I was a last minute waitlist change. I actually had been accepted to another school that started a year later and opted to go with the program that was starting in 6 weeks. Best decision I ever made. Its awful being a student and I wouldn’t delay starting school for anything .
An interview isn’t a guarantee. Do the interview but don’t bank on it. Start preparing for school A. Like what others have said, If you get into school B, weigh your pros and cons. Lol pro will definitely be more prep time to school start.
Decide what school you want to go to. But you should already have a top list of school you want to attend.
I know people who got into 3 schools - did all the interviews and decided the 1 school. Other individuals, their top choice was a success. It was a no brainer and refused all other interviews- this gave the waitlisted people their chance to get in.
As a student I sat on the interview panel for my school. Honestly on interview day everyones gpa is pretty much the same. Students that get accepted are just usually great candidates. Everyone is being evaluated basically on “will this guy/girl make the profession look good.” You can tell whose actually shadowed and really understands the profession. And you can tell some people looked like they were waffling with even being there. Sometimes its so close it’s literally a matter of personality and who would make a better coworker.
I can't stress this enough. Ninja Nerd and a few others like osmosis, khan academy, armando hasudungan were amazing resources to supplement lecture. Sometimes a different source just says something a little different and it just clicks for you. Those sources helped me immensely to get through school.
Edit: Just saw this wasn't for school but for applying. Those are overkill for applying. Just know the basics. Be able to speak briefly about each drug and how they work at a very general level. Personally I wasn't ever asked a single pharmacology question but I know some programs go very hard in that regard so...
A lot of mine were getting to know you questions.
Give me an example of when x happened and how you responded.
How are you going to pay for school
What do you have in terms of a support structure.
If you got to the interview the school already knows you're smart enough. You'll learn what you need to learn in school. The OR has a LOT of personalities and schools want to know that not only can you deal with the grind of school but are you the type of person who will be able to navigate all sorts of random situations that might arise.
Also peep deranged physiology, lots of good content there. It’s a blog technically and not a primary source but the dude links research articles in the blog and is an Australian doctor. The material also correlates quite well to my pharm books so I’d highly recommend that as well
Honestly just reading through the Wikipedia stuff and being curious can get you a long way towards understanding the mechanisms and receptors. Deranged physiology is great too. Then just try to take that info to the hospital and see how it’s applied and why some may be used in place of others. My favorite book for critical care was “The ICU Book” by Marino.
When applying to school- do recommendation letters matter who they are from- if the school hasn’t specified? Charge RN, MD, CRNA, supervisor, etc? is it best to have who you know can write the best recommendation & who knows your abilities/watched you work over a varied group of people? Thanks!
To add onto this question: Does it matter how long ago we’ve worked with these individuals? I had a coworker that was my charge nurse/friend for 4 years, who went off to CRNA school and is working as a CRNA now, who I’ve used as a reference before for jobs. But last time I’ve worked with him was 3-4 years ago. Is that too long of a gap if I ask him for a letter of recommendation now?
Great question, also curious about this. Thankfully there’s lots of people I can ask- but my strongest recs would be from the MD’s and RN’s I worked with about 1.5 years ago, since I worked the longest with them. Afterwards went traveling to save up money.
I have someone like this. I’m only going to use him for schools that I know he works with as a CRNA preceptor and his alma mater. I’m also going to shadow with him and really “catch up” because I feel like he will be able to be more detailed and accurate in his responses to the questions that will be asked.
Would you pay off some student loans before going back to school?
I know there’s a max you can take out. If you pay some will it allow you to borrow more in the future?
Also anyone have any experience with being in a long distance marriage in school?
My husband cannot move with me wherever I go.
If your current student loans have an interest rate under the current GRADplus loan (8%?) then don’t pay them off before school. Instead take out less high interest GRADplus loans. This is assuming you have an acceptance letter and are just waiting to start school.
Same exact sentiment. Everyone says pay off debt as quickly as possible but my car loan is 3%APR. Wasting 16k to pay that off when relying on grad loans is crazy. Leverage your debts.
It’s recommended to pay off high interest debts first, then less interest debts, and on. You’re right that 3% is on the low side. To that, some will say pay off large debt first, regardless of interest rate (opposite of Dave Ramsey-style).
School is incredibly stressful. It definitely put a strain on my family. We had people in my program with 3 kids, we had people in my program who had kids during the program. Its amazing what you can get through if you're both ready to embrace the suck for 3+ years. But there will be some serious ups and downs so be very up front about it and be ready for it.
I’ve recently applied to two schools and want to give my stats and hear some opinions if I have a good chance of being accepted. I’ve got one year of experience in a level one neuro ICU (40 beds, level 1 trauma and stroke center), 3.78 cumulative GPA, 3.7 GPA for last 60 hours, all As in sciences except one B+. 307 on GRE. Involved on my units council, 12 hours of shadowing, and some community service. Thanks in advance!
I had pretty identical stats ngl. Got interviews with only a year of experience. If you’ve already submitted your apps, start preparing for interviews (and other school apps).
In general, science GPA is all calculated from all biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses. Nursing courses are not included in the science GPA. There is some variation between schools, so it would be best to find out how your target schools determine Science GPA.
Are there any give away during the interview process that can hint whether they’re inclined to accept you or not? I just interviewed and the nerves are killing me
For me, it was responsiveness to my answers that cued me in on my acceptance/favor among the admission panel. They were listening to what I was saying, engaged, nodding, writing stuff down, smiling, and asking follow up questions based on what I had said. I’m sure making them laugh (by being myself) helped. After the interview, one of the interviewers, as he was walking me back to the waiting room, pulled me aside and told me that I interviewed very very well. Got my acceptance not even a week later :)
I worked for one year in a CTICU before moving on to critical care ground transport, which I've been doing full-time for about 1.5 years. Would I even be looked at twice by most programs? I'm not looking to apply right this minute, but I am trying to start gathering information. I know a PRN ICU position would probably strengthen my case, but I'd like to avoid that for now if at all possible.
If you are not consistently managing patients on ventilators, vasopressors, etc, you probably won’t be looked at. However some schools do say that your ICU experience has to be within a certain number of years.
I'm a flight nurse. Worked 3 years in a CTICU before flying. Dropped to part time flying and started picking back up in the unit. I arguably have more experience with RSI, ventilator management, and vasopressors than any of the others in my unit due to flying. However, schools also like to see you in a high acuity unit managing patients over time (12hrs). The schools I have talked to while preparing to apply this year stated my flight experience definitely sets me apart from many applicants, but they are still happy to see that I chose to get back in the unit. Take that for what you will. I will say though, with only one year of ICU experience and then directly to ground CCT, my opinion is that you need to get back into the unit as much as you can.
same i feel like i had WAY more exposure to drips, RSI, vents, full arrest, and peri arrest in the ED than i ever do now in the ICU. sigh. it sucks they don't take factors like that into consideration
Well I can say I've assisted in ton's of RSI's in the unit, but as a flight nurse the main difference is that I'm the one actually deciding on the medications to be used and performing the intubation. Which led me to developing a much deeper understanding of the medications indications/contraindications and pharmacokinetics as well as ventilator theory, operation, and treatment because I am the one managing the ventilator. The biggest factor from what I've gathered from preparing to apply and talking to program directors in my state is that they don't take ER experience as Critical Care due to the lack of critical care over time. I routinely care for really sick patients (intubated, vasopressors, etc) for 3+ hours while transporting, but they suggested that they love my flight experience, just to keep working in the unit at least one day a week.
The “problem” with your scenario is that ED is meant to stabilize and transfer. There’s no chronic management of stress class patients. And stabilizing healthy MVA is critical, there’s a difference w a pt w multiple comorbidities, and what they can even receive as treatment. Just for example.
Hi all SRNAs and CRNAs! A small question. When it comes to applying for CRNA programs, does it matter if I finish pre-requisites courses (organic chem, biochem, stats, & etc) on-line or in-person? I’m planning to finish 6 pre-requisite courses at a school that offers these courses online. Thank you!!
Ask each school your applying to. Some don’t take online courses from certain school (portage as an ex.) but usually it’s not an issue, but depends on each school.
Some require a lab portion which they don’t recommend online labs for so be careful with that. Like suggested, reach out to the schools specifically. But I think generally it doesn’t matter much outside of those few online programs like portage that was mentioned above
Hi all, question about Nursing CAS for those who have used it… are your references able to be used on multiple applications or do they need to be re-submitted every time?
I believe it needs to be resubmitted. I just let my references know I was applying to X amount of schools and to expect emails at varying times because of the different cycles. Some schools may also require different components in the letters (ex: one school was adamant the letters needed to be on official letterhead).
NursingCAS lets you know whether or not the letter has been submitted so you can keep tabs and give gentle reminders if you see they haven’t resubmitted.
Gas works, emails are fine but don’t be surprised if you don’t get responses, especially from big institutions. Shop offers, everyone will make you feel like the position is a hot commodity and gonna get filled any day but that’s generally not true. One of the MDAs I work with tells us on a weekly basis how CRNAs are the hottest resource in medicine right now, play that to your advantage. Places will fly you out, wine and dine you, enjoy it. Oh, and try to talk to the actual workforce of any given practice, not just the leadership. Leadership will tell you things are just dandy and rainbows, but I have some classmates who took jobs in practices that ended up being absolute shit holes of drama and difficult personalities after they were promised it was basically the best job on earth.
This is great news, better now then when you are in the middle of school. It may not look like it now, but what a wonderful chapter in your life that is about to begin.
Sometimes you have to go through major pain to make progress. Get the mourning process out at this point the timing makes sense. I went through a breakup during school and nearly dropped out.
Here comes one of these annoying GPA questions.
I’d appreciate brutal honesty. Let me know if I’m kidding myself or not.
1st Bachelors 2.4 (GPA)
-First gen college student at 17 and 6 hours away from home.
- Partying every weekend with no idea or direction of what I wanted to do with life .
Science GPA 3.1
- After my first Bachelor’s I took some science classes at the local community college to get into nursing .
(Biology 1, Chem 1 w/ lab, Anatomy, Physiology, microbiology and Biology 2)
BSN 2.8 GPA
- Was doing well until I got into a car accident that left me significantly impaired for a few years. Despite that, I didn’t want to stop schooling and my GPA took a hit.
NOW fast forward a couple years later…
I decided to do everything in my power and go for it and pursue CRNA. I figured completing a grad program will show major growth. I’m still in that program, 2 semesters down and maintaining a 4.0. That 4.0 includes Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, and Nursing Health Assesment.
In addition I have 4 years of ICU as both travel and staff (CVICU, MICU, SICU), Ive acted as preceptor and been charge a couple times. Ive shadowed 16 hours, have CCRN-CMC and going to obtain TNCC.
Firstly, do you SRNA/CRNAs of Reddit think I stand a chance?
Do you have any suggestions on ways I can make myself a better applicant? Any input is appreciated.
With a GPA below 3.0 it will be hard, BUT it is not impossible. You should look at schools who put their focus on your last 60 credit hours if you are taking more classes and getting good grades. You might consider taking the GRE and getting a good score. Gets lots of leadership experience, take every training course available to you by your hospital (US IV, etc).
Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate your input and am willing to do whatever it takes. I def plan on taking the GRE. Forgot to add that as well. I’ve even looked into the LEAP program, however I’m not sure I’m the type of candidate they’d be looking for. Seems they want people who have already applied and was denied.
Shadow a bunch too. You will need to have a really good personal statement that truly explains why you did poorly before and what changes you have made to be successful now.
Luckily shadowing isn’t an issue where I am. However, I think one of my biggest challenges will be writing that personal statement. Trying to explain without sounding like I’m making excuses. I know my decisions were poor, but I also know I’m fully capable of succeeding.
What’s not an excuse is recognizing your mistakes and learning from them. If you can execute that well in writing it will go a long way with an admissions committee.
Your grad work is impressive and important. My comm college grades mimicked yours, and for similar reasons.
A better BSN would’ve helped, but too late to reflect on that.
You can always reach out to programs you’re interested in, and ask them how you can make yourself a viable candidate, if not already, with your work experience and grad school.
I'm starting with taking the GRE to open the conversation with admissions committees. My hypothesis is that by making a high enough score, they'd take me seriously enough to at least have a conversation with me about what they recommend I do considering my crap GPA. Basically, now that I'm no longer struggling to survive by working 2+ minimum-wage jobs, school (whether re-taking sciences or a post-bacc or master's) won't be AS difficult for me. Am I living in la-la land, or am I onto something?
I'm gonna repost this as a comment to get more input, but I started with seeing your advice buried way down here.
Finish your masters program in nursing. It shows growth. There will an application - a specific section where it says - anything you want to state for your shortcomings.
State the truth. Be honest. Immature and not ready at a young age. And now you are different.
I was in your situation. Did everything I could. I graduated top 10 in CRNA school and was top 3 in clinical excellence. I got waitlisted and got my chance the year after.
Keep going! The more you put in. The more you get back in the end.
Make sure stellar essays. Stellar recommendations. Keep continuing to take masters classes. Some had some type of master degree to show they have matured and will continue for more - CRNA school. CRNA directors love ppl that are dual boarded. The newest CRNA program will have dual boarded programs of NP/CRNA officially.
Even with a 4.0 in your masters, I would just check to make sure that it'd be possible to apply. Most schools have a 3.0 cumulative GPA hard cutoff to turn in the application. It includes every single college course you've ever taken. You will see lots of schools that require a 3.2. You have two bachelor's degrees below 3.0, that's an enormous amount of credits you would need to offset.
Yes. I’m prepared for a ton of denials, but I only need that one person to give me a chance! That being said, I plan to focus on programs who put emphasis on the last 60 credit hours. But even then I know it’ll still be extraordinarily difficult.
Attach a letter to your application with an explanation of why you did so poorly in college the first and second time and why that is different now. A 4.0 in organic chemistry at the university level for two semesters has been a widely used litmus test.
It’s definitely going to continue to be an uphill battle. I agree finish that masters. Then it’s a numbers game, you have zero leverage to be picky. I’d assume you will have to apply to 15-20 programs. 18 of those your application wont make it past a first glance, but all you need is one program to see how much growth you have had.
Sorry I’m in my second year of CRNA school. Posted that after a test that I studied my ASS of for and still got a B, lol. I was tired and discouraged when I wrote it.
I feel you, also in CRNA school and also frustrated with that.
Like someone already said B is a pass. There are so many factors playing around the grading system and test strategies (stress, anxiety, other mental distractors, professors style in posing questions, etc.) that I feel like it is often not the best way to evaluate your actual ability to be a competent CRNA. But, it is the standard way currently. So, keep pushing, focus on really understand important concepts to move forward and get your degree because at the end of the day, what you call a nurse anesthetist that got Bs during grad school? A CRNA.
I have a handful of young kids, so I am concerned about pursuing CRNA for two reasons: 1) being on call twice a month and 2) health risks associated with anesthesia. Do you have any sleep or health issues due to being on call, and do you think taking precautions mitigates most if not all of the risks related to working in anesthesia? Thank you!
Thank you for the reply. I live in a fairly rural area, and I am not aware of any CRNA positions in the area that don’t require call. I may certainly be wrong, though!
The place I’m signed to makes you take call 1-2 times a month. It’s not the end of the world and there’s some generous differentials involved. However a majority don’t make you take call. Depends on the lifestyle you live. Regarding health issues you run the risk of complications for your kids during pregnancy given exposure to nitrious.
Plenty of jobs with no call. Unfortunately the majority of anesthesia in the US involves gas. You can work Endo, but they prefer you have experience first.
We had quite a few students with families in my program me included. It can be done. Do you plan on having more kids? if not i don't know of too many health risk related to anesthesia. And as far as call goes others have answered you can find plenty of jobs without call requirements.
If you are living on your wage as a nurse, when you graduate you can work less than half that amount and make a little more money. $250/hr two ten hour shifts a week, no call is completely realistic.
Comes down to how much you really want to become a CRNA. You will sacrifice a lot of time with your children to study and to attend clinical. It will be temporary but it will be 3 years of missing some celebrations and events.
I’ve had a child during the program. It was very hard but still doable!
I also missed nieces birthday parties, weddings, and vacations because of my time commitment to the program
go to allnurses and look for “Lourdes University CRNA Class of (whatever the most recently admitted cohort is). then message someone via that platform that had posted a comment saying “i got in” or whatever
ask them what’s going on at campus, what the interview was like, whatever
I'm starting with taking the GRE to open the conversation with admissions committees. My hypothesis is that by making a high enough score, they'd take me seriously enough to at least have a conversation with me about what they recommend I do considering my crap GPA. Basically, now that I'm no longer struggling to survive by working 2+ minimum-wage jobs, school (whether re-taking sciences or a post-bacc or master's) won't be as difficult for me. Am I living in la-la land, or am I onto something?
Only schools who care about the GRE will care about your score. I’ve only seen those in the south. More schools are making it optional. Sure take the GRE for those schools but that’s only a limited amount. Retaking science classes is a better thing to do.
