CRNA School Prep Academy Podcast

Getting into CRNA school can feel overwhelming, especially when you start comparing GPA requirements and wondering what’s really “good enough.” Maybe you’re asking yourself, Do I need to retake science classes for CRNA school? Should I take graduate-level courses to boost my GPA? Will they even accept a class from Portage Learning? You’re not alone. Many nurses applying to CRNA programs find themselves stressing over GPA requirements, figuring out which classes matter most and whether they should retake them, all while deciding how to boost their chances of getting accepted. Today we break down CRNA GPA requirements, what schools actually consider competitive, and how to strengthen your application if your GPA is on the lower side. You’ll learn when retaking anatomy, chemistry, or microbiology makes sense, whether graduate-level pathophysiology or pharmacology courses can help, and how to pick programs that accept lower GPAs or focus on your last 60 credit hours. Whether you’re sitting at a 3.0 GPA or trying to figure out how to recover from a low science GPA, this episode will help you understand your options and take the next step toward becoming a CRNA. Key Takeaways Why some CRNA programs value graduate-level science courses and others don’t How to decide when retaking a prerequisite like A&P, stats, or microbiology makes sense Why schools care more about your science GPA than your overall GPA How to choose courses that actually help you show academic growth (not just repeat A’s) The truth about online classes like Portage or Phoenix — and how to confirm they’ll count Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA Money Back Guarantee here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/6-12-month-intensive Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspaJoin the Free CSPA Community!Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that’s free from misinformation and negativity. You don’t have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community  

Starting your journey as an ICU nurse can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re learning to balance patient care, critical thinking, and confidence in a high-acuity environment. From mastering hemodynamics to finding mentorship and clarity about your future goals, every nurse’s path begins with growth. In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny talks with real ICU nurses she met at the NTI Conference. You’ll hear authentic stories about learning the ICU ropes, staying resilient under pressure, and how these experiences are preparing them for CRNA school and beyond. These powerful conversations will leave you inspired and equipped with practical insight — whether you’re a new ICU nurse seeking advice, exploring critical care nursing tips, or preparing to become a nurse anesthetist. Episode Highlights: -Real ICU nurse advice for new nurses entering critical care -Tips for building confidence and efficiency as a new ICU nurse -How to stay resilient and keep learning in a high-pressure environment -Professional growth through NTI and nurse mentorship opportunities -How ICU experience prepares you for CRNA school and career success   Want more CRNA insights? Sign up for a FREE LIVE Q&A Session "Stand Out & Get In" to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school.   Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA Money Back Guarantee here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa   Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Getting into CRNA school isn’t a straight line — and many applicants face rejection, waitlists, and the challenges of a lower GPA before finally reaching their goal. From preparing for interviews, to navigating NursingCAS, to building resilience after setbacks, the RN to CRNA journey requires persistence and strategy. In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny shares real Q&A from nurses just like you, covering CRNA interview prep, GPA requirements, how to strengthen your NursingCAS application, and how to keep moving forward after rejection or waitlist status. These real conversations will leave you encouraged and equipped with practical next steps on your path to becoming a CRNA. Episode Highlights: How to prepare for CRNA interviews and CRNA mock interviews GPA requirements and strategies for applicants with a lower GPA NursingCAS tips and what admissions committees look for How to bounce back from rejection or waitlist status Encouragement and success stories from those on the RN to CRNA path   Want more CRNA insights? Sign up for a FREE LIVE Q&A Session "Stand Out & Get In" to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school.   Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA Money Back Guarantee here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa   Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Starting out in the ICU as a brand-new nurse is never easy—especially when you’re balancing life as a dad, navigating the burn unit, and staring down a 3.0 GPA on your way to CRNA. In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny sits down with Jacob, an experienced ICU and travel nurse, to share his inspiring journey from burn trauma to CRNA school acceptance, recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans. Whether you’re an aspiring CRNA worried about your GPA, a nurse trying to gain confidence in the ICU, or simply looking for encouragement on your path, Jacob’s story is filled with practical lessons and honest insights to keep you moving forward. In this episode, we discuss: -Jacob’s journey starting out as a new nurse in the burn ICU -How he built confidence by learning from techs, colleagues, and mentors -How he overcame the challenge of a 3.0 GPA to get into CRNA school -The role of resilience, mentorship, and emotional intelligence in interviews -Why investing in support and preparation made all the difference   Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 6 and 12-Month Intensives Here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa   Want more insights? Sign up for my FREE LIVE Q&A Session "Stand Out & Get In" to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school.    Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Cardiogenic Shock: Clinical Insights with Nicole Kupchik, MN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-CMC, PCCN In this special episode, Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA sits down with critical care educator Nicole Kupchik to unpack practical bedside considerations for managing cardiogenic shock in ICU patients. From vasopressors to mechanical support, this discussion offers real-world insight into how seasoned clinicians think through this complex condition. In this episode, we discuss: Early signs of cardiogenic shock and why timing matters Pros and limitations of Impella, balloon pump, and VA ECMO Key hemodynamic markers like CPO and PAPI Clinical considerations when using norepinephrine, milrinone, dobutamine, and more The balancing act of fluid management in left vs. right ventricular failure Recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans—expect a more candid format and a touch of background conference buzz. Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community   FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4   Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join   Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto