By the time I get done, it will have taken me 15 years...graduated high school in 2006 and set to graduate in December 2021. A little longer than most but wouldn't have it any other way!
bpt249 i was thinking 8-10 years in total if everything went according to plan! I early admitted in high school and I’m 18 and this is my last semester for my AA degree!
Well I am a staff nurse on a stepdown unit right now. Not 100% sure if I want to go CRNA or NP. But I do know I want to do further my education. If I go CRNA, I would anticipate anywhere from 5-7 years from where I am now until I become a CRNA. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Look into being a CRNA! Anesthesia assistant is a different path and has different regulations and restrictions. It should only take 6 years to become an AA, 4 years general undergrad and 2 year masters degree.
Started undergrad in 07 and became a CRNA in Dec 2016 with a Doctorate. Did 2 years of ICU. Total about 9.5 years. I agree it’s hard to complete in less than 10 years but not impossible. I also contemplated medical school. Working in a university hospital icu allowed me to see, that was not the route I wanted to pursue. For all you that want to pursue this career, it is worth it in the end. I couldn’t be happier with my career choice.
I just got accepted into CRNA program and will be starting next year in May, if all goes well, I would graduate in 2023. I started sophomore in 2010 so it means exactly 13 years
Your path is inspiring me to keep my dream of becoming a CRNA. I started college in Aug 2008 with plans of becoming a lawyer. I basically flunked out after my 1st semester (1.25 gpa) so I joined the Army. Did 4 yrs there and came back to college in 2012. Did 2 semesters (fall '12 and spring '13) and this is when I deviated from my law path and discovered nursing. My college had just started a nursing program so I changed majors to nursing and then saw how hard it was to get in so I went back to poly sci. I then got discouraged because I had no idea what I wanted to do so I took an overseas government contracting job for a little while. Came back to college in 2015 and promised myself I was going to graduate this time. May 2016 I finally graduated with my 4yr Political Science Degree but have yet to actually use it cause I hate politics now. Even though it took me 8yr time to get my degree, I got a 4yr degree in only 19 months total and graduated Cum Laude. I've spent the better part of the time from graduation til now working in law enforcement as both an officer and a dispatcher. Fast forward to 2020 I am now taking the baby steps to going back to school to complete my science prerequisites and apply to some post baccalaureate nursing programs. I'm still on the fence about CRNA vs Anesthesiologist so I might take your advice and try and find a way to shadow/intern/extern with an anesthesiologist to see if the medical school route is where I see myself. I'm 30 years old do I have already put myself way behind the curve.
thank you so much! this eased my worries a lot. i am about to be a junior in high school and believe i want to be a CRNA and at my school we are able to begin taking classes through a local college while also being in high school. watching this video truly help me make sure i am on the right path and getting a head start on my future in the right direction.
You are hitting all my questions right on the nose! Thank you for this video. It’s hard aspiring to such a long term goal and not being around people who have the experience 🙌🏼 I love your perspective!
Hey man your video is motivational I’m from Miami I’m starting my nursing career at a hospital after I pass the NCLEX and I only have my ADN working on my BSN but I got hired in a step down unit thought I really wanted to work in ICU for CRNA but hearing you talk about the time it took you I’m looking at a couple of year but like you said it’s worth it and I believe it.
It sounds like we graduated from highschool in the same year, but I've only just been accepted into a program. Granted, I took a brief detour into the military...and I hadn't really committed to the CRNA path until last year. But I was reading recently that the average age of a CRNA at graduation is 33. I'll be 34. I don't feel too far behind.
I think you need to do a video on FINANCING this 10 year journey. I think it's very important to share the financial aspect and how to actually pay for all of this. This financial aspect discourages working class/middle class ppl from pursuing this. Ppl are scared so please share how you afforded for this. I know someone who has a BSN but for some strange reason they can't pass their board exams. So they're stuck with student loans they can't afford to pay. It's a double edge sword....and please do this with a clipboard and a maker LIKE A TEACHER lol...break down the finances to us.
I can do a video breaking down the finances but I can assure you that middle class people become physicians and CRNAs all the time. We certainly aren't all silver spoon kids who got a free ride through our education and training.