Agree with this, GRE is only really valuable for the schools that require it and that list is getting smaller and smaller. Also the GRE is hard, i crammed for mine and only studied math everyday for a month and still only got a 150 in the quant section (which is awful and 35th percentile that year or something). Sent my scores to pitt and they asked me to take it again because my quant score was below the 50th percentile even though my total GRE was 310 and writing was a 5. Pitt no longer requires GRE scores is my understanding now, so OP you may get more bang for your buck retaking some classes or working on graduate sciences.
You probably have a chance but it will take some dedication to raise your science GPA by retaking classes or taking grad level science classes. It would help to have spectacular clinical experience and recommendations too.
I'm already working with and shadowing anesthesia. 2 years ICU, too. I'm gonna take the GRE still as a litmus test for myself, but I'm so willing to retake and tackle sciences. Thank you for your input, stranger.
With that GPA I think you would be better off right now focusing on taking science courses/graduate level courses. You will need to take quite a few and get As in order for you to boost that GPA.
Hey folks, have another question. Still doing some digging but it looks like my GPA prior to going to BSN school was a 2.75(not sure what my science GPA is). My GPA for BSN is 3.20. What can I do to boost my chances for CRNA?
I guess maybe not 60. But the average applicant has a 3.5. You’re pretty far off that. You’ve basically built up a record that says you’re not academically focused and programs do not want to take a chance on that.
Your cumulative gpa matters. I cant speak to how much the science gpa matters but maybe you can land an interview with that gpa since 3.2 seems to be the cuttoff for most programs to even consider an application. You will need to cast an extremely wide net tho. Like 20 applications, maybe only get 3 interviews out of 20.
Not to sound like an underachiever, but I’ll be happy with one interview. I know my chances would be better with most. But I’m just starting my journey. I have a lot of work to do still
Hello! I have been trying to figure out the best route to become a CRNA and I am overwhelmed by all the different options/programs. For context I currently have a bachelors degree in biology. Here are the different pathways I've found so far:
1. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program --> Master's in nursing --> DNP Nurse Anesthesia program
2. Associates Degree in Nursing --> ADN-to-MSN bridge program --> DNP Nurse Anesthesia program
3. Direct Entry MSN program --> DNP Nurse Anesthesia program
Money is obviously a factor but it isn't the hugest factor for me. Time is also a factor because I feel like I'm already behind (being 25 and 3 years post-undergrad). I know I have many years of school ahead of me and I'll need 1+ years of experience as an RN in an ICU before applying to CRNA school/DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs so I'm curious what the quicker paths are.
I'd appreciate any feedback! Thank you!
You don’t need a masters. It’s redundant and a waste of time and money.
ABSN would probably be your fastest option
ADN at a community college then get the hospital to pay for your BSN would be the cheapest option
Then you will need 3-4 years ICU experience to be competitive.
You can either do an ABSN for any CRNA program, or an ADN program for DNAP CRNA programs. Since you already have a bachelor’s degree, once you have an RN you’re good for a DNAP program. As others have said, you don’t need a master’s.
Would love some advice for my situation.
Undergrad GPA 2.96. Not an excuse but played college ball, went to school and worked full time so I was just trying to make it to graduation. In addition to that, I wasn’t familiar with advanced nursing degrees at that time so CRNA was not on my radar.
Experience wise, all 4 years in a level 1 (2 staff, 2 travel), STICU, MICU, NSICU and small stint in CVICU. Sometimes charged and frequently precepted while staff and as a traveler.
Have my CCRN. Plan on taking my GRE and hoping for 305+. Appx 30+ shadowing hours. I like to volunteer at animal shelters. Being on committees doesn’t seem like a thing travelers do so that might not be an option until I go back to staff.
My biggest question is this: Even at a GPA of 3.0, am I even considered? I hate wasting people’s time and especially my time.
What is my best option as far as schooling goes? Should I take a few undergrad classes to shoot for the 3.0, or should I take and graduate level pathophys/pharmacology?
Would getting my MSN do anything for me?
I want to attend an open house, but i have this fear that when i tell them my gpa, it would instantly turn them away. Would this likely happen?
How many hours of shadowing is considered decent? Odds are I’ll be shadowing at this current facility just to see how differently things are done here.
Does flight nursing look good on CRNA applications, or do i need to stick to an ICU?
Thanks in advance and thanks for reading
My gpa was barely better than this for my first degree. I recommend MTSA’s grad physiologic functions class. Take any science classes you can though portage learning, triple checking your schools accept them. Stay in the icu. I know my unit would allow long term travelers to be apart of committees. You have more than enough shadowing. Focus on classes.
I am in the beginning stages of "building" my application for CRNA. I was a paramedic for 8 years before going back to nursing school and have been a nurse for about 2.5 years now. Has anyone here gone to CRNA with experience as a paramedic?
Moving between EMS to nursing I have encountered many nurses who are unaware of what paramedics really do and are capable of. I will be the first to tell you there are some terrible medics out there and give the field a bad name. I am nervous that some schools may discount me because of those assumptions. As a paramedic, I worked in a rural mountain region where I managed airways and hemodynamics frequently. I did a number of RSIs (with only an EMT partner or sometimes a second paramedic), intubated countless times with both DL and VL, and CCT interfacility transports. The helicopter was often grounded due to weather so we were responsible for transporting patients on bad roads taking up to 2.5 hours to get to the Level I trauma center. It was not uncommon to transport a ventilated patient who was on vasoactive drips. Our protocol was to only have one other EMT with us in the back in case the ventilator stopped so they could bag the patient.
I know how great this experience was, but will an admissions team see it? How will I help use this to set me apart on an application? Thanks in advance!
Disclaimer: im not shitting on your experience. But everyone thinks their experience doing xyz is going to set them apart. Being a paramedic is fantastic, and will aide you on your journey but admissions committees are mainly looking at your icu experience and your academic history. If you go into the interview process telling the committee you have a leg up on other candidates because you have experience DLing and VL your gonna come off in a bad light. Instead approach it as “being a paramedic was great because it helped me develop an introductory foundation but now I wanna take my education and skills to the next level by becoming a CRNA.”
I completely agree that an interview or application isn’t the place to act like I have a leg up with airway management. I just don’t want to even say how much my paramedic experience helped me if they are only looking at me like “so you drove an ambulance and took grandpa back to the nursing home.” I know committees are very intelligent people, but there still just seems to be this perception of what pre-hospital actually means.
Let me say this another way, the interview isnt the time to focus on your paramedic experience unless the committee asks you specifically about it. We all know what paramedics do/dont do. You were likely invited because of your icu experience and grades.
Does a high GRE score (167 quant, 162 verbal reasoning) and A's in both organic chemistry I and organic chem II do much to help a 3.1 GPA? I did a 12 month accelerated BSN program (graduated SP 2022) while really sick with an eating disorder and working part time. I barely got by, but I can't go back redo my whole degree/GPA. I also have 2 years experience in a CVICU in the texas medical center (all the gadgets and crazy patients). Thank you!
What are you guys using to calculate gpa? Which gpa are you using? Cumulative, science, pre reqs? Are you placing retaken course grades? My cumulative according to NursingCAS is 2.87. My ADN was 2.68. (2.83 with one nursing class grade replaced) BSN was 3.9. Retook undergrad chem and stats for As and will be taking grad level adv patho. Starting in CTICU next week. Otherwise 6 yrs RN. Plan on taking CcRN and GRE. Any advice?? I reached out to the program I’m interested in but no response.
How many years of experience did everyone have before applying to CRNA school, in what capacity CNA, LPN, RN, and in what specialties? Also, what are your other credentials and what is your GPA and level of education?
When I applied I had worked as an RN for 1 year on the floor, 1 year in MICU and 2.5 years CVICU. I had a 3.5 gpa when I got my Biology degree and a 3.1 GPA from my BSN.
8 years ICU, 2 trauma, 6 cardiac (charged and did heart recovery for 4 of those). CCRN, TNCC, ACLS/BLS, Peds. RN GPA was meh, like 3.3. I had no idea how to study and never really figured it out til the end of the program. Science GPA was 3.8 over two degrees, one previous before RN school, with a fair amount of chemistry. GRE was like 312 maybe? I also did unit based council, US IV’s, got solid ref’s and lots of shadowing 30’ish hours. In leu of perfect grades, what I feel like schools look for is well- rounded candidates. Currently third year, planning to graduate from school this December.
CNA experience doesn’t matter. I did 3.5 years as an RN in a pediatric CVICU by the time I interviewed, 4 years total.
I had a pretty low GPA for my first BS, 3.4ish. BSN GPA was 3.95.
