It depends. Generally yes. Get a call to the program for further information.

DG

First, thank you for taking time to create this website. It is my home page. Fantastic!

It’s early in the game for me, but I want to make sure I am on the right track. I’m applying to nursing school soon. In addition to the pre-nursing requirements (i.e. A&P I & II, Microbiology, Nursing Chemistry I & II), I’ve taken Gen Chem I & II, Orgo I & II, Physics I, Zoology, & Mammalian Anatomy & Physiology (year-long course sequence – taught by a former OBGYN – with a focus on the human body systems). I have a 4.0 in these courses. (I’ve never wanted to go to medical school. I just thought these courses would be useful for CRNA school).

I currently work as a night shift PCT at a large Children’s Hospital, and I volunteered as an EMT for 3 years. Hopefully, I will get into the Honors Nursing program here in my home state (which is a 2-year BSN degree). I’ve been job shadowing a CRNA, and I LOVE IT. I bring journal articles, and we discuss them over lunch (when I am not watching him at work in the OR). Side note: I have a previous degree (in History), so I am a bit older (25 years old).

My question: How can I prepare myself further to be a stronger candidate for CRNA school? Theoretically, I hope to achieve the following by the time of my application:

- Nursing school: Honors (Complete a Research Project), High GPA. Possibly start a student nursing journal club. Continue to job shadow CRNAs. Work as PCT.

- Experience: Get into an ICU position as soon as possible (though I realize that I might have to work in Med-Surg first); Work for 2-4 years; While working, I hope to take Biochemistry I & Analytical Chemistry I as the local university in my home state (if it fits into my schedule). Get PALS, ACLS, BLS, CCRN certified. Continue to job shadow CRNAs. Take GRE.

Finally, apply! (I’ll be about 31-32 by this time – not that age matters too much! I read somewhere that CRNAs are generally around this age, and/or I won’t be the oldest in a matriculating class).

There seem to be a lot of steps to getting into CRNA school, and I want to make sure I running in the right direction. Character is a bit hard to convey in stats, but I try to gain wisdom in addition to stats. (And – as Socrates said – I know what I do not know – which is much! I’m working on it though!) I do know that it would be an honor to matriculate into a CRNA program!

Thank you again for your time and expertise!

Sincerely,

Brit

Check out Rush University. Give Michael Kremer a call and ask for a Shadow experience. Good luck. DG

Rush University College of Nursing
Nurse Anesthesia Program
600 S. Paulina St.
Armour Academic Center
Chicago, IL 60612

Program Information
Date of Last Review: 5/2005
Next Review Date: 5/2015
Degree(s): Doctor of Nursing Practice (Entry Level), Doctor of Philosophy (Entry Level), Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level), Master of Science in Nursing (Completion)
Program Length: 27 months
Starting Month(s): June

Contacts
Michael J. Kremer, CRNA, PhD, FAAN, Program Director
Judith C Wiley, CRNA, DNP, Associate Program Director
ph: (312) 942-6125
fax: (312) 942-2549
email: Mike_kremer@rush.edu
web: http://www.rushu.rush.edu

I am currently a nursing student at Loyola University of Chicago and have been having a very hard time trying to find shadowing opportunities in the Chicago area. I have found that unless you have a personal relative or family friend connection that is really hard to find any shadowing opportunities. Even volunteering at three different hospitals have given me no luck. Do you have any suggestions on how to find shadowing opportunities?

Thank you!

- Danielle