Qualification and Application
Do I need a Michigan Nursing license to apply?
No. A Michigan license is not needed to apply to the program. Applicants will submit a current RN license from the state in which they work. If accepted into the program, a Michigan license is required.
Do I need to take the GRE?
The GRE is not required for admission.
To apply to the Nurse Anesthesia program, what is the required work experience?
The applicant must have completed a minimum of 1 year of continuous, full-time experience in a high acuity ICU by the application deadline. This does not include time spent in orientation or nurse externships.
What types of ICU experience is preferred?
Experience as an RN in Cardiothoracic, Surgical, Transplant, Burn, Neuro-Trauma, Medical, Coronary, Pediatric and Neonatal is preferred.
Does the ER, PACU, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Surgery or Telemetry Unit qualify as ICU experience?
While we respect the rigors of these units, anesthesia practice most closely resembles the skills and knowledge used in an intensive care unit. Applicants who believe they meet these requirements while working in units other than critical care are encouraged to speak with the admissions advisor and attend an informational session with the Program Director or Assistant Program Director. We will work with you to determine if you meet the program’s qualifications.
I am a Pediatric ICU or Neonatal ICU nurse. Should I transfer to an adult ICU?
No. Anesthesia training is across the lifespan. Choosing to transfer is a personal decision.
I am a traveling nurse with assignments in the ICU. Will I be considered as an applicant?
Yes. However, you will need to demonstrate that you care for critically ill patients with consecutive assignments in ICUs or have had previous ICU experience as an employee of a hospital.
What does an average admitted applicant look like?
Each admitted cohort varies. We update a snapshot of the most recently admitted class yearly. The admit class of 2023 had an average GPA of 3.67 (4.0-3.4) and 3.2 years of experience (1.5 – 13 years).
Do I need to have CCRN certification?
CCRN (or the specialty equivalent) is required. Test scores must be uploaded as an attachment as part of the application materials
Do you offer early admission options?
We currently do not offer early admission options. All applicants are reviewed following the application closure deadline.
I do not work with pediatric patients. Do I still need to submit proof of PALS certification?
All BSN-DNP applicants must submit proof of current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification. This is an application requirement.
What other admissions documents are required?
• 3 references: 1 from your nurse manager or immediate supervisor, 2 from peers who can speak to your ability as a nurse and colleague
• Personal statement
• ICU Experience Form (completed by your nurse manager or immediate supervisor)
Is there anything else I can do to prepare?
We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing a CRNA at your current work place. Most anesthesia departments will assist you in gaining this experience at your place of employment. Shadow experiences should be documented and signed. Upload proof as an attachment to your application materials.
Anesthesia practice is foundationally built on the sciences. Many applicants have found it helpful to repeat or take graduate level science courses (pathophysiology, chemistry, physiology, pharmacology) before applying to the program. This is especially true if science courses are more than 5 years old or science grades in undergraduate studies were lower.
How many students are accepted into a cohort?
We admit 20 students per cohort.
Are all applicants invited for an interview?
No. The admissions subcommittee holistically reviews all application materials. Interviews are extended to applicants the committee feels will be most successful in completing the program of study and aligns with the program’s mission.
When are interviews scheduled?
The times may vary slightly. The interviews are typically conducted at the end of the summer semester (July).
When are students notified that they have been accepted or not accepted into the program?
Students will receive an acceptance or no acceptance letter in September or October prior to the admit year.
If I am offered admission, can I defer my acceptance to begin later?
As a general rule, the MSU Nurse Anesthesia Program does not permit deferrals. Students who decline their seat must re-apply.