Can I get into CRNA School with an Entry-level Master of Science in Nursing?

Possibly, but with important caveats and challenges. An entry-level MSN (sometimes called a “direct-entry” or “master’s entry” nursing program) may allow you to qualify for CRNA (nurse anesthesia) programs under certain conditions, but many CRNA programs have prerequisites, experience requirements, and shifting credential standards that complicate the path. Below, I break this down in detail: when it might work, when it won’t, what gaps you’ll need to fill, and how to position yourself strongly for admission as of 2025.

What is an “Entry-level MSN” and how does it differ from a traditional MSN?

Before diving into CRNA admissions, let’s clarify what an “entry-level MSN” means and how that affects your eligibility.

• An entry-level MSN (also called a direct-entry MSN, accelerated MSN, or master’s entry into nursing) allows someone with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become a registered nurse (RN) and then continue with graduate-level coursework in nursing.

• In an entry-level MSN program, students complete the foundational nursing courses (like anatomy, physiology, fundamentals, etc.), pass the NCLEX (or similar licensure exam), become RNs, and then proceed into graduate nursing courses (e.g., research, leadership, advanced practice).

• Because the entry-level MSN includes the pathway to RN licensure, someone finishing such a program is functionally in a similar place as someone with a BSN plus graduate coursework in nursing.

• However, entry-level MSNs typically do not include specialized advanced practice training (such as nurse anesthesia) — they only bring you into the RN / general nursing level.

Thus, someone with an entry-level MSN holds an advanced degree in nursing but may lack the clinical experience, specialized prerequisites, or advanced practice credentials that many CRNA programs expect.

CRNA School Prerequisites and Baseline Expectations

To assess whether an entry-level MSN may qualify you, you need to know what CRNA (nurse anesthesia) programs typically require — and how those requirements are changing.

Doctorate becoming the standard

• As of 2025, all CRNA programs require a doctoral degree for entry into practice (i.e., upon graduation, you must hold a doctorate, such as a DNP or DNAP).

• That means no new CRNA programs grant a terminal master’s-level CRNA credential; all are doctoral programs.

• Some CRNA doctoral programs accept applicants who hold a BSN or entry-level MSN. For instance, Johns Hopkins has a DNP-anesthesia program designed for BSN or entry-level MSN nurses.

Thus, having an entry-level MSN does not disqualify you, so long as you meet the doctoral program’s prerequisites and clinical requirements.

Read Also: How to Pay for ABSN: Financial Aid Guide

Common prerequisite coursework

CRNA programs often require certain undergraduate (or equivalent) prerequisite courses (often in the sciences and supporting disciplines). Common prerequisites include:

• Human anatomy and physiology (with labs)

• Microbiology or bacteriology (with lab)

• Organic chemistry or biochemistry (with lab)

• Statistics or biostatistics

• Courses in English composition, social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology)

Some programs waive prerequisites if you already hold an MSN from an accredited program. For example, UC Davis states that if you have an MSN, prerequisites are waived, and your science GPA won’t be calculated.

If your entry-level MSN included sufficient science coursework (with labs) and supporting courses, you may satisfy these prerequisites. But if not, you might need to take additional courses before applying.

Clinical experience in critical care

One of the most important nonacademic requirements is critical care nursing experience:

• Most CRNA programs require at least one year of full-time RN work in a critical care (intensive care) or acute care setting. Some prefer 2–3 years.

• Some programs require two years of critical care experience by the time you begin the program. For example, USC’s nurse anesthesia program requires two years to start.

• Programs often define “critical care” as meaning experience with ventilators, vasoactive drugs, invasive monitoring, hemodynamics, mechanical ventilation, etc. Units like telemetry, PACU, or standard med-surg often do not count.

If your entry-level MSN program did not include critical care nursing exposure (which it normally would not), you will need to gain that experience post-graduation before applying to CRNA school.

GPA, GRE, licensure, certifications

Other typical requirements include:

• A cumulative GPA (and sometimes a science GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is a common baseline.

