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Kaegan
Student
Valdosta, Georgia
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Can someone give me a break down on what all I would have to do to get my BSN after high school?
I am an 11th grader and I am interested in becoming a CRNA but I would like to understand my path after high school such as prerequisites and how my dual enrollment can help to shorten time possibly.
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2 answers
Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Learning Strategist: Diversity & Inclusion/Corporate Responsibility
8
Answers
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Step 1: Completing High School
Focus on relevant courses: Since you’re interested in nursing, it’s helpful to focus on science and math courses. Courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics will provide a solid foundation for your nursing studies.
Dual enrollment: If your high school offers dual enrollment with a local college, taking courses in subjects like English, psychology, or even introductory biology can be very beneficial. These credits can potentially transfer to your nursing program, which might reduce your course load in college.
Step 2: Choosing a Nursing Program
Research BSN programs: Look for accredited BSN programs, which typically take four years to complete. Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is crucial as it ensures the program meets certain standards and will be recognized by employers and graduate schools.
Consider prerequisites: BSN programs often require prerequisites like biology, chemistry, and statistics. Your dual enrollment courses may cover some of these, reducing the number of classes you need to take during your program.
Step 3: Application Process
Apply to colleges: During your senior year, apply to colleges that offer a BSN program. Your application might include your high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Financial aid and scholarships: Look into financial aid options, including scholarships specifically for nursing students. Some programs might also offer grants or tuition discounts for students with dual enrollment credits.
Step 4: Completing Your BSN
Coursework: Your BSN curriculum will include both classroom and clinical components. Courses will cover a wide range of topics from basic and clinical sciences to patient care and management.
Clinical rotations: Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in different healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Step 5: Getting Licensed
NCLEX-RN exam: After graduating, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
Step 6: Working as an RN
Gain experience: CRNA programs require candidates to have at least one year of experience as an RN in a critical care setting. Gaining experience in intensive care units (ICU) is typically preferred.
Step 7: Applying to CRNA Programs
Further prerequisites: Some CRNA programs might require additional prerequisites or certifications, like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
GRE scores: Many programs also require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores.
Step 8: Completing Your CRNA Program
Education and training: CRNA programs take 2-3 years to complete and include advanced coursework in anesthesia and extensive supervised clinical practice.
Step 9: Certification and Practice
Certification: After graduation, you must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become a CRNA.
State licensure and continuous education: Obtain state licensure and engage in continuous education to maintain your certification and skills.
Focus on relevant courses: Since you’re interested in nursing, it’s helpful to focus on science and math courses. Courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics will provide a solid foundation for your nursing studies.
Dual enrollment: If your high school offers dual enrollment with a local college, taking courses in subjects like English, psychology, or even introductory biology can be very beneficial. These credits can potentially transfer to your nursing program, which might reduce your course load in college.
Step 2: Choosing a Nursing Program
Research BSN programs: Look for accredited BSN programs, which typically take four years to complete. Accreditation by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is crucial as it ensures the program meets certain standards and will be recognized by employers and graduate schools.
Consider prerequisites: BSN programs often require prerequisites like biology, chemistry, and statistics. Your dual enrollment courses may cover some of these, reducing the number of classes you need to take during your program.
Step 3: Application Process
Apply to colleges: During your senior year, apply to colleges that offer a BSN program. Your application might include your high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Financial aid and scholarships: Look into financial aid options, including scholarships specifically for nursing students. Some programs might also offer grants or tuition discounts for students with dual enrollment credits.
Step 4: Completing Your BSN
Coursework: Your BSN curriculum will include both classroom and clinical components. Courses will cover a wide range of topics from basic and clinical sciences to patient care and management.
Clinical rotations: Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in different healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Step 5: Getting Licensed
NCLEX-RN exam: After graduating, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
Step 6: Working as an RN
Gain experience: CRNA programs require candidates to have at least one year of experience as an RN in a critical care setting. Gaining experience in intensive care units (ICU) is typically preferred.
Step 7: Applying to CRNA Programs
Further prerequisites: Some CRNA programs might require additional prerequisites or certifications, like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
GRE scores: Many programs also require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores.
Step 8: Completing Your CRNA Program
Education and training: CRNA programs take 2-3 years to complete and include advanced coursework in anesthesia and extensive supervised clinical practice.
Step 9: Certification and Practice
Certification: After graduation, you must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become a CRNA.
State licensure and continuous education: Obtain state licensure and engage in continuous education to maintain your certification and skills.
Ana Sarkar
5
Answers
Updated
Ana’s Answer
Prepare yourself for a robust academic base with a high GPA and strong SAT/ACT scores. Create a unique element in your resume that sets you apart from others. Aim to secure internships in hospitals or with medical practitioners, or even EMS. Keep in mind, even after graduation, you'll need to obtain additional licenses and certifications. Look into pre-nursing programs or courses at community colleges. This can give you a head start and help you save some money.