@@BoltCRNA save money or take out loans. Just make sure you're ready and truly honest with yourself about your ability to finish CRNA school or you'll be wasting a lot of money or in a lot of debt. I grew up very very poor and it's possible for me. I'm in the process of working out a plan. If you want it, you gotta work for it. He can't tell you how to fund your own situation.
Hi Bolt! I'm an undergrad and working toward finishing my last prereq before I can apply to the ADN program here. I was just wondering..did you complete your MSN while you were a travel nurse? Not too sure if I just missed that part in your video or not.. but you mentioned from being a 'new grad into the ICU' to choosing travel nursing before your application to CRNA school. Would really like to know since I'd love to be a travel nurse (work & save at the same time!) at some point in my career before going into CRNA school. Anyway, TIA and love watching your videos.. Please keep them coming!!
I never got an MSN, I did my BSN. Then worked for 4 years as an ICU nurse with the last 2 being a travel ICU nurse. Then started my BSN to DNP CRNA program.
How was the interview process? What kind of questions did they ask? I'm interviewing at MTSA this week and I'm getting so anxious about it!! Also I have to do my interview on Teams rather than in person due to Covid :/
Now just getting accepted is an accomplishment. It’s just like applying to med school. Gre is a must , higher gpa s shadowing, volunteering.. font dear girl with 2 years icu experience because there are people with 8 years and stuff it’s crazy . We need tips to stay sane . I can’t imagine after getting in how it will be
Hopefully you still see this late comment, but in the video you were talking about how you waited 3-4 years to build up more ICU experience (and to travel) before applying to CRNA school. Do you think the extra year or two experience you got from working in the ICU helped you to be more prepared for CRNA school and made you less likely to fail? Or do you think someone that only does 1.5-2 years in ICU be just as likely to succeed?
I definitely learned things and experienced things in year 3 and 4 of ICU nursing that helped me be the clinician I am today. Although, I think I would have done fine in school if I had just done 2 years and went on.
As a CRNA, do you get to work with Cardiovascular Perfusionists? And do CRNAs have to subspecialize if they want to work in different surgical departments and perform anesthesia there, such as neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc?
Yes, when you do CV cases you work with perfusionists pretty closely. Your training will include rotations with all the subspecialties and you'll have the ability to go into any area of anesthesia when you graduate.
How important/relevant is having ICU RN experience as a CRNA? I understand it's a hard requirement, but I'd love to understand the rationale behind it.
In the ICU you have the most autonomy as an RN. You titrate medications like sedation and vasoactive drips based off your critical judgement. You deal with high acuity patients with complex diseases and treatment plans. You deal with codes a lot and resuscitation. These are just a few of the reasons your time in the ICU prepares you to begin your training as a CRNA.
How long do you think it will take you to become a CRNA?
By the time I get done, it will have taken me 15 years...graduated high school in 2006 and set to graduate in December 2021. A little longer than most but wouldn't have it any other way!
bpt249 i was thinking 8-10 years in total if everything went according to plan! I early admitted in high school and I’m 18 and this is my last semester for my AA degree!
Well I am a staff nurse on a stepdown unit right now. Not 100% sure if I want to go CRNA or NP. But I do know I want to do further my education. If I go CRNA, I would anticipate anywhere from 5-7 years from where I am now until I become a CRNA. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Look into being a CRNA! Anesthesia assistant is a different path and has different regulations and restrictions. It should only take 6 years to become an AA, 4 years general undergrad and 2 year masters degree.
Started undergrad in 07 and became a CRNA in Dec 2016 with a Doctorate. Did 2 years of ICU. Total about 9.5 years. I agree it’s hard to complete in less than 10 years but not impossible. I also contemplated medical school. Working in a university hospital icu allowed me to see, that was not the route I wanted to pursue. For all you that want to pursue this career, it is worth it in the end. I couldn’t be happier with my career choice.
I love hearing people in healthcare’s stories- thanks for sharing!
I just got accepted into CRNA program and will be starting next year in May, if all goes well, I would graduate in 2023. I started sophomore in 2010 so it means exactly 13 years
Welcome to the typical decade plus club!