• Some programs require a satisfactory GRE score (e.g., ~300 combined) if the applicant’s academic record is weak.

• An unencumbered RN license is required. Some programs may need you to hold licensure in certain states or multi-state compact licensure.

• Prerequisite courses often must have a B or better.

• Letters of recommendation, personal statements, interviews, essays, CV or resume, evidence of shadowing a CRNA, and proof of prior clinical competence are often part of the application.

How an Entry-level MSN Stacks up: Strengths and Gaps

Given the above requirements, let’s compare where someone with an entry-level MSN might align — and where they may fall short.

Potential strengths of an entry-level MSN

1. Advanced academic credential: Having an MSN (even entry-level) shows you already have graduate-level nursing coursework, research exposure, and possibly advanced nursing theory courses. That might make you more competitive compared to applicants with only a BSN.

2. Prerequisite overlap: If the entry-level MSN included the foundational science and supporting courses (e.g. anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry), you may already satisfy or partially satisfy CRNA prerequisites.

3. Motivation and trajectory: The fact that you chose an entry-level MSN signals a serious commitment to nursing and may persuade admissions committees that you are ready for advanced practice.

4. Eligibility for doctoral CRNA programs: Since CRNA programs now require doctoral entry (DNP/DNAP), being an MSN doesn’t hinder your eligibility, provided you meet the other requirements. Some CRNA DNP programs explicitly accept entry-level MSN graduates along with BSN holders.

Read Also: How Long is Nursing School in the US, UK, and Canada?

Gaps you likely need to fill

1. Critical care experience: Entry-level MSNs seldom provide extensive clinical experience in critical care units (e.g., ICU). That means you’ll likely need to spend time working in critical care to meet that requirement.

2. Advanced practice credentials or exposure: The entry-level MSN doesn’t include anesthesia training or APRN specialization. You’ll have no direct anesthesia exposure unless you seek shadowing, volunteer, or additional clinical rotation in anesthesia.

3. Guarantee of prerequisite coursework sufficiency: Some entry-level MSNs may not include biochemistry, advanced chemistry, or lab science courses that CRNA programs require. You may need to take extra courses post-graduation.

4. Time before application: Because you will need clinical experience and possibly extra coursework, you might need to wait a few years after finishing your entry-level MSN before you’re competitive for CRNA school.

5. Competition: CRNA programs are extremely competitive. Even among qualified applicants, only a small percentage get accepted. Your entry-level MSN must be supplemented by strong performance, experience, and a compelling application.

Thus, while an entry-level MSN gives you a head start by having an advanced degree, it does not automatically qualify you. You must bridge the gaps in experience and prerequisites.

Strategies to Improve your Chances of an Entry-level MSN Pathway

If you find yourself on this path, here are concrete strategies to maximize your competitiveness when applying to CRNA programs.

1. Chart your prerequisite checklist early

Once you’re in the entry-level MSN program (or even before applying), compare the prerequisites for CRNA (DNP) programs you’re targeting. Identify any missing courses (e.g., biochemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology) and schedule to take them (or retake them) with strong grades (B or higher). Programs like Columbia specify that prerequisites require a B or B- grade.

This strategy ensures that by the time you apply, you’re academically eligible without needing last-minute catchups.

2. Gain critical care experience intentionally

After licensure (or while in graduate nursing practice), aim to secure a position in an intensive care unit (ICU) or similarly acute care setting (e.g., cardiac ICU, trauma ICU). Seek roles where you’ll manage ventilators, vasoactive agents, invasive monitoring, and complex patient care. This is essential to meet clinical requirements.

While working, actively log your experiences, learn hemodynamics, arterial lines, ventilator modes, sedatives, and anesthesia processes. Shadow CRNAs if possible and connect with mentors in anesthesia.

3. Get certifications and exposure

Pursue certifications that strengthen your application: e.g., CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), ACLS, PALS, BLS, etc. Some CRNA programs expect these or view them favorably.

