The Anesthesia Record

1. Familiarize yourself with each institution's requirements and deadlines.  Some schools require certain prerequisite courses while others may not.  My school, for example, requires that students submit applications to both UNC Greensboro as well as the anesthesia program itself.  A small detail can render your application inadmissible.

2. Shadow a CRNA.  I can't emphasize this enough!  My shadowing experiences were immensely helpful.  They strengthened my desire to one day practice as a CRNA and provided me with numerous examples to draw upon during the interview process.  In addition, committing a small portion of your free time to observe a nurse anesthesia provider demonstrates to the admission committee that you're truly interested in and dedicated to the profession.

3. Talk to SRNAs or CRNAs that you know.  Ask them what aspects of career they like the best/least.  Find out what they wished they'd known before they entered anesthesia school.

4. Complete any and all prerequisite or core courses prior to the interview date if possible.  Earning favorable marks in relevant graduate level classes indicates that you have what it takes to master the anesthesia school coursework.  In addition, if your program allows you to complete any of its courses before entry, that's one less hurdle you'll have to jump through during the incredibly challenging years ahead of you.

5. Apply early.  A number of schools use the rolling admissions process, providing early applicants with an increased likelihood of admission.  Even if your school of interest reviews all submissions following the application deadline, it's a good idea to submit your packet well beforehand so you'll have the chance to correct any missing or erroneous information before it's too late.