How to Apply
CRNA Admission Requirements
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Possess a Baccalaureate/Bachelors or Master’s in Nursing, Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Nursing, or Entry Level Master of Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution. Degrees must be completed and final transcripts submitted through NursingCAS prior to application.
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Possess a Natural Science GPA of 3.0 or higher and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or greater.
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Possess an unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse and/or APRN in the United States.
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Prior to the application deadline, complete a minimum of one year (1 FTE), two years preferred, of nursing experience in a critical care setting within the last three years. Employment in a critical care setting must be maintained until at least 90 days prior to matriculation into the program. Operating room, emergency room, and post-anesthesia recovery DO NOT fulfill this requirement. Ground/flight transport nursing experience may be considered on an individual basis.
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Please make sure you check out our FAQ & Resources page for more information.
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Summer 2026 Application Cycle opens September 1, 2024 and closes August 31, 2025.
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Create an online account in NursingCAS. Minneapolis School of Anesthesia utilizes NursingCAS for application processing. You can access the NursingCAS site here: https://nursingcas2025.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/deeplink/programSearch/organization/5784629531304058880
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Upload RN license
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Upload CV/Resume
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Official transcripts for all college courses
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Provide four professional references:
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One from a current supervisor
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One from a former supervisor (Current charge nurse is acceptable if you do not have a previous supervisor, ie. first nursing job)
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One from a nursing colleague that can speak to your work as a registered nurse in the ICU.
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Physician, NP, or PA colleague that can speak to your work as a registered nurse in the ICU.
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Your NursingCAS application must be verified prior to the application deadline to be considered for the cohort that matriculates Summer 2025. Please understand that it can take NursingCAS up to four weeks to verify an application – plan your application accordingly.
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Monitor your progress in the NursingCAS portal frequently to stay up to date and complete necessary tasks to ensure your application is complete prior to the deadline.
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Brief synopsis of shadow experience with an anesthesia provider including: 1. Who was it with (CRNA, Anesthesiologist, etc.)? 2. Where did you shadow? 3. What were the dates of the shadow experience? 4. How many total hours of shadowing did you complete (preferred at least 16 hours or more of shadow experience)? If you have not shadowed, an alternate document stating why you are unable to complete this requirement will need to be provided.
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Complete a chemistry course with a B grade or higher from an accredited college or university within 5 years of starting the program. Official transcripts should be sent to NursingCAS during the application cycle, or directly to MSA if completed after August 31. *Note: This requirement ensures you are prepared for our program’s rigorous content. We do not review or recommend specific courses; but it should be a robust chemistry course.
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If invited, complete the interview process. In person interview is preferred. Out of state applicants will be considered to participate in a virtual interview, depending upon location.
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Possess American Heart Association basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certifications. (Required prior to the first day of class.)
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If a candidate accepts admission into the program, a $1,500.00 non-refundable matriculation fee (a seat fee) is required to secure the candidate’s position in the program by either cashier’s check, money order, or personal checks are accepted. This matriculation fee is applied to miscellaneous program fees, and equipment. It is not applied towards tuition. This fee is subject to change.
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Obtain MN, IA and WI nursing licenses prior to starting clinical rotations (Not required until the second year of the program). Licensing in all 3 states are required and must be kept current throughout the program.
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A physical exam by the applicant’s own provider and updated vaccination/titers must be completed prior to the beginning of clinical rotations (Not required until the second year of the program). The health form will be furnished by the school. The completed form and titers must be sent to MSA prior to onboarding for clinicals. Completion dates will be given to students in advance.
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Congratulations if you’ve made it this far! We look forward to having you join MSA!
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Minneapolis School of Anesthesia
700 East 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-1684
© 2023 Minneapolis School of Anesthesia