Congrats,tips on interview and personal statement
Congrats!!
Congrats…. I hope everything is going well for you and you are still on the road to graduate by next year!!!!
How is everything going?
Your path is inspiring me to keep my dream of becoming a CRNA. I started college in Aug 2008 with plans of becoming a lawyer. I basically flunked out after my 1st semester (1.25 gpa) so I joined the Army. Did 4 yrs there and came back to college in 2012. Did 2 semesters (fall '12 and spring '13) and this is when I deviated from my law path and discovered nursing. My college had just started a nursing program so I changed majors to nursing and then saw how hard it was to get in so I went back to poly sci. I then got discouraged because I had no idea what I wanted to do so I took an overseas government contracting job for a little while. Came back to college in 2015 and promised myself I was going to graduate this time. May 2016 I finally graduated with my 4yr Political Science Degree but have yet to actually use it cause I hate politics now. Even though it took me 8yr time to get my degree, I got a 4yr degree in only 19 months total and graduated Cum Laude. I've spent the better part of the time from graduation til now working in law enforcement as both an officer and a dispatcher. Fast forward to 2020 I am now taking the baby steps to going back to school to complete my science prerequisites and apply to some post baccalaureate nursing programs. I'm still on the fence about CRNA vs Anesthesiologist so I might take your advice and try and find a way to shadow/intern/extern with an anesthesiologist to see if the medical school route is where I see myself. I'm 30 years old do I have already put myself way behind the curve.
You're still young and we all have different paths to reach our goals. Enjoy the ride.
thank you so much! this eased my worries a lot. i am about to be a junior in high school and believe i want to be a CRNA and at my school we are able to begin taking classes through a local college while also being in high school. watching this video truly help me make sure i am on the right path and getting a head start on my future in the right direction.
You are hitting all my questions right on the nose! Thank you for this video. It’s hard aspiring to such a long term goal and not being around people who have the experience 🙌🏼 I love your perspective!
Thank you, reach out to me if you have any questions or I can help!
Bolt CRNA thank you! I will :)
I’m in nursing school now the only thing is, I NEED YOUR BRAIN.... GIVE IT UP !!!! Lol
I'm doing my best to help out everybody I can!
Thanks for the video's on becoming a CRNA. You've giving everybody the blue print to becoming a one thanks.
Thank You Jason B. for making this video! you answered all of my questions!
I'm 20 close to 21 wanting to get started. Have no help finding out info myself. Glad I I met you tho
Hey man your video is motivational I’m from Miami I’m starting my nursing career at a hospital after I pass the NCLEX and I only have my ADN working on my BSN but I got hired in a step down unit thought I really wanted to work in ICU for CRNA but hearing you talk about the time it took you I’m looking at a couple of year but like you said it’s worth it and I believe it.
It sounds like we graduated from highschool in the same year, but I've only just been accepted into a program. Granted, I took a brief detour into the military...and I hadn't really committed to the CRNA path until last year. But I was reading recently that the average age of a CRNA at graduation is 33. I'll be 34. I don't feel too far behind.
Good luck in school!
I think you need to do a video on FINANCING this 10 year journey. I think it's very important to share the financial aspect and how to actually pay for all of this. This financial aspect discourages working class/middle class ppl from pursuing this. Ppl are scared so please share how you afforded for this. I know someone who has a BSN but for some strange reason they can't pass their board exams. So they're stuck with student loans they can't afford to pay. It's a double edge sword....and please do this with a clipboard and a maker LIKE A TEACHER lol...break down the finances to us.
I can do a video breaking down the finances but I can assure you that middle class people become physicians and CRNAs all the time. We certainly aren't all silver spoon kids who got a free ride through our education and training.
@@BoltCRNA save money or take out loans. Just make sure you're ready and truly honest with yourself about your ability to finish CRNA school or you'll be wasting a lot of money or in a lot of debt.
I grew up very very poor and it's possible for me. I'm in the process of working out a plan. If you want it, you gotta work for it. He can't tell you how to fund your own situation.