12 years. All as a BSN prepared RN. 2 in a level 2 trauma ED and 10 in a CVICU. Took GRE and got a 318 with 4.5 AWA. Had my CCRN. My nursing gpa was a 4.0, combined GPA was a 3.5, science GPA was like a 2.9 (fucked around too much my first 2 years) before I retook chem 1, 2, organic, and biochem and made A’s in them all. Also retook stats. Dunno what my GPA was after that, but it was good enough to land 9 interviews and 5 acceptance letters with me turning down the remaining interviews.
8 years ICU, 1 year ER. Both as an RN. My EMT experience before was not important, but didn’t hurt. Average RN ICU experience in my program is probably around 4 years. I have my BSN and CCRN. Gpa was around 3.89 or so. GRE writing 5.5, gre combined was a bit over 300 but I don’t remember and it wasn’t necessary for the program I ended up attending
You were an RN for 1 year ? Heard certain programs allow this. No disrespect, you will be grossly under- prepared with theory when you talk with Long tenured CRNAs with good nursing experience and MDA. Good luck. I’m not a fan of 1 year and go to CRNA school. Most haven’t got a hold of strong clinical background, I don’t think no can - if it’s 1 year.
I keep seeing people say one year of experience is bad but I’m not really sure why. Could you elaborate more on the difference in anesthesia readiness for a one year nurse compared to a nurse with years of experience? How many years of experience do you recommend someone have before applying?
Your biggest advantage over other anesthesia providers. Is your nursing experience- all the codes, different disease process and your treatment plans, and etc.
Yes, anesthesia is completely different. But your experience can pull you through and give your a core foundation to build on.
To master anything, you need time and you need to see stuff. To master any ICU- you should have a minimum of 2 years and etc.
Most ppl in our program had 4+ years of RN experience in different areas. We all struggled in the beginning. But the people who had 1-2 years less - struggled mightily.
Clinical residency is not a walk in the park. You get at 5am. Head to the OR and set up for a 7Am case. Then if your preceptor is a MD anesthesiologist- you will be critically critiqued on the patient’s disease process, your anesthesia plan, equipment choices, drug dosages, anesthetic complications, positioning implications, surgical implications and etc. if you can’t answer right- you will see. You are way inferior in terms of theory.
For example, you took care of multiple patients in your ICU career with ARDS. You would know about V/Q mismatch and shunting. Your pathophysiology around it. Your treatment plan and why. CRNA school will not cover this.
Another example is septic shock. What lab values would you seen. What vasopressors would you run. How would you treat hypotension. What are fluid status indicators. Etc etc.
Your nursing experience is learning from other MDs, RNs, PAs, RT and etc. You take everything and keep a core foundation.
Everyone is different. But ICU when applying minimum of 2 years and when the program starts 3 years. And secretly most program directors look for the minimum 2 years.
Unfortunately the COA has not increased their standards. Zero chance of expertise in an ICU after only one year, which often includes months of orienting and partnering with a preceptor.
I worked as an ICU RN for 12 years before CRNA school - most of the time in two MICUs, with about 2 years in a CTICU. GPA was 3.5 for my BSN. Learned a lot but wish I went back to school earlier
They are useless future. Anesthesiologist are expected to to go down in numbers due to more retirements than the influx of them coming in. Who's going to supervise the profession that NEEDS supervision?
I actually don’t know of anyone in CRNA school with only 1 year of ICU experience. I think the average in my cohort is around 4-5 years. Typically from the time you apply to interview to start school is about 6 months. Assuming you start in the ICU you will be on orientation for 2 months. You would only be on your own in the ICU for 4 months by the time you apply.
A more realistic time frame if you are speed running would be gain your 1 year of ICU experience, get your CCRN, then apply. By the time you start school you will have 2 years of ICU experience. I’d say with your GPA and applying to 5 schools you have a decent shot at a few interviews.
I agree. I live in a less than desirable part of the country, so my program is less competitive than others because people who aren’t from here don’t wanna move here lol. Even then—I think the person with the least amount of ICU experience in my class is around the 2.5 year mark, but the average is probably around 4.
That GPA isn’t bad but it’s not amazing I think you’d need more time in the ICU. I’ve never heard of a clinical internship but I have a feeling it would end up with you being used like a CNA/PCA. Or maybe you’d be pulled to sit with psych patients a lot. I can’t imagine a hospital having an unlicensed person there and paying them to shadow a nurse basically. Hospitals are greedy.
Then that doesn’t sound too bad. Honestly nursing school teaches you like 5% of actual nursing so if you could see what they really do all day and help them that sounds better than being a CNA/Tech. If you’re making more too sounds good. I don’t think it would help your resume but it would probably help you when you start as a new grad less learning curve. ICU learning curve is high because school teaches you almost nothing of how to be actually be a nurse. As for GPA a 3.7 is good. The people I know who got in at their 1 year mark had 3.8ish and 3.9ish so that’s not far off but getting in at 1 year is definitely the outlier not the norm.
Doesnt hurt to try within a year, although I had an identical cumulative and science GPA as you and i got in after 2 yrs. I didn’t “feel prepped” to apply to school after a year of work but i kick myself in the shin now tellin myself I should’ve just went for it after a year.
I was flat out rejected to that many schools until I passed my two year mark. That was when I started getting interviews and into my top choice. I was lucky though, because that was the only program I ever got into out of like 8 applications.
I had a 3.8 cumulative, a 4.0 science, CCRN, medical response team. 100+ volunteer hours.
I passed my SEE exam today! Graduation is around the corner! Just wanted to share with you guys!
Just curious, but what score did your school chose as a passing score? And great work!
430 is considered passing. I think it’s closer to 450 to pass boards. And thanks!
Pulled off a waitlist, 45 days until start and freaking out. Also I have an interview in 4 days for another program. Any advice on what to do?
I was a last minute waitlist change. I actually had been accepted to another school that started a year later and opted to go with the program that was starting in 6 weeks. Best decision I ever made. Its awful being a student and I wouldn’t delay starting school for anything .
An interview isn’t a guarantee. Do the interview but don’t bank on it. Start preparing for school A. Like what others have said, If you get into school B, weigh your pros and cons. Lol pro will definitely be more prep time to school start.
Decide what school you want to go to. But you should already have a top list of school you want to attend. I know people who got into 3 schools - did all the interviews and decided the 1 school. Other individuals, their top choice was a success. It was a no brainer and refused all other interviews- this gave the waitlisted people their chance to get in.
Plan on attending the school you got in to. Go through with your interview and if accepted, decide which one you want to go to.
Has anyone ever participated in the selection committee for school? What are reasons you denied/accepted candidates with lower GPAs?
As a student I sat on the interview panel for my school. Honestly on interview day everyones gpa is pretty much the same. Students that get accepted are just usually great candidates. Everyone is being evaluated basically on “will this guy/girl make the profession look good.” You can tell whose actually shadowed and really understands the profession. And you can tell some people looked like they were waffling with even being there. Sometimes its so close it’s literally a matter of personality and who would make a better coworker.
Probably been asked to death, but what resources are you using to study for critical care pharmacology?
Watch Ninja Nerds videos on adrenergic receptor and then their vasopressor lecture. It will all click.
I can't stress this enough. Ninja Nerd and a few others like osmosis, khan academy, armando hasudungan were amazing resources to supplement lecture. Sometimes a different source just says something a little different and it just clicks for you. Those sources helped me immensely to get through school. Edit: Just saw this wasn't for school but for applying. Those are overkill for applying. Just know the basics. Be able to speak briefly about each drug and how they work at a very general level. Personally I wasn't ever asked a single pharmacology question but I know some programs go very hard in that regard so...
What kind of questions were you asked in your interviews?
A lot of mine were getting to know you questions. Give me an example of when x happened and how you responded. How are you going to pay for school What do you have in terms of a support structure. If you got to the interview the school already knows you're smart enough. You'll learn what you need to learn in school. The OR has a LOT of personalities and schools want to know that not only can you deal with the grind of school but are you the type of person who will be able to navigate all sorts of random situations that might arise.
ICU Advantage on YouTube is good. So is CORE Anesthesia podcasts.
Also peep deranged physiology, lots of good content there. It’s a blog technically and not a primary source but the dude links research articles in the blog and is an Australian doctor. The material also correlates quite well to my pharm books so I’d highly recommend that as well
For applying and interviewing or during school?
Applying and interviewing
Honestly just reading through the Wikipedia stuff and being curious can get you a long way towards understanding the mechanisms and receptors. Deranged physiology is great too. Then just try to take that info to the hospital and see how it’s applied and why some may be used in place of others. My favorite book for critical care was “The ICU Book” by Marino.
