. Even if that is so, the way I look at is I can avoid getting a BSN now and wait to get it later if necessary.I want to avoid the cost if its not essential. At least I know if I will have to get it later it'll only take a year and I'd be in a better position to afford it. Anythings possible so I will have to re-assess everything once I complete my ASN.