CRNA School Prep Academy

Student to ICU to CRNA. Save yourself the headache & heartache of navigating the path to CRNA alone. Making CRNA dreams come true for thousands since 2020!

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

"I got into Six Schools!

April 2024, I gave up travel/contracts in MedSurg/Tele and transitioned into a full time ICU position at a community hospital. No other trauma hospitals would accept me because they had high demands for already experienced ICU nurses… immediately I got into the ICU, I started knocking off my checklist to prepare me for 2025 applications. Between April and December 2024 I joined CSPA and took advantage of the volume of information available to members,I took the CCRN (109) GRE(319)V:4.5, took O chem and statistics. By December 2024, all that was left was to wait till April 2025 to get that one year ICU experience and then put in applications. Surprisingly, I realized that I was pregnant with my 3rd child in December 2024. it came as a shock!!

I refused to lose sight of the goal. CSPA gave me all the tools I needed…I studied endlessly and applied to various schools. Got multiple interview offers. I interviewed while pregnant and interviewed after delivery.. Excited to say I got into 6 schools with my top choice offering me admission today! 

My baby is now 4weeks old, and I’m most grateful for him and the blessings that came with him! Looking forward to starting school 2026! Eyes on the ball🥰 On how I got into 6 schools on my first try despite my challenges and my pregnancy! Thank you CSPA! 

One of my interview faculty wanted me to mention Jenny’s full name 🤣 they wanted to make sure I really was a member of CSPA as I mentioned it in my interview. Apparently one of the faculty knew her… it was Pittsburgh. And I got in there too"

-Vanessa, Future CRNA & CSPA Student

If you’ve ever thought:
“I can’t start this process because my life is too full right now…”
you’re not alone.

Vanessa didn’t get a pause button.
She got a surprise pregnancy… and still kept moving forward with intention.

Not in a “superhuman” way.
In a strategic way.

✅ she got into ICU
✅ she knocked out the checklist (CCRN, GRE, key courses)
✅ she applied to multiple schools
✅ she showed up to interviews (pregnant + postpartum)
✅ and she’s now accepted to 6 programs — starting 2026 🎓

We’re sharing this because so many future CRNAs are trying to figure out whether their life circumstances disqualify them.

They don’t.

If you’re navigating kids, pregnancy, caregiving, or just… a lot — and you’re still holding onto the CRNA dream…

➡️ Accelerate your CRNA success with CSPA: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

Vanessa- Thank you for trusting CSPA to be a part of your nurse anesthesia journey. We are cheering you on all the way through graduation day! 🎓🥳

#crnaschoolprepacademy #crnaschool #crna #rnbsn #icutravelnurse

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Me: “I don’t need community.”

Also me the moment I meet other CRNA hopefuls:

“Did we just become best friends?” …YUP. 😂

Come find your people in a CSPA Intensive — and yes, it includes our exclusive Acceptance Guarantee. 

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to stop doing this alone… this is it.

Click here: https://t.co/o9YsuXm1iy

#crnaschoolprepacademy #crna #crnaschool #nurseanesthesia #nurseanethetist

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Melissa didn’t stay a CSPA student forever. She started where so many of you are:

✅ questions
✅ nerves
✅ “what if I don’t get in?”

And now she’s in the OR with Jenny — learning in real time, becoming a CRNA in real time.

So proud of you, Melissa. 💛

If you’re ready for structure and a clear plan, join CSPA by clicking this link: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

#nursesrock #nursingcareers #cvicunurse #icurn #nurseanesthesiaschool

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Rejection. Waitlist. Acceptance… TOP CHOICE. 🎉

Pharah applied to 3 schools → 1 rejection | 1 waitlist | 1 acceptance (top choice).

And the depth she brought speaks for itself:
• GPA: Overall 3.52 | Last 60 Credits 3.27 | Science GPA 3.61
• Applied to 3 schools: 1 rejection | 1 waitlist | 1 acceptance (top choice)
• Fully utilized CRNA Prep Academy (mock interviews, Q&A sessions, printables, 5-day prep)
• 3 years ICU (1.5 years MICU, 1.5 years CVICU)
• LPN for 3.5 years (while completing school)
• Open-heart trained after 8 months (ahead of typical 1-year timeline)
• Proficient in: Open hearts, IABP, CRRT, ECMO, LVAD, Impella, RRT
• CCRN-CSC | ACLS | BLS | PALS
• Preceptor & charge nurse | Chair, Unit-Based Council
• LVAD Champion | Communications Lead, Black Leadership Forum
• Wellness Committee | Peer Mentor | AACN National Conference (2025)
• 16 hrs CRNA shadowing | CASA Volunteer (supports foster children) | AACN Member

Pharah, this is HUGE. Congratulations on your acceptance. 💛
And thank you for trusting CSPA to support you along the way.

Drop a 🎉 to celebrate Pharah in the comments!

#crna #crnaschool #srna #ccrn #nurseanesthesia

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Your future CRNA self isn’t built by motivation alone.

It’s built by what you do on the random Tuesday after a 12 hour shift… when you’re running on caffeine and spite. 😮‍💨

One interview practice question.
One shadowing request email.
One hour of studying pharmacology.

➡️ Tell us in the comments: What’s one small thing you can do today to move towards your CRNA goal?

We're cheering you on, Future CRNA! 🥳🙌

#nursingstudents #anesthesiaschool #icunurse #anesthesia #intensivecareunit

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Your personal statement matters more than you may think.

➡️ It’s how the CRNA admissions panel gets a feel for your goals, your work ethic, and your writing — because doctoral programs involve a lot of it.

Pro Tip: Write it like you’re introducing yourself to the people who might train you for the next 3 years:

✏️ What do you want them to remember about you when they’re reading 200 essays?
✏️ Who are you as a nurse?
✏️ Why CRNA (really)?

Get help with your personal statement, resume, interview prep and more: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

#crna #ccrn #criticalcarenurse #crnaschool #icunurse

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

What if you had a step-by-step system that walked you through the entire CRNA school process- from “Where do I start?” to “I got in!”

That’s exactly what students are finding inside CSPA 🥳🙌

From CRNA Faculty-led educational sessions to CRNA prep strategy that actually makes sense, this isn’t just information — it’s a framework for success.

Click here: 🔗 https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

#crna #crnaschool #ccrn #srna #nurseanesthesia

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

"Dreams do come true! 🩺✨

This is my second cycle applying to CRNA school. I had 3 rejections last year. This time, I applied to 3 schools, 1 acceptance, 1 declined, and 1 still waiting for decision. 

My stats
Overall GPA = 3.94

Science GPA = 3.88

Last 60 GPA = 3.98

CCRN, GRE, BLS, ACLS, PALS

3 years as a MICU nurse

CRRT, IABP, CABG, preceptors, PIV ultrasound guided certification, preceptor

40 hours of CRNA shadowing, NARA conference, community volunteer, champion nurse on multiple quality improvement projects, member of Shared Governance Committee in my unit.

AACN ambassador, AACN and AANA memberships.

Member of CRNA School Prep Academy 12-month program, 1 mock interview in TeachRN, and multiple mock interviews with friends.

Thank you to CSPA Academy for believing in me, pushing me, and giving me the preparation I needed to finally achieve this dream."

-Adilenys, Future CRNA and CSPA Member

Every CRNA journey looks different — and Adilenys just proved that perseverance pays off. She stayed the course, trusted the process, and turned her second application cycle into a success story.

Adilenys, thank you for trusting CSPA with your journey. Your dedication and resilience are exactly what this path demands. We’re so proud to have been part of it.

Help us celebrate her in the comments — drop a 🎉 to say congrats to Adilenys!

📲 Dreaming of your own CRNA acceptance moment? CSPA is where future CRNAs get clarity, strategy, and support — every step of the way.

Start your journey with us today: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp 

#nursinglife #srna #crna #crnaschool #nurseanesthetist

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

MICU nurses, let’s talk.

If you’ve got high acuity, complex cases, and your hands on drips daily — don’t let anyone tell you your unit isn’t “good enough.”

You don’t need to switch ICUs to chase credibility.
You need to own the experience you’re already getting.

Jenny was a MICU nurse too. You’re in great company!

Tag a MICU nurse who needs to hear this and follow @crnaschoolprepacademy  for more nurse anesthesia guidance and inspiration! 🙌

#crna #crnaschool #micunurse #micu

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

🎓CRNA schools are shifting. More programs are saying “no thanks” to outdated testing hoops, and focusing on what really matters in applicants.