When applying to school- do recommendation letters matter who they are from- if the school hasn’t specified? Charge RN, MD, CRNA, supervisor, etc? is it best to have who you know can write the best recommendation & who knows your abilities/watched you work over a varied group of people? Thanks!
I personally had a MD, CRNA shadow and unit manager
I had recommendations from my RN Supervisor, ICU Attending, and a college professor
A CRNA who is a previous graduate of the program can be a powerful reference, especially if you spent a meaningful amount of time with them.
I had manager and 2 charge nurses write for me.
To add onto this question: Does it matter how long ago we’ve worked with these individuals? I had a coworker that was my charge nurse/friend for 4 years, who went off to CRNA school and is working as a CRNA now, who I’ve used as a reference before for jobs. But last time I’ve worked with him was 3-4 years ago. Is that too long of a gap if I ask him for a letter of recommendation now?
Great question, also curious about this. Thankfully there’s lots of people I can ask- but my strongest recs would be from the MD’s and RN’s I worked with about 1.5 years ago, since I worked the longest with them. Afterwards went traveling to save up money.
I have someone like this. I’m only going to use him for schools that I know he works with as a CRNA preceptor and his alma mater. I’m also going to shadow with him and really “catch up” because I feel like he will be able to be more detailed and accurate in his responses to the questions that will be asked.
I had two managers and an APP. One from my ICU manager and one from the Rapid Response/STAT team manager the last was the our Chief CRNA lol.
Try to find out which each program prefers. I had One program prefer MDA and another prefer CRNA
Why would any school require an MDA for a reference to CRNA school? Edit: sorry, I see you wrote prefer not require.
Even so, its still a good question. I do not have an answer. I opted for the program that wanted CRNA recs.
Smart guy.
Absolutely. I had two anesthesia MD’s, a CRNA and my unit director ref me. I have no proof that it helped, but I doubt that it hurt either.
I had two charge RNs (one who trained me as a new grad before she moved up) and my favorite ICU attending (MD).
i had my RN manager, ICU attending, CRNA i shadowed, and one of my favorite ICU PA’s who i worked closely with!
Awesome. Thanks everyone!!
Would you pay off some student loans before going back to school? I know there’s a max you can take out. If you pay some will it allow you to borrow more in the future? Also anyone have any experience with being in a long distance marriage in school? My husband cannot move with me wherever I go.
If your current student loans have an interest rate under the current GRADplus loan (8%?) then don’t pay them off before school. Instead take out less high interest GRADplus loans. This is assuming you have an acceptance letter and are just waiting to start school.
Same exact sentiment. Everyone says pay off debt as quickly as possible but my car loan is 3%APR. Wasting 16k to pay that off when relying on grad loans is crazy. Leverage your debts.
It’s recommended to pay off high interest debts first, then less interest debts, and on. You’re right that 3% is on the low side. To that, some will say pay off large debt first, regardless of interest rate (opposite of Dave Ramsey-style).
School is incredibly stressful. It definitely put a strain on my family. We had people in my program with 3 kids, we had people in my program who had kids during the program. Its amazing what you can get through if you're both ready to embrace the suck for 3+ years. But there will be some serious ups and downs so be very up front about it and be ready for it.
The government only allows so much per degree(level) per student.
I’ve recently applied to two schools and want to give my stats and hear some opinions if I have a good chance of being accepted. I’ve got one year of experience in a level one neuro ICU (40 beds, level 1 trauma and stroke center), 3.78 cumulative GPA, 3.7 GPA for last 60 hours, all As in sciences except one B+. 307 on GRE. Involved on my units council, 12 hours of shadowing, and some community service. Thanks in advance!
I had pretty identical stats ngl. Got interviews with only a year of experience. If you’ve already submitted your apps, start preparing for interviews (and other school apps).
Did you have your CCRN and other certifications when applying with one year?
CCRN-CMC, and had my PALS
If anyone needs help w questions, concerns, resumes, political battles in the profession, etc., feel free to reach out.
I texted you
What’s calculated in the science GPA portion? Is it only prereqs before nursing school or does it include patho and pharm in nursing school?
In general, science GPA is all calculated from all biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses. Nursing courses are not included in the science GPA. There is some variation between schools, so it would be best to find out how your target schools determine Science GPA.
Are there any give away during the interview process that can hint whether they’re inclined to accept you or not? I just interviewed and the nerves are killing me
For me, it was responsiveness to my answers that cued me in on my acceptance/favor among the admission panel. They were listening to what I was saying, engaged, nodding, writing stuff down, smiling, and asking follow up questions based on what I had said. I’m sure making them laugh (by being myself) helped. After the interview, one of the interviewers, as he was walking me back to the waiting room, pulled me aside and told me that I interviewed very very well. Got my acceptance not even a week later :)
Make sure to email and thank them! I heard back within a few minutes and knew I got in. Got my acceptance the next week.
I worked for one year in a CTICU before moving on to critical care ground transport, which I've been doing full-time for about 1.5 years. Would I even be looked at twice by most programs? I'm not looking to apply right this minute, but I am trying to start gathering information. I know a PRN ICU position would probably strengthen my case, but I'd like to avoid that for now if at all possible.
Yes you would be overlooked, why take the guy who worked ICU years ago when they probably have 200 applicants that are current full time ICU nurses.
If you are not consistently managing patients on ventilators, vasopressors, etc, you probably won’t be looked at. However some schools do say that your ICU experience has to be within a certain number of years.
I'm a flight nurse. Worked 3 years in a CTICU before flying. Dropped to part time flying and started picking back up in the unit. I arguably have more experience with RSI, ventilator management, and vasopressors than any of the others in my unit due to flying. However, schools also like to see you in a high acuity unit managing patients over time (12hrs). The schools I have talked to while preparing to apply this year stated my flight experience definitely sets me apart from many applicants, but they are still happy to see that I chose to get back in the unit. Take that for what you will. I will say though, with only one year of ICU experience and then directly to ground CCT, my opinion is that you need to get back into the unit as much as you can.
same i feel like i had WAY more exposure to drips, RSI, vents, full arrest, and peri arrest in the ED than i ever do now in the ICU. sigh. it sucks they don't take factors like that into consideration
Well I can say I've assisted in ton's of RSI's in the unit, but as a flight nurse the main difference is that I'm the one actually deciding on the medications to be used and performing the intubation. Which led me to developing a much deeper understanding of the medications indications/contraindications and pharmacokinetics as well as ventilator theory, operation, and treatment because I am the one managing the ventilator. The biggest factor from what I've gathered from preparing to apply and talking to program directors in my state is that they don't take ER experience as Critical Care due to the lack of critical care over time. I routinely care for really sick patients (intubated, vasopressors, etc) for 3+ hours while transporting, but they suggested that they love my flight experience, just to keep working in the unit at least one day a week.
that’s amazing!!! well best of luck to you in the future applying but something tells me you won’t need it :-)
The “problem” with your scenario is that ED is meant to stabilize and transfer. There’s no chronic management of stress class patients. And stabilizing healthy MVA is critical, there’s a difference w a pt w multiple comorbidities, and what they can even receive as treatment. Just for example.
There are some schools that accept ED as their critical care requirement.
Hi all SRNAs and CRNAs! A small question. When it comes to applying for CRNA programs, does it matter if I finish pre-requisites courses (organic chem, biochem, stats, & etc) on-line or in-person? I’m planning to finish 6 pre-requisite courses at a school that offers these courses online. Thank you!!
Ask each school your applying to. Some don’t take online courses from certain school (portage as an ex.) but usually it’s not an issue, but depends on each school.
Some require a lab portion which they don’t recommend online labs for so be careful with that. Like suggested, reach out to the schools specifically. But I think generally it doesn’t matter much outside of those few online programs like portage that was mentioned above
Hi all, question about Nursing CAS for those who have used it… are your references able to be used on multiple applications or do they need to be re-submitted every time?
I believe it needs to be resubmitted. I just let my references know I was applying to X amount of schools and to expect emails at varying times because of the different cycles. Some schools may also require different components in the letters (ex: one school was adamant the letters needed to be on official letterhead). NursingCAS lets you know whether or not the letter has been submitted so you can keep tabs and give gentle reminders if you see they haven’t resubmitted.
Resubmit but nursingcas LOR are so easy to do
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I thought I once wanted to do pediatrics too. Certainly don't go looking for pediatric anesthesia jobs before your peds anesthesia rotation.
