Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

When is your deadline for applications? Can I be interviewed if I still need to take a class?

Interviews for the class enrolling August 2009 will be held in January 5-9, 2009. The deadline for applications and all supporting materials is November 1st 2008 .

NOTE: The Program welcomes applications or inquiries twelve months a year. The January series of interviews are held each year.

If you are near completion of requirements, but are in the process of taking one last prerequisite class or the CCRN/GRE (and all other documentation we need is submitted), you may be extended the courtesy of an interview. If you have more than one class or exam that you still need to take (or other requirements are not yet met), it becomes more difficult to make a fair assessment of your likelihood of success, and the Admissions Committee may delay your interview to allow all prerequisites to be completed.

I will not have my bachelor's degree before the deadline. Can I still be accepted for an interview?

Yes. If you will obtain your bachelor's degree before August classes start you could still be accepted for an interview if all other requirements have been met. If you are accepted into the School, your acceptance letter will state that your enrollment will be contingent upon completion of your bachelor's degree.

What types of critical care experience are accepted? Which are preferred?

The requirement for critical care is that you have experience as a Registered Nurse in a critical care area, with emphasis placed on invasive hemodynamic monitoring, ventilatory care and pharmacologic management. The preferred areas (with the greatest preference first) are:

1. SICU (Surgical Intensive Care)

2. CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care)

3. CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care)

4. MICU (Medical Intensive Care)

5. PICU/NICU (Pediatric or Neonatal Intensive Care)

6. Applicants have also been accepted whose experience is primarily in the Emergency Room, provided they can demonstrate familiarity with invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.

I've only been in the ICU three months, am I eligible for an interview?

The requirement is that you have a least one year of critical care experience prior to starting the program (i.e. enrolling and starting classes in August). If you will have completed a year prior to the start date you may be eligible for a personal interview. The admissions committee highly recommends two years of critical care experience.

Which bachelor's degrees do you accept besides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

A bachelor's degree in a natural science is accepted. Examples are Chemistry, Biology, Physics, etc. If you have another degree, your past academic background is individually considered for predictors of success in our School. Predictors include a strong science background and good performance history.

How recent do my undergraduate science courses have to be?

We look at grades in Chemistry, Organic chemistry (or Biochemistry), Biology, Microbiology, Mathematics, and Anatomy and Physiology. If you have less than a 3.0 in these courses you may repeat your sciences to achieve a better grade. We understand that many times undergraduate grades do not necessarily reflect current ability and maturity.

What is the minimum score required for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

We do not have a minimum score on GRE. Ideally, our applicants would have a qualitative and quantitative score of 1100 or greater, and a writing score of 4 or greater. The GRE is one of many criteria that we use to evaluate eligibility for admission into the Nurse Anesthesia program. The personal interview, grades, recommendations and experience are all evaluated individually. GREs must be taken within the last 5 years. The Analytical Writing test of the GRE is required.

Are there any prerequisite courses that I must take prior to admission?

There are no prerequisite graduate courses.

How many students are accepted each year?

The number accepted each year depends upon the number of qualified applicants interviewed and the number of clinical slots available. This number varies from year to year. Typically 55 to 65 students per year are accepted.

Is there a substitution for the CCRN?

The CCRN is a requirement and cannot be substituted by CEN, RN-C, etc.

How do I spend time with a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) observing cases?

It is highly recommended that you contact a CRNA in your facility regarding observation of an anesthesia provider. Some facilities are reticent to allowing outside individuals observing due to HIPAA regulations; however, it is typically easier to observe in the facility where you are an employee than another facility.

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