How to Get Into Nurse Anesthetist Schools
Nurse anesthetists are nurses who are trained to administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery. Admission into nurse anesthetist programs are competitive, and those who are applying should prepare themselves by obtaining a high grade point average and gaining experience in the nursing field.
- Prepare to become a nurse anesthetist in high school by focusing on math and science courses and maintaining a high grade point average.
- Attend an accredited four-year college or university to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, or BSN. It is important to maintain a high grade point average, especially in science, math and health related courses, to increase your chances of being accepted into a nurse anesthetist program.
- Take the examination to become licensed as a registered nurse, or RN.
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and do your best to earn a high score.
- Gain experience by working in a critical care or intensive care unit. Working in a surgical intensive care unit will allow you to observe the techniques for administering anesthesia during surgery. You may need to work for one to three years in the field, depending on the requirements for the schools you are applying to.
- Apply to several different nurse anesthetist schools or universities that offer a Master of Nursing Practice with a specialization in anesthesia. It is important to list all of your qualifications and experience, as well as a statement on why you would like to be a nurse anesthetist.
- Prepare to attend any interviews that are requested by the school you are applying to. You will also need to obtain several letters of recommendation.