What are the prerequisites for becoming a CRNA?

Its never too early or late to start thinking about becoming a CRNA.


Whether you are thinking about becoming a nurse, taking pre-req's, in nursing school,  just graduated or have 10 years of experience, now is the time to start thinking about it.

I am sure that you have so many questions and may not even know how to begin your journey to becoming a CRNA.

Let's start with the most vital question.          
               What are the prerequisites for becoming a CRNA?
1. First of all get into an ICU and gain your experience
          -ICU experience is a requirement to even apply. Usually you have to work
          at least one year in the ICU.
          -Some schools accept PICU and NICU experience, most most want adult
           ICU experience
          -Check this website out for specific programs that even accept ER
           experience. This is my go to website for all the CRNA school
           requirements. It list GPA requirements, experience requirements, and
           everything else.
               http://www.all-crna-schools.com/crna-programs.html#section1
           -Remember that it can be hard to start in an ICU as a new grad.
           -It's not the end of the world to start in a telemetry unit.
           -I started in telemetry, got my experience and time management then went
           to the ICU for 2 years. What is important is what you make of your
           experience.
2. Most schools require a GPA >3.0.
           - Most schools require at least a 3.0 GPA. I have to be honest though,
            even with a 3.0 GPA, you are gonna struggle to get in. A competitive 
            GPA is a 3.5 or above. From what I have researched and heard from
            different schools personally is that some schools look at your science
            GPA( major prereq science courses) separately, others focus more on
             your nursing GPA in nursing school itself. It really depends on the
             school. If you did not do so great in your pre-nursing, strive to get good
             grades in nursing school itself.
             -For those of you who may not have that competitive GPA don't give up!
             Trust me there are still ways to get in. There are some 3.9-4.0 students
             who still do not get accepted, and visa-versa, there are those 3.0
             students who do. Why? Well it depends on how you plan out your path
             to becoming a CRNA. Check out my Q&A post (soon to come)
 3. Most schools require the GRE.
           -What is the GRE? Check out this site:
                      http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about
             -Remember I said MOST....not all
             -I am going to be honest here, I didn't take it. Why you ask? I decided to
             focus my efforts on a different route. I knew the 2 schools in California
             that I wanted to attend, and I also knew that they didn't require the GRE.
             I decided to focus only on those schools this year and study to pass 
             the CCRN(Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification). Most schools
             state that it is highly recommended to have this but not mandatory.
             -I am going to be honest guys, the CCRN looks great if you have it!
             -I have great advice for those who ask. I know what questions to do,
             what  book to study (note I wrote book, not books!) And what lectures
             to watch ( if you are interested, contact me and I can give you advice 
             on it.)
            -You can alway contact me at hiruma83@gmail.com
                  -whether it be for CCRN info or other questions or post
                  requests, feel free to let me know.
            -As for the GRE, I know Kaplan has a great book out, great vocab flash
            cards, and a great course.
           -One word of advice, they usually look at each individual score. There is a
           mathematics portion and a verbal portion ( I think they just added an
           essay section as well). If you do great on the math and horrible on the
           verbal, then some schools may ask you about it. Some schools state on
           there website that they look at total score, but even if you score 100% on
           math and low on verbal, it's something that they will most likely ask about.
           Other schools actually state that they want a certain math and certain
           verbal score. It truly depends on the school.

Once again for finding out specific program requirements in the US visit this site:
http://www.all-crna-schools.com/crna-programs.html

Also if you have any questions, request for posts, or even just comments, feel free to contact me at hiruma83@gmail.com