Would this qualify as other appropriate Degree?

ready4crna? · Dec 7, 2007

Hello all--Fellow Longhorn here! ,
I have a quick question...
According to the AANA these are the requirements to become a CRNA:
A Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN)
or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.

A current license as a registered nurse.

At least one year's experience in an acute care nursing setting.

Graduation from an accredited graduate school of nurse anesthesia. These educational programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements, and offer a master's degree.

All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.

Pass a national certification examination following graduation.
Would this then mean that as I complete my Economics/Business Foundations BA Degree, that I could go to a 2 YEAR community college program and get my license as an RN without having to get a BSN and apply for a CRNA program after that second year and a year or two of experience in ICU or CVICU?
So technically after completeing my BA work I could go get an associates and then just apply for a masters program right? This saves me 2 years right? Please Advice.

Although I can't speak for all CRNA programs, my school usually requires the "other appropriate degree" is a BS in something. BA's for the programs that do not require the BSN are looked at as inadequate for the requisite hard sciences that are needed to complete the program successfully.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2007

Why not try for an accelerated BSN?

Economics is not appropriate. They mean a science or health care degree, I'm sure.

TonyTovar · Dec 7, 2007

Although I can't speak for all CRNA programs, my school usually requires the "other appropriate degree" is a BS in something. BA's for the programs that do not require the BSN are looked at as inadequate for the requisite hard sciences that are needed to complete the program successfully.

Yeah, that is what I was afraid of. So even with a BA and a ASN(RN), plus one or two years of ICU, might not be enough. :uhoh21:

MB37 · Dec 7, 2007

If you're still in school right now, why don't you switch majors to nursing? If you actually plan on becoming a CRNA, your economics degree won't help you. The other option, as was mentioned, is an accelerated BSN program - they are often shorter than ADN programs, and then you can apply to any CRNA program. As far as the other appropriate bachelor's degrees, it varies from school to school. Many require a BSN, some will accept applicants with a BS in a hard science and an ADN, and others will let people apply with an English degree. Applicants with a BSN are probably given preference though. I have a BS in psych and history (double major) and I'm in an accelerated BSN program now. I hadn't even considered nursing when I was in school the first time, and my school didn't have a nursing program. My BSN program is longer than many - May 07-Dec 08, so 20 months. ADN programs in my area are two years, with summers off.

ymarti · Dec 7, 2007

I'm currently taking pre-reqs for an ADN, my ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. I had actually emailed an advisor at the anesthesiology program that I hope to get into one day, and asked him if I could get in with a B.A. in Economics (which I already have) and an R.N. license. He told me that yes I could, just that I would have to take a couple of extra classes while in the program. I would do an accelerated BSN, but the public 4-year university here doesn't have that type of BSN program. So, I'm going to do my ADN, then while working in the ICU, and complete the RN-to-BSN program. I just feel safer having the BSN, just in case I can't get in with my B.A. in Economics.

ready4crna? · Dec 10, 2007

All the advice here is good. Just to add one more thought-

A BSN will make all CRNA programs open to you, not just the ones with ".... and an appropriate bachelor's in..."

It is highly competative to get into a program, don't limit yourself.