Get the COMPLETE list of ALL CRNA Schools that don't require the GRE by grabbing our FREE CRNA School Data Sheet:

🔗https://t.co/cq7EkBlxEi

💬 Tag a friend still cramming for the GRE — this might change their plans

#crna #bsn #nurseanesthesiology #nurselife #crnaschool

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Because nothing says “I love you” like BIS of 0 or a perfectly titrated vaso drip.

Happy Valentine's Day from the CSPA Team! 💗

Tag your nurse bestie and share the love today!

#criticalcarenurse #anesthesialife #crna #srna #crnaschool

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

"This journey has been relentless, emotional, and life-changing.

Fifteen years ago, I came to the U.S. from South Korea alone to support my family and pursue an education. My path hasn’t been traditional or easy, but it’s been filled with purpose and resilience.

I first discovered what a CRNA was during a chaotic night shift in the ICU at a community hospital. I watched in awe as a CRNA saved my patient’s life during a critical airway emergency. Until that moment, I didn’t even know this profession existed. But from that day on, a dream was planted.

For years, family remained my top priority. I pursued my MSN part-time while working, eventually becoming a cardiac surgery ACNP and later joining an anesthesia clinic. Every day, I kept the word “CRNA” on my vision board. The dream never faded, it just waited for the right time. When that time finally came, I gave myself one year to go all in.

One of the best decisions I made was joining CSPA. The structure, mentorship, and community gave me direction and confidence. I committed to their 6-month intensive course this January, posted my situation with very realistic feedback, watched videos and studied quizzes and lectures. I practiced interviews through Teach RN before any invites even came. I visualized success daily. I even changed all my passwords to “I am a CRNA” to keep the vision alive.

I emailed programs, visited campuses, and even attended classes with current students. I had doubts, especially as a first-generation immigrant and non-traditional applicant (out of ICU for several years), but I gave everything I had so I would have no regrets. I researched over 100 programs, narrowed them down intentionally, and trusted the process.

My Stats:
• 5 years CVICU RN, 2 years as a cardiac surgery ACNP, 1+ year in outpatient clinic
• MSN GPA: 3.97 | Science GPA: 3.6
• Certifications: CCRN, CMC, CSC (expired but still submitted with end dates)
• Committee roles in local/national nursing orgs + several years and international and community medical volunteer work, and preceptor
• 40 hours of shadowing (academic & surgical centers)
• Applications: 4 | Interviews: 2 | Acceptances: 1 (2 pending and 1 rejection)
• Attended AANA meeting as RN/APRN membership and participated lobby day in Capitol Hill

This journey grew me beyond what I imagined. I’m deeply grateful for every challenge, every mentor, and every lesson that brought me here.

If you're dreaming of CRNA school, don’t wait for perfection. Give yourself a deadline and be desperate! Build your plan, know your why (this is on my vision board), and take that first step. CSPA has all the resources and support. You are more capable than you think.

Thank you to CSPA, Jenny, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Harmon, Dr. Ballister, and Dr. Newman, and to this incredible CRNA community. I can’t wait to give back."

-Seana, Nurse Anesthesia Resident and CSPA Student

Join us in celebrating Seana by dropping your favorite emoji in the comments below 🎉

📲 Ready to be next? Join CRNA School Prep Academy and start your journey today!

Click here: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

Cheers to your future! 🙌

#crnaschool #srna #nurselife #nursesrock

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Get Your Free 8 Steps to CRNA Road Map Guide Click Here CRNA schools in Virginia provide doctoral-level nurse anesthesia training for RNs and ICU nurses looking to grow into autonomous, advanced practice providers. Thes... https://t.co/X5k7HPvltD

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

“I have a 3.2… should I even bother applying?”

If that thought has crossed your mind — you’re not alone.

But the real question is: What are you doing with the GPA you have?

🎯 Numbers can’t reflect growth.
🎯 They don’t show grit.
🎯 And they’re not the only thing that gets you in.

We’ve seen it all — the shock rejections, the surprise acceptances. It’s never just about the stats.

➡️ Explore how we can help you shift the narrative: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

#crnaschool #anesthesialife #bsnnurse #icunursesrock #icunurse

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

What Is an APRN? An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is more than just a new title after your name. It’s a career shift that gives you greater autonomy, deeper clinical authority, and the ability to impact patient car... https://t.co/sgYCuA4lkg

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

Sudden rise in PaCO₂ — but no vent changes?

