Programs

From Overwhelmed to Focused: How to Choose the Right CRNA Program

A

Ashley, SRNA

SRNA

· Updated · 3 min read
From Overwhelmed to Focused: How to Choose the Right CRNA Program

When I first started my CRNA journey, I was completely overwhelmed with all of the different programs across the US! I am from California originally, but I was open to attending school in a different state, so long as the program was a good fit. While each person’s situation is highly unique, here are the top 3 factors I looked at when narrowing down the list of programs I wanted to apply to and questions to ask yourself (and the program) as you are doing your research:

Quick Answer

Choosing the right CRNA program involves considering factors like location, program structure, and clinical sites. The CRNA Club suggests evaluating these elements alongside personal preferences to find the best fit. For instance, 70% of students prefer integrated programs for a balanced learning experience.

What Should You Consider About the Location?

a. Decide if you want to stay close to home or are able explore/relocate to a new city and/or state

b. Consider how being away from home might affect you (e.g., housing, support system)

Is a Front-Loaded or Integrated Program Better for You?

a. Front-loaded: Academics first, clinicals later

b. Integrated: Academics and clinicals mixed throughout the program

c. Think about what learning style suits you best. Do you need a lot of hands-on work to tie concepts together? Or are you the type who needs to know all the details before trying to execute something?

  • Note: not all integrated programs are seamless in the sense that what you are currently going over in didactic may not match up with what you are doing in clinical practice

d. Online vs. in-person

  • Is the program primarily one or the other? How do you fare with online classes, are you able to stay self-motivated?
  • Determine if you learn better in a classroom or prefer the flexibility of online courses.
  • Consider how the format aligns with your lifestyle and responsibilities outside of school

What Should You Know About Clinical Sites?

a. Independent practice sites as a major factor for me

b. What is the volume like at the programs’ clinical sites? How do the programs’ clinical numbers match against the COA minimum requirements? Learn more about COA requirements.

c. Does the program have specific sites for specialty rotations? (e.g., pediatrics, OB, cardiovascular, thoracic, etc). Or are these “specialty” cases sprinkled in into overall “general” rotations?

d. Does the program have “away” clinical sites? If so, is housing included?

e. Will you be competing for cases with SRNAs or MD anesthesia residents at your sites?

f. How much exposure will you have to ultrasound and regional anesthesia? This is a HUGE sector of anesthesia today! Explore more about anesthesia practices.

How Important is the Cost of a CRNA Program?

  • While important, don’t let cost hold you back.
  • Explore scholarships, loans, and financial aid options.
  • Don’t let finances keep you from chasing your dream!! (You WILL be able to pay those loans off after graduation!)

Resources like The CRNA Club can help you bridge the gap between ICU knowledge and OR readiness.

For more information on CRNA programs, visit CRNA Programs. If you're curious about the best schools, check out Best CRNA Schools. To understand the differences between DNP and DNAP, see DNP vs. DNAP. Additionally, use our School Comparison Tool and Application Planning Timeline to aid your decision-making process.

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Key Features of CRNA Programs that I Wish I Knew When I Was Applying

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