NOTICE: The application deadline for the next class starting in Fall 2010 is November 1st 2009. All application materials must be received by this date.

Admission Info and Requirements

      This is a limited and competitive admissions program, the number of applicants generally well exceeds our available positions. Students begin the program once a year, starting the Fall Semester in August. You can download an Admissions Packet below. Your Admissions Packet Application should be completed and contain ALL required documentation (transcripts, GRE scores, University application, School of Nursing application, supplemental ANP materials, etc) by November 1st of the year prior to admission. Application materials will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and those selected for interview will be invited early in the Spring Semester. In limited circumstances, certain exceptionally well qualified applicants may be offered an early admissions decision. Specific instructions accompany the application package. These instructions MUST be followed carefully in order to have the application processed correctly. Please note in the instructions that you must complete a Graduate Admissions Application to the University AND a Graduate Nursing Application for the Anesthesiology Nursing Program.

     All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for graduate admission at Florida International University, which includes a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1000. The Program does not grant exemption to the minimum 1000 score for the GRE exam. These requirements are further outlined on the University Graduate web site. In addition, the minimum additional requirements for admission to the Anesthesiology Nursing Program are: (1) a current unrestricted RN license in Florida, (2) a Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution, and (3) a minimum of 1 year experience as an R.N. in a critical care setting, and (4) admission to the graduate nursing program. Although ACLS and CPR certification is not required to apply, ACLS and CPR are required prior to enrollment.

     RNs who have a Bachelors degree in a discipline other than nursing may be eligible for admission through our MSN Bridge program. For these students the bridge courses are integrated into the Anesthesiology Nursing curriculum, thus not lengthening the program of study. Transfer students from another Nurse Anesthesia program must submit a letter from the Program Director of their previous program that they were in good standing at the time of withdrawal. Applicants with prior graduate work should note the University limits the number of transfer credits to 6 semester hour credits. Only credits earned at regionally accredited institution can be considered for transfer. Only applicants who are licensed Registered Nurses may be admitted to the Program since there is no mechanism available to certify or license graduates from the Program as anything other than as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). We receive a number of inquires from physicians trained in another country and not practicing in the US about enrollment in the Program. However, because CRNA certification and ARNP licensure requires the prerequisite of being a Registered Nurse, prospective physician applicants should first consider application to the special MD-to-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that is offered at FIU.

     Meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee admission. CRNA programs tend to be highly competitive. Applicant profiles across the nation are similar: Applicants are highly motivated, typically have several years of critical care experience, strong GPAs and GRE scores, and have taken additional courses in advanced sciences such as physiology, organic chemistry or biochemistry. Traditionally, the majority of nurse anesthetists come from intensive care units, particularly surgical intensive care. Acute care nursing skills and experience gained in ICU nursing are not re-taught as part of the Anesthesiology Nursing Curriculum. Applicants whose critical care experience is other than ICU may be considered on an individual basis, but opportunity for admission is very limited when competing against a larger pool of applicants with traditional ICU backgrounds.

     Graduate education, and Nurse Anesthesiology education in particular, is a major undertaking: academically, professionally, emotionally, and financially. In every real sense, Nurse Anesthesiology education is very much comparable to a typical residency program. Classroom, clinical time and study time average around 60 hours per week. As such, this is a full time graduate program and outside employment is not realistic and not consistent with the demands and expectations of such a program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to research all aspects of this undertaking carefully. You are highly encouraged to speak with practicing CRNAs and Anesthesiologists, current Nurse Anesthetist Residents or faculty to observe and/or discuss the practice of modern anesthesia care. With respect to financial planning, applicants are strongly encouraged to have a financial plan in place, as well as a back up plan, prior to making application to the program. For additional information please consult the FIU Office of Financial Aid. As a member of the State University System of Florida, tuition at FIU is among the lowest in the country. Nonetheless, full time graduate students in any program need to have a sound financial plan in place that will enable them to focus on their education and not be distracted by their finances while in school. Current FIU tuition and fee information is available from the Office of Enrollment and Student Services. In addition to the University tuition and fees, there is a fee of $2132 attached to each Anesthesiology Nursing Practicum course. This fee covers expenses for malpractice insurance, review courses, SEE exam, etc.

     It is expected that beginning students will be academically prepared to undertake the advanced study of nursing, clinical practicum, and basic sciences. Additionally, prior to matriculation the student needs to have mastered basic computer literacy skills and will need to have a functional knowledge of word processing (ie: MS WORD), presentation software (ie MS Powerpoint) and internet utilization. The curriculum features an intensive use of information technology for educational purposes. It is expected that prior to enrolling, the student will have a PC laptop computer, wireless internet connectivity, a high speed internet service (DSL or cable modem), and appropriate software (MS Office - WORD, Powerpoint, Excel - this is the only software requirement). The student's laptop computer will be utilized for all anesthesiology nursing course examinations as well as other instructional activities and administrative functions. All anesthesiology course exams are administered on the student's laptop computer in class. All clinical case records are also maintained on specialty data management software in a web based system. Students also utilize computer based case simulations and mock exams.

    Applicants should be advised that a state and federal criminal history background check is now required prior to participation in clinical practicums. Clinical facilities may limit or prohibit students with criminal histories from participating in clinical experiences. Other options may not exist for the student to complete required clinical hours in order to obtain their degree or to meet eligibility criteria for certification as a CRNA; thus, such a student may not be eligible for licensure in Florida. Individuals with potential background issues should consult the Florida Board of Nursing for advisement, prior to making application to the program. Additionally, drug screening may be required prior participation in clinical practicums. Drug screening may also be conducted at random, or with cause during participation in clinical practicums. Failure to comply with requests for drug screening, or the occurrence of a positive screen are grounds for dismissal. Policies with respect to criminal history checks, drug screening, and general background checks are subject to change without notice during enrollment due to changes in requirements of clinical practicum affiliates or other agencies.

The applicant has a right to expect:
-To be considered for admission without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, handicap, or national origin.
-Accurate information regarding the application process for the program, the admission criteria, an outline of the curriculum, as well as full disclosure of time commitment, costs, tuition, fees, accreditation status and affiliating agencies/institutions.
-A fair and unbiased review and consideration of their application as outlined in the recruiting brochure.

Responsibilities of applicant:
-To submit a complete, truthful and timely application which includes all
required documentation.
-To appear before the Admissions Committee of the Program for a personal
interview if requested.
-To provide any additional or supplemental documentation and/or references as requested by the Admissions Committee.
-To be prepared financially to enter a full-time educational program.