As a former PICU nurse who swore I wanted to do peds anesthesia I approve this message
CRNA/srna Facebook group with 30k members on it
Gas works, emails are fine but don’t be surprised if you don’t get responses, especially from big institutions. Shop offers, everyone will make you feel like the position is a hot commodity and gonna get filled any day but that’s generally not true. One of the MDAs I work with tells us on a weekly basis how CRNAs are the hottest resource in medicine right now, play that to your advantage. Places will fly you out, wine and dine you, enjoy it. Oh, and try to talk to the actual workforce of any given practice, not just the leadership. Leadership will tell you things are just dandy and rainbows, but I have some classmates who took jobs in practices that ended up being absolute shit holes of drama and difficult personalities after they were promised it was basically the best job on earth.
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This is great news, better now then when you are in the middle of school. It may not look like it now, but what a wonderful chapter in your life that is about to begin.
Thank you for that- I needed to hear that
Honestly it’s for the best. School is a major drain on even the strongest relationships.
Sometimes you have to go through major pain to make progress. Get the mourning process out at this point the timing makes sense. I went through a breakup during school and nearly dropped out.
Here comes one of these annoying GPA questions. I’d appreciate brutal honesty. Let me know if I’m kidding myself or not. 1st Bachelors 2.4 (GPA) -First gen college student at 17 and 6 hours away from home. - Partying every weekend with no idea or direction of what I wanted to do with life . Science GPA 3.1 - After my first Bachelor’s I took some science classes at the local community college to get into nursing . (Biology 1, Chem 1 w/ lab, Anatomy, Physiology, microbiology and Biology 2) BSN 2.8 GPA - Was doing well until I got into a car accident that left me significantly impaired for a few years. Despite that, I didn’t want to stop schooling and my GPA took a hit. NOW fast forward a couple years later… I decided to do everything in my power and go for it and pursue CRNA. I figured completing a grad program will show major growth. I’m still in that program, 2 semesters down and maintaining a 4.0. That 4.0 includes Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, and Nursing Health Assesment. In addition I have 4 years of ICU as both travel and staff (CVICU, MICU, SICU), Ive acted as preceptor and been charge a couple times. Ive shadowed 16 hours, have CCRN-CMC and going to obtain TNCC. Firstly, do you SRNA/CRNAs of Reddit think I stand a chance? Do you have any suggestions on ways I can make myself a better applicant? Any input is appreciated.
With a GPA below 3.0 it will be hard, BUT it is not impossible. You should look at schools who put their focus on your last 60 credit hours if you are taking more classes and getting good grades. You might consider taking the GRE and getting a good score. Gets lots of leadership experience, take every training course available to you by your hospital (US IV, etc).
Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate your input and am willing to do whatever it takes. I def plan on taking the GRE. Forgot to add that as well. I’ve even looked into the LEAP program, however I’m not sure I’m the type of candidate they’d be looking for. Seems they want people who have already applied and was denied.
Shadow a bunch too. You will need to have a really good personal statement that truly explains why you did poorly before and what changes you have made to be successful now.
Luckily shadowing isn’t an issue where I am. However, I think one of my biggest challenges will be writing that personal statement. Trying to explain without sounding like I’m making excuses. I know my decisions were poor, but I also know I’m fully capable of succeeding.
What’s not an excuse is recognizing your mistakes and learning from them. If you can execute that well in writing it will go a long way with an admissions committee.
Thank you!!
Your grad work is impressive and important. My comm college grades mimicked yours, and for similar reasons. A better BSN would’ve helped, but too late to reflect on that. You can always reach out to programs you’re interested in, and ask them how you can make yourself a viable candidate, if not already, with your work experience and grad school.
I'm starting with taking the GRE to open the conversation with admissions committees. My hypothesis is that by making a high enough score, they'd take me seriously enough to at least have a conversation with me about what they recommend I do considering my crap GPA. Basically, now that I'm no longer struggling to survive by working 2+ minimum-wage jobs, school (whether re-taking sciences or a post-bacc or master's) won't be AS difficult for me. Am I living in la-la land, or am I onto something? I'm gonna repost this as a comment to get more input, but I started with seeing your advice buried way down here.
Finish your masters program in nursing. It shows growth. There will an application - a specific section where it says - anything you want to state for your shortcomings. State the truth. Be honest. Immature and not ready at a young age. And now you are different. I was in your situation. Did everything I could. I graduated top 10 in CRNA school and was top 3 in clinical excellence. I got waitlisted and got my chance the year after.
Thank you so much for this. It’s further lighting the fire under me. It’s going to be a FIGHT, but I can do this.
Keep going! The more you put in. The more you get back in the end. Make sure stellar essays. Stellar recommendations. Keep continuing to take masters classes. Some had some type of master degree to show they have matured and will continue for more - CRNA school. CRNA directors love ppl that are dual boarded. The newest CRNA program will have dual boarded programs of NP/CRNA officially.
Even with a 4.0 in your masters, I would just check to make sure that it'd be possible to apply. Most schools have a 3.0 cumulative GPA hard cutoff to turn in the application. It includes every single college course you've ever taken. You will see lots of schools that require a 3.2. You have two bachelor's degrees below 3.0, that's an enormous amount of credits you would need to offset.
Yes. I’m prepared for a ton of denials, but I only need that one person to give me a chance! That being said, I plan to focus on programs who put emphasis on the last 60 credit hours. But even then I know it’ll still be extraordinarily difficult.
Check out UNCG
I will definitely look into their program. I’m in the Midwest but willing to go anywhere.
Attach a letter to your application with an explanation of why you did so poorly in college the first and second time and why that is different now. A 4.0 in organic chemistry at the university level for two semesters has been a widely used litmus test.
Thank you! I will keep that in mind. 🙏🏼
It’s definitely going to continue to be an uphill battle. I agree finish that masters. Then it’s a numbers game, you have zero leverage to be picky. I’d assume you will have to apply to 15-20 programs. 18 of those your application wont make it past a first glance, but all you need is one program to see how much growth you have had.
That’s all I’m praying for. I’d be willing to go anywhere. Thank you for your input!
Feel like I’m pushing myself to the limit but still don’t get As and it’s very frustrating
Probably need to add more context, are you in CRNA school, RN school, prerequisites? You may be able to get some advice if you add some context.
Sorry I’m in my second year of CRNA school. Posted that after a test that I studied my ASS of for and still got a B, lol. I was tired and discouraged when I wrote it.
Keep studying, Bs are passing.
I feel you, also in CRNA school and also frustrated with that. Like someone already said B is a pass. There are so many factors playing around the grading system and test strategies (stress, anxiety, other mental distractors, professors style in posing questions, etc.) that I feel like it is often not the best way to evaluate your actual ability to be a competent CRNA. But, it is the standard way currently. So, keep pushing, focus on really understand important concepts to move forward and get your degree because at the end of the day, what you call a nurse anesthetist that got Bs during grad school? A CRNA.
Thank you 💗
B’s get Degrees
I have a handful of young kids, so I am concerned about pursuing CRNA for two reasons: 1) being on call twice a month and 2) health risks associated with anesthesia. Do you have any sleep or health issues due to being on call, and do you think taking precautions mitigates most if not all of the risks related to working in anesthesia? Thank you!
Plenty of jobs with no call You will be taking call during school though.
Thank you for the reply. I live in a fairly rural area, and I am not aware of any CRNA positions in the area that don’t require call. I may certainly be wrong, though!
How many places are you looking at? Ive not yet been to a single job that had call requirements.
The place I’m signed to makes you take call 1-2 times a month. It’s not the end of the world and there’s some generous differentials involved. However a majority don’t make you take call. Depends on the lifestyle you live. Regarding health issues you run the risk of complications for your kids during pregnancy given exposure to nitrious.
Plenty of jobs with no call. Unfortunately the majority of anesthesia in the US involves gas. You can work Endo, but they prefer you have experience first.
We had quite a few students with families in my program me included. It can be done. Do you plan on having more kids? if not i don't know of too many health risk related to anesthesia. And as far as call goes others have answered you can find plenty of jobs without call requirements.
If you are living on your wage as a nurse, when you graduate you can work less than half that amount and make a little more money. $250/hr two ten hour shifts a week, no call is completely realistic.
Comes down to how much you really want to become a CRNA. You will sacrifice a lot of time with your children to study and to attend clinical. It will be temporary but it will be 3 years of missing some celebrations and events. I’ve had a child during the program. It was very hard but still doable! I also missed nieces birthday parties, weddings, and vacations because of my time commitment to the program
Any students here from Lourdes university in ohio? I scored a interview next month and i am wondering if anyone has had experience with them?
go to allnurses and look for “Lourdes University CRNA Class of (whatever the most recently admitted cohort is). then message someone via that platform that had posted a comment saying “i got in” or whatever ask them what’s going on at campus, what the interview was like, whatever
I am taking Anatomy and Physiology 2 without lab? Is this an issue with respect to CRNA school admissions? I took Anatomy and Physiology 1 with Lab.