Hi Bolt! I'm an undergrad and working toward finishing my last prereq before I can apply to the ADN program here. I was just wondering..did you complete your MSN while you were a travel nurse? Not too sure if I just missed that part in your video or not.. but you mentioned from being a 'new grad into the ICU' to choosing travel nursing before your application to CRNA school. Would really like to know since I'd love to be a travel nurse (work & save at the same time!) at some point in my career before going into CRNA school.
Anyway, TIA and love watching your videos.. Please keep them coming!!
I never got an MSN, I did my BSN. Then worked for 4 years as an ICU nurse with the last 2 being a travel ICU nurse. Then started my BSN to DNP CRNA program.
Do you think it’s still possible for someone already in their 30’s to start on this path from scratch?
Yes, definitely.
@@BoltCRNA Any advice on what may have to be done different to someone starting undergrad at like 18/19 when starting undergrad at 30?
I just started from scratch 31 yrs here. I am waiting if I got accepted or not. Will know first week of May.
Is it a full time program or you were still working as RN? Congratulations you made it!
It's a full time program, definitely can't work.
Could you explain what is the difference btw CRNA and MD anesthetist route ? Scope of practice? Is it the same?
How was the interview process? What kind of questions did they ask? I'm interviewing at MTSA this week and I'm getting so anxious about it!! Also I have to do my interview on Teams rather than in person due to Covid :/
I never interviewed at MTSA. Teams interview may be easier for you since you're in the comfort of your own home.
Now just getting accepted is an accomplishment. It’s just like applying to med school. Gre is a must , higher gpa s shadowing, volunteering.. font dear girl with 2 years icu experience because there are people with 8 years and stuff it’s crazy . We need tips to stay sane . I can’t imagine after getting in how it will be
Getting in is the easy part of CRNA school. 😅
@@BoltCRNA 😅🥲 great
Hopefully you still see this late comment, but in the video you were talking about how you waited 3-4 years to build up more ICU experience (and to travel) before applying to CRNA school. Do you think the extra year or two experience you got from working in the ICU helped you to be more prepared for CRNA school and made you less likely to fail? Or do you think someone that only does 1.5-2 years in ICU be just as likely to succeed?
I definitely learned things and experienced things in year 3 and 4 of ICU nursing that helped me be the clinician I am today. Although, I think I would have done fine in school if I had just done 2 years and went on.
What is the best ICU to work in before you apply? Is CVICU good or Trauma/Burn better? Thanks!
birmingham here!!!!
Cool story, Bro :D!
Awesome, I leveled up my cool points.
4 sure! 💙
Just curious why you chose out-of-state schools for CNRA and whether that affected the tuition rate.
Doesn't affect private universities tuition rate.
As a CRNA, do you get to work with Cardiovascular Perfusionists? And do CRNAs have to subspecialize if they want to work in different surgical departments and perform anesthesia there, such as neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc?
Yes, when you do CV cases you work with perfusionists pretty closely. Your training will include rotations with all the subspecialties and you'll have the ability to go into any area of anesthesia when you graduate.
Thank you for answering my questions Dr. Bolt🙂
How important/relevant is having ICU RN experience as a CRNA? I understand it's a hard requirement, but I'd love to understand the rationale behind it.
In the ICU you have the most autonomy as an RN. You titrate medications like sedation and vasoactive drips based off your critical judgement. You deal with high acuity patients with complex diseases and treatment plans. You deal with codes a lot and resuscitation. These are just a few of the reasons your time in the ICU prepares you to begin your training as a CRNA.
Does it matter where you get your BSN ? (High vs low rank universities)
No, not usually.
Sigh I just started nursing school 😭👎🏽
That's a big step and you've got a lot of exciting stuff coming up.
Bolt CRNA Thanks. I hope it will all be worth it in the end
Hey can u do a vid on finding the best school
I took the normal 4 years for my BSN, I worked CVICU 3 years, and CRNA school was 3 years. So that’s 10 years 👍🏼. Worth it!
congrats! I'm in my 30s and I have no clue what I want to do. All I know is it's definitely in the healthcare field
Those eyes
9:11
BOLT: ".. Mid-levels encroaching on their practices..."
ME : *blushes and swallows hard*
Lmao, don't worry. CRNAs aren't mid level anything. They are top level anesthesia providers.
What's a crna??