Will getting my NP degree help with CRNA applications

[bsr94]

Hey everyone!

I currently work in a CCU and looking to advance my education. I graduated with a BSN and a 3.2 cumulative GPA. I have always wanted to become a CRNA, but have become discouraged with my GPA. I have been considering applying to an affordable online NP program while working, to help give me an edge on competition. Will going back to school for an NP degree help my chances of getting into a CRNA program? Has anyone done this before, and/or what would be your advice? What would you recommend doing in addition/instead to help my chances of getting into a CRNA program

Thanks in advance!!

[AGRN152]

I will agree with some of the posts here regarding CRNP to CRNA. There is absolutely not carryover unless you end up going to a school that offers both and perhaps the first two or three courses will be shared. However, as someone else said, focus on improving areas you may be deficient in rather than go to school for your backup plan. When you apply to anesthesia school as a CRNP, be prepared to answer the question, why are you pursuing anesthesia and leaving CRNP so soon, this could trigger the thought process in the admissions panel that you may do the same with anesthesia and have the opposite effect than what you are looking to achieve. I would suggest you improve GPA by retaking sciences courses, work in a larger ICU and get a few years of critical care experience under your belt. Get multiple certifications and work on improving yourself as a critical care nurse. On an ethical level, we have a lot of need for anesthesia providers but we also have a lot of need for primary care providers and the position you may end up taking as a CRNP student would potentially be taken away from someone who has the intention of working in that setting rather than using it as a stepping stone.

Education: Diploma in Nursing, BSN

GPA: 3.86

Certifications: CCRN, CMC, CNN

Years of Experience when accepted: 3.5 years MICU/OHU (Rural, Urban, Suburban)