That’s when you pause and ask:

👉 Is this a ventilation issue or a perfusion issue?

If it’s a ventilation problem:
CO₂ can’t be exhaled effectively.
This could be due to ↓ alveolar ventilation or ↑ CO₂ load.
📈 You’ll usually see both PaCO₂ and EtCO₂ go up.

If it’s a perfusion problem:
CO₂ isn’t reaching the monitor.
Think ↓ pulmonary blood flow or ↑ dead space.
📉 Here, you’ll often see PaCO₂ rise while EtCO₂ drops — and that gap widens.

The key takeaway?
It’s not just about what PaCO₂ is doing — it’s about what both numbers are doing together.

EtCO₂ direction helps you figure out what’s really going on, fast.

This is the kind of clinical clarity that changes how you see the monitor — and how you advocate at the bedside. It’s part of our Clinical Pathophysiology Micro-Credential, where we go beyond memorization to real-world reasoning.

Save this for your next vent-check puzzle + follow @crnaschoolprepacademy for more ICU-to-CRNA level breakdowns. 💉

#criticalnursing #nurseanesthesiology #nursementor #cvicunurse #crnaschool

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

"Hi I’ve been following CSPA basically since it started (like wayyy back when it was just a FB community. I’ve seen many people get in over the years and I have often seen people post their stats with “low grades” or “GPA struggles” and they are actually not low at all (lol). This would always bum me out because I wasn’t sure I could make it happen. So I always said to myself I would post my stats if I ever got in, to help keep the dream alive for any future CRNAs with some ACTUAL REAL GPA blemishes on their transcript. ANNND here ya go… (Sorry for the essay. My hope is that is helps someone like me)

Applied to three schools (planned to apply to five):
Offered acceptance at my #1 choice during the interview.
Still awaiting interview selection from one
Denied interview for one
Will not be finishing my applications to the other two.

STATS:
Overall GPA: 2.89
Overall Science: 2.55
Last 60 GPA: 3.58
Last 60 Science: 3.65

Retook Gen Chem: A
Took Graduate Level Physiology: A
Took Graduate Level Pharmacology: A

ICU experience: 4.5 years. 30 bed mixed medical/neuro/cardiac ICU. Not level 1 trauma. Comprehensive stroke center. Experience caring for Intubated patients on multiple drips for sedation, paralytic, vasoactive administration. Caring for patients on TTM, CRRT, post TNK/TPA, EVD’s post neuro sx, post thrombectomy patients, Impella devices, IABP, post open-heart surgery recovery, PA catheter monitoring with advanced hemodynamics, arterial lines, CVP monitoring, Initiate and stabilize patients on ECMO and ship to ECMO center, Proficient in Ultrasound guided IV placement.

(Took per diem job at Academic Level 1 Trauma center, although I felt like I got more hands on experience and more autonomy at an earlier stage at my full time job).

Leadership: Served as Hospital Skin Team ICU ambassador/ Unit champion, Co-chair of UBC, then Chair of UBC, led Evidence Based Quality Improvement Project (EBP) on unit. Frequent preceptor for new nurses. Volunteered a little bit outside of the hospital

Certifications/memberships: CCRN, ACLS/BLS, CMC. Paid Membership for AANA, AACN, Diversity.

Recognition: x3 Daisy Award nominations. Selected to attend ANCC Magnet Conference

Anesthesia experience: Went to Diversity CRNA and two CANA events. Shadowed 3 different CRNAs for total of 24 hours.

DO THE THINGS THAT NOBODY ELSE WANTS TO DO

CONTEXT: My first undergrad degree was in biology and I was immature, did not know how to study and got multiple bad grades. I think my very first chemistry class I got an F. I got at least two D’s in very challenging pre-med biology type courses. I re-took organic chemistry three different times before I could walk away with a C. Pulled my act together enough to graduate. In nursing school, completely changed how I approached studying, got serious about academics and did very well (Mostly As and some Bs). But I still had to carry around this baggage from my first undergrad. I was very close to giving up on this CRNA dream after doing some transcript reviews with people. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, got my support system fully on board and I re-took general chemistry, got an A. I took a graduate level physiology course (offered from a school of anesthesia) got an A. Took a graduate level pharmacology course, got an A.

I did all of this while basically trying to become the best ICU nurse I could. I learned every specialized skill our ICU offered as soon as I could. I got my CCRN as soon as I could. I told my managers that I wanted to be involved in any unit opportunity for leadership or just even help. This started as helping with annual compliance or doing an in-service on new chest tube systems, literally anything. I continually asked my managers and charge nurses if I could take the most challenging patients on the unit. I bugged people over and over to give me opportunities wherever I could find them. I went home a studied ICU stuff, watched a lot of ICU Advantage and Ninja Nerd, etc so I could speak intelligently on my unit and ask thoughtful questions to the experienced RNs and MD’s on the unit, so that I could feel confident asking for recommendations. I served on multiple committees and actually contributed (not just attended) and eventually led committees. I also applied for, interviewed and was hired for a per diem position at a level 1 trauma center near by to “expand my experience.” The position is one night shift per week and my other job is the normal three day shifts per week (yes it sucks and yes I’m tired, lol).

I also immersed myself in the CRNA community. I went to events, researched the AANA website, paid for many different experiences, learned about the political and professional landscape of nurse anesthesia and networked with CRNAs whenever possible.

I sacrificed countless hours of my social life and family life to study, immerse myself and take on new opportunities. I worked tirelessly on my applications, late at night, on my breaks at work, whenever, wherever to make sure they were competitive. I actually spent a ton of time deep diving on my story and my WHY and then spent more time writing and re-writing my personal statement and other essays (and I did not use chat GPT to write it smh.) I spent many hours reviewing and rehearsing for interviews as well. I studied everything: clinical and emotional intelligence.

I have seen many people try and short-cut this process or repeat things they heard that are just not true and so I just want to put out there to not listen to these people and stay on your path and that the only way out is through doing the hard work."

-Patrick, Nurse Anestesia Resident and CSPA Member

🔥 Patrick didn’t have a perfect GPA. He had a plan — and he stuck with it.

Now he’s headed to his #1 CRNA school because he stopped guessing, got strategic, and leaned into support that actually worked.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, CRNA School Prep Academy is where you begin.

Click here to learn more: https://t.co/nbLmPqBxyp

#criticalnursing #criticalcarenurses #nursementor #nurseanesthesiaschool #cvicunurse

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

“How long does it take to become a CRNA?” or “How many years does it take to become a CRNA?” These are two of the most common questions nurses ask during my Free Coaching Q&As, and for good reason! The journey to becomi... https://t.co/VORRYarTtv

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

When you’ve never intubated before, it’s easy to overthink every single step.

That’s why we love how @RickHeuermannCRNA breaks it down for brand-new CRNA students — with practical, teachable guidance that actually sticks.

If you're ready to go from watching to actually doing, we've got you covered.

Join us in Louisville for hands-on intubation practice (and more) at the CSPA Conference. Tickets are available now: https://t.co/HK5aiCpTdh

#crnaschool #intubation #intubatedandsedated #crna #ccrn

[CRNA School Prep Academy @CSPA_FutureCRNA]

When PaCO₂ rises, reacting too quickly often leads to the wrong mental model.

A helpful first step is to ask whether the change is coming from ventilation or perfusion — because those point you in very different directions.

Helpful cues when framing it:

Ventilation clues: rising PaCO₂, changes in EtCO₂, respiratory rate, tidal volumes, or recent shifts in compliance/resistance

Oxygenation/perfusion clues: SpO₂ trends, PaO₂, FiO₂ changes, hemodynamics, or mismatches between ventilation and blood flow

Better framing leads to clearer next steps — and avoids guessing under pressure.

➡️ This decision-sequencing approach comes directly from Ventilator Modalities Workshop 1 inside the Clinical Pathophysiology Micro-Credential.

It’s built for ICU nurses who want to feel more confident at the bedside, explain what they’re seeing clearly, and deepen their understanding of gas exchange, ventilation, hemodynamics, and critical care physiology.

The micro-credential includes 20.5 CE hours and lives inside CRNA School Prep Academy.

Learn more at:
https://t.co/JYgYihYblD

#registerednurse #newtoicu #sicunurse #ccrn #nursetips