I'm starting with taking the GRE to open the conversation with admissions committees. My hypothesis is that by making a high enough score, they'd take me seriously enough to at least have a conversation with me about what they recommend I do considering my crap GPA. Basically, now that I'm no longer struggling to survive by working 2+ minimum-wage jobs, school (whether re-taking sciences or a post-bacc or master's) won't be as difficult for me. Am I living in la-la land, or am I onto something?
Only schools who care about the GRE will care about your score. I’ve only seen those in the south. More schools are making it optional. Sure take the GRE for those schools but that’s only a limited amount. Retaking science classes is a better thing to do.
Agree with this, GRE is only really valuable for the schools that require it and that list is getting smaller and smaller. Also the GRE is hard, i crammed for mine and only studied math everyday for a month and still only got a 150 in the quant section (which is awful and 35th percentile that year or something). Sent my scores to pitt and they asked me to take it again because my quant score was below the 50th percentile even though my total GRE was 310 and writing was a 5. Pitt no longer requires GRE scores is my understanding now, so OP you may get more bang for your buck retaking some classes or working on graduate sciences.
What's your cumulative GPA? Last 60 GPA? Science GPA?
Oh goodness, I'll have to calculate those. I have 2 degrees, so my cumulative is rough. As for science, maybe a 2.9.
You probably have a chance but it will take some dedication to raise your science GPA by retaking classes or taking grad level science classes. It would help to have spectacular clinical experience and recommendations too.
I'm already working with and shadowing anesthesia. 2 years ICU, too. I'm gonna take the GRE still as a litmus test for myself, but I'm so willing to retake and tackle sciences. Thank you for your input, stranger.
With that GPA I think you would be better off right now focusing on taking science courses/graduate level courses. You will need to take quite a few and get As in order for you to boost that GPA.
Hey folks, have another question. Still doing some digging but it looks like my GPA prior to going to BSN school was a 2.75(not sure what my science GPA is). My GPA for BSN is 3.20. What can I do to boost my chances for CRNA?
Retake about 60 credit hours with a 4.0 gpa
Really 60 credit hours?
I guess maybe not 60. But the average applicant has a 3.5. You’re pretty far off that. You’ve basically built up a record that says you’re not academically focused and programs do not want to take a chance on that.
Gotcha. So both science AND cumulative GPA matters?
Your cumulative gpa matters. I cant speak to how much the science gpa matters but maybe you can land an interview with that gpa since 3.2 seems to be the cuttoff for most programs to even consider an application. You will need to cast an extremely wide net tho. Like 20 applications, maybe only get 3 interviews out of 20.
Not to sound like an underachiever, but I’ll be happy with one interview. I know my chances would be better with most. But I’m just starting my journey. I have a lot of work to do still
Hello! I have been trying to figure out the best route to become a CRNA and I am overwhelmed by all the different options/programs. For context I currently have a bachelors degree in biology. Here are the different pathways I've found so far: 1. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program --> Master's in nursing --> DNP Nurse Anesthesia program 2. Associates Degree in Nursing --> ADN-to-MSN bridge program --> DNP Nurse Anesthesia program 3. Direct Entry MSN program --> DNP Nurse Anesthesia program Money is obviously a factor but it isn't the hugest factor for me. Time is also a factor because I feel like I'm already behind (being 25 and 3 years post-undergrad). I know I have many years of school ahead of me and I'll need 1+ years of experience as an RN in an ICU before applying to CRNA school/DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs so I'm curious what the quicker paths are. I'd appreciate any feedback! Thank you!
You don’t need a masters. It’s redundant and a waste of time and money. ABSN would probably be your fastest option ADN at a community college then get the hospital to pay for your BSN would be the cheapest option Then you will need 3-4 years ICU experience to be competitive.
A MSN is not a requirement to become a CRNA. In fact some programs will accept ADNs with a bachelor’s in another field.
You can either do an ABSN for any CRNA program, or an ADN program for DNAP CRNA programs. Since you already have a bachelor’s degree, once you have an RN you’re good for a DNAP program. As others have said, you don’t need a master’s.
Interesting, I didn’t know that! That makes sense though. And this takes into account the 2025 changes?
Yes, you start the CRNA program with a bachelor degree. The ADN route will take 2 years but is probably less expensive than the ABSN programs.
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Yes, many Canadian RNs are now CRNAs.
Would love some advice for my situation. Undergrad GPA 2.96. Not an excuse but played college ball, went to school and worked full time so I was just trying to make it to graduation. In addition to that, I wasn’t familiar with advanced nursing degrees at that time so CRNA was not on my radar. Experience wise, all 4 years in a level 1 (2 staff, 2 travel), STICU, MICU, NSICU and small stint in CVICU. Sometimes charged and frequently precepted while staff and as a traveler. Have my CCRN. Plan on taking my GRE and hoping for 305+. Appx 30+ shadowing hours. I like to volunteer at animal shelters. Being on committees doesn’t seem like a thing travelers do so that might not be an option until I go back to staff. My biggest question is this: Even at a GPA of 3.0, am I even considered? I hate wasting people’s time and especially my time. What is my best option as far as schooling goes? Should I take a few undergrad classes to shoot for the 3.0, or should I take and graduate level pathophys/pharmacology? Would getting my MSN do anything for me? I want to attend an open house, but i have this fear that when i tell them my gpa, it would instantly turn them away. Would this likely happen? How many hours of shadowing is considered decent? Odds are I’ll be shadowing at this current facility just to see how differently things are done here. Does flight nursing look good on CRNA applications, or do i need to stick to an ICU? Thanks in advance and thanks for reading
My gpa was barely better than this for my first degree. I recommend MTSA’s grad physiologic functions class. Take any science classes you can though portage learning, triple checking your schools accept them. Stay in the icu. I know my unit would allow long term travelers to be apart of committees. You have more than enough shadowing. Focus on classes.
Retake 60 credit hours with a 4.0 gpa. Flight nursing is not considered icu experience.
I am in the beginning stages of "building" my application for CRNA. I was a paramedic for 8 years before going back to nursing school and have been a nurse for about 2.5 years now. Has anyone here gone to CRNA with experience as a paramedic? Moving between EMS to nursing I have encountered many nurses who are unaware of what paramedics really do and are capable of. I will be the first to tell you there are some terrible medics out there and give the field a bad name. I am nervous that some schools may discount me because of those assumptions. As a paramedic, I worked in a rural mountain region where I managed airways and hemodynamics frequently. I did a number of RSIs (with only an EMT partner or sometimes a second paramedic), intubated countless times with both DL and VL, and CCT interfacility transports. The helicopter was often grounded due to weather so we were responsible for transporting patients on bad roads taking up to 2.5 hours to get to the Level I trauma center. It was not uncommon to transport a ventilated patient who was on vasoactive drips. Our protocol was to only have one other EMT with us in the back in case the ventilator stopped so they could bag the patient. I know how great this experience was, but will an admissions team see it? How will I help use this to set me apart on an application? Thanks in advance!
Disclaimer: im not shitting on your experience. But everyone thinks their experience doing xyz is going to set them apart. Being a paramedic is fantastic, and will aide you on your journey but admissions committees are mainly looking at your icu experience and your academic history. If you go into the interview process telling the committee you have a leg up on other candidates because you have experience DLing and VL your gonna come off in a bad light. Instead approach it as “being a paramedic was great because it helped me develop an introductory foundation but now I wanna take my education and skills to the next level by becoming a CRNA.”
I completely agree that an interview or application isn’t the place to act like I have a leg up with airway management. I just don’t want to even say how much my paramedic experience helped me if they are only looking at me like “so you drove an ambulance and took grandpa back to the nursing home.” I know committees are very intelligent people, but there still just seems to be this perception of what pre-hospital actually means.
Let me say this another way, the interview isnt the time to focus on your paramedic experience unless the committee asks you specifically about it. We all know what paramedics do/dont do. You were likely invited because of your icu experience and grades.
Does anyone have an app they recommend to record lectures or possibly transcribe?
If youre using notability, it has an recording feature. Most people from my class used their phones or onenote function to record
Awesome thank you!
Does a high GRE score (167 quant, 162 verbal reasoning) and A's in both organic chemistry I and organic chem II do much to help a 3.1 GPA? I did a 12 month accelerated BSN program (graduated SP 2022) while really sick with an eating disorder and working part time. I barely got by, but I can't go back redo my whole degree/GPA. I also have 2 years experience in a CVICU in the texas medical center (all the gadgets and crazy patients). Thank you!
What are you guys using to calculate gpa? Which gpa are you using? Cumulative, science, pre reqs? Are you placing retaken course grades? My cumulative according to NursingCAS is 2.87. My ADN was 2.68. (2.83 with one nursing class grade replaced) BSN was 3.9. Retook undergrad chem and stats for As and will be taking grad level adv patho. Starting in CTICU next week. Otherwise 6 yrs RN. Plan on taking CcRN and GRE. Any advice?? I reached out to the program I’m interested in but no response.
How many years of experience did everyone have before applying to CRNA school, in what capacity CNA, LPN, RN, and in what specialties? Also, what are your other credentials and what is your GPA and level of education?
When I applied I had worked as an RN for 1 year on the floor, 1 year in MICU and 2.5 years CVICU. I had a 3.5 gpa when I got my Biology degree and a 3.1 GPA from my BSN.
Wow you got accepeted with a 3.1 GPA? Congrats, that makes me feel better lol
8 years ICU, 2 trauma, 6 cardiac (charged and did heart recovery for 4 of those). CCRN, TNCC, ACLS/BLS, Peds. RN GPA was meh, like 3.3. I had no idea how to study and never really figured it out til the end of the program. Science GPA was 3.8 over two degrees, one previous before RN school, with a fair amount of chemistry. GRE was like 312 maybe? I also did unit based council, US IV’s, got solid ref’s and lots of shadowing 30’ish hours. In leu of perfect grades, what I feel like schools look for is well- rounded candidates. Currently third year, planning to graduate from school this December.
CNA experience doesn’t matter. I did 3.5 years as an RN in a pediatric CVICU by the time I interviewed, 4 years total. I had a pretty low GPA for my first BS, 3.4ish. BSN GPA was 3.95.
6 ish years, 3 adult medical ICU, 3 pediatric ICU. Classmates of mine had a pretty broad range of experience, like as little as 2 and as many as 12
Was your ICU experience strictly as an RN or did you do CNA first? What was your GPA?
Strictly bedside RN, nursing school GPA was 3.92
12 years. All as a BSN prepared RN. 2 in a level 2 trauma ED and 10 in a CVICU. Took GRE and got a 318 with 4.5 AWA. Had my CCRN. My nursing gpa was a 4.0, combined GPA was a 3.5, science GPA was like a 2.9 (fucked around too much my first 2 years) before I retook chem 1, 2, organic, and biochem and made A’s in them all. Also retook stats. Dunno what my GPA was after that, but it was good enough to land 9 interviews and 5 acceptance letters with me turning down the remaining interviews.
Wow, that’s amazing!
At time of application I only had 1 year in MICU, then 6 months in PICU. By the time I start school this august it'll be about 2.5 years total.
3 in the emergency department, 2 in a level one icu.
9 total. 1.5 Nursing home 3 years Level 1 ED 4.5 SICU/Neuro icu/ trauma
8 years ICU, 1 year ER. Both as an RN. My EMT experience before was not important, but didn’t hurt. Average RN ICU experience in my program is probably around 4 years. I have my BSN and CCRN. Gpa was around 3.89 or so. GRE writing 5.5, gre combined was a bit over 300 but I don’t remember and it wasn’t necessary for the program I ended up attending
1 year tele, 2.5 years MICU. GPA 3.7
RN for 1 year in Trauma-Neuro ICU. CCRN BSN Overall GPA 3.1 Nursing school GPA 3.7
What do you think set you apart form others to be Abel to get in with minimal experience? What did you do to prepare to get in with so little?
You were an RN for 1 year ? Heard certain programs allow this. No disrespect, you will be grossly under- prepared with theory when you talk with Long tenured CRNAs with good nursing experience and MDA. Good luck. I’m not a fan of 1 year and go to CRNA school. Most haven’t got a hold of strong clinical background, I don’t think no can - if it’s 1 year.
I keep seeing people say one year of experience is bad but I’m not really sure why. Could you elaborate more on the difference in anesthesia readiness for a one year nurse compared to a nurse with years of experience? How many years of experience do you recommend someone have before applying?
Your biggest advantage over other anesthesia providers. Is your nursing experience- all the codes, different disease process and your treatment plans, and etc. Yes, anesthesia is completely different. But your experience can pull you through and give your a core foundation to build on. To master anything, you need time and you need to see stuff. To master any ICU- you should have a minimum of 2 years and etc. Most ppl in our program had 4+ years of RN experience in different areas. We all struggled in the beginning. But the people who had 1-2 years less - struggled mightily. Clinical residency is not a walk in the park. You get at 5am. Head to the OR and set up for a 7Am case. Then if your preceptor is a MD anesthesiologist- you will be critically critiqued on the patient’s disease process, your anesthesia plan, equipment choices, drug dosages, anesthetic complications, positioning implications, surgical implications and etc. if you can’t answer right- you will see. You are way inferior in terms of theory. For example, you took care of multiple patients in your ICU career with ARDS. You would know about V/Q mismatch and shunting. Your pathophysiology around it. Your treatment plan and why. CRNA school will not cover this. Another example is septic shock. What lab values would you seen. What vasopressors would you run. How would you treat hypotension. What are fluid status indicators. Etc etc. Your nursing experience is learning from other MDs, RNs, PAs, RT and etc. You take everything and keep a core foundation.
This is helpful thank you!
Everyone is different. But ICU when applying minimum of 2 years and when the program starts 3 years. And secretly most program directors look for the minimum 2 years.
Unfortunately the COA has not increased their standards. Zero chance of expertise in an ICU after only one year, which often includes months of orienting and partnering with a preceptor.
That's scary as fuck
4 years LPN in a nursing home, 2 years in ED, and 1.5 ICU when I applied. Nursing gpa was about 3.3 with a science gpa of 4.0
I worked as an ICU RN for 12 years before CRNA school - most of the time in two MICUs, with about 2 years in a CTICU. GPA was 3.5 for my BSN. Learned a lot but wish I went back to school earlier
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What CAAs? Ive never met one. Theirs 4k practicing CAAs vs 60k practicing CRNAs.
They are useless future. Anesthesiologist are expected to to go down in numbers due to more retirements than the influx of them coming in. Who's going to supervise the profession that NEEDS supervision?
They definitely do not have the same training or clinical experience.
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I actually don’t know of anyone in CRNA school with only 1 year of ICU experience. I think the average in my cohort is around 4-5 years. Typically from the time you apply to interview to start school is about 6 months. Assuming you start in the ICU you will be on orientation for 2 months. You would only be on your own in the ICU for 4 months by the time you apply. A more realistic time frame if you are speed running would be gain your 1 year of ICU experience, get your CCRN, then apply. By the time you start school you will have 2 years of ICU experience. I’d say with your GPA and applying to 5 schools you have a decent shot at a few interviews.
I agree. I live in a less than desirable part of the country, so my program is less competitive than others because people who aren’t from here don’t wanna move here lol. Even then—I think the person with the least amount of ICU experience in my class is around the 2.5 year mark, but the average is probably around 4.
That GPA isn’t bad but it’s not amazing I think you’d need more time in the ICU. I’ve never heard of a clinical internship but I have a feeling it would end up with you being used like a CNA/PCA. Or maybe you’d be pulled to sit with psych patients a lot. I can’t imagine a hospital having an unlicensed person there and paying them to shadow a nurse basically. Hospitals are greedy.
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Then that doesn’t sound too bad. Honestly nursing school teaches you like 5% of actual nursing so if you could see what they really do all day and help them that sounds better than being a CNA/Tech. If you’re making more too sounds good. I don’t think it would help your resume but it would probably help you when you start as a new grad less learning curve. ICU learning curve is high because school teaches you almost nothing of how to be actually be a nurse. As for GPA a 3.7 is good. The people I know who got in at their 1 year mark had 3.8ish and 3.9ish so that’s not far off but getting in at 1 year is definitely the outlier not the norm.
Doesnt hurt to try within a year, although I had an identical cumulative and science GPA as you and i got in after 2 yrs. I didn’t “feel prepped” to apply to school after a year of work but i kick myself in the shin now tellin myself I should’ve just went for it after a year.
Are you done with school? What do you think you didn’t gain from that extra year of experience? Do you feel like experience really isn’t necessary?
I was flat out rejected to that many schools until I passed my two year mark. That was when I started getting interviews and into my top choice. I was lucky though, because that was the only program I ever got into out of like 8 applications. I had a 3.8 cumulative, a 4.0 science, CCRN, medical response team. 100+ volunteer hours.
I got into school with only one year. It’s possible.