Also, secure opportunities to shadow CRNAs, attend anesthesia conferences, and join professional nursing anesthesia associations to show genuine interest.

4. Maintain excellent academic performance

Don’t let your MSN grades slip. A strong cumulative GPA and especially strong science grades will help your application stand out. If you needed to take extra prerequisites, aim to excel in them to show academic readiness.

If GRE is required by some programs you’re targeting, prepare and aim for strong scores (in competitive ranges).

5. Strengthen your application package

• Cultivate meaningful letters of recommendation, ideally from CRNAs, critical care nurse managers, or nurse anesthesia faculty.

• Craft a compelling personal statement, explaining your transition, motivation, vision, and how your entry-level MSN prepared you.

• Prepare for interviews thoroughly: know physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia principles, and current issues in nurse anesthesia.

• Log your CRNA shadow hours and make them substantial (some programs expect 8–40+ hours or more)

• Highlight leadership, research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement projects you may have done during your MSN.

6. Choose CRNA programs wisely

Since programs differ in their flexibility, target those more open to alternative backgrounds (e.g., those accepting entry-level MSN). Monitor CRNA (DNP) program admissions criteria; for example, Johns Hopkins accepts BSN or entry-level MSN. Evaluate program prerequisites, required experience, and GRE policy, and consider whether your profile fits particular ones.

7. Be patient and strategic about timing

Because of clinical experience requirements, you might wait 1–3 years post-graduation before applying. Use that time to accumulate strong ICU hours, certifications, and professional growth. Also consider applying across multiple cycles, refining your profile each time.

Examples and real program policies

To illustrate how entry-level MSN graduates may fare, here are real program policies and examples in 2025:

• Johns Hopkins DNP Anesthesia program is designed for BSN or entry-level MSN nurses.

• UC Davis DNP-NA program waives prerequisites if you hold an MSN.

• Columbia University requires prerequisite science courses (chemistry, biochemistry), with at least a B (or B–) grade.

• Emory University demands either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing.

• USC expects two years of critical care experience by the program start.

• Wake Forest (Wake Health CRNA) requires prerequisites, including biostatistics, chemistry, and a minimum GPA.

Read Also: Can You Transfer Nursing Schools?

These examples show that many programs do accept entry-level MSN or consider them alongside BSN applicants, but also emphasize prerequisites and clinical experience.

Addressing Common Objections and Concerns

“But most CRNA programs require a BSN — won’t entry-level MSN disqualify me?”

No. Many CRNA doctoral programs accept BSN or entry-level MSN holders, so your advanced degree should not disqualify you, provided you meet prerequisites and experience requirements. Johns Hopkins is a good example.

“What if my entry-level MSN didn’t include chemistry or biochemistry?”

You’ll likely need to take these courses (with labs if required) separately via a community college, post-baccalaureate courses, or as non-degree courses before applying. Be sure to earn a B or better, and confirm with your target CRNA programs that those credits will be accepted.

“Will my lack of APRN specialization hurt me?”

Entry-level MSN programs don’t offer specialization in anesthesia or advanced practice, so you’ll need to make up the difference by gaining critical care experience, shadowing, and demonstrating your commitment through extracurriculars, certifications, and high academic performance.

“How competitive is admission, even if I meet minimum requirements?”

Very competitive. Even qualified candidates are often rejected due to limited seats. According to sources, CRNA programs expect strong GPAs, strong clinical backgrounds, compelling applications, and completion of all prerequisites.

So meeting the minimum isn’t enough — you must exceed expectations in key areas (ICU experience, grades, recommendations, interview) to stand out.

What’s a more ideal path, and what risks to watch?

While an entry-level MSN path is possible, more conventional routes may reduce friction. Traditionally, nursing students obtain a BSN, become an RN, gain ICU experience, and then apply to a CRNA DNP program. That route ensures clear alignment with CRNA prerequisites and experience expectations.

If you choose entry-level MSN, risks include:

• Accumulating gaps in science prerequisites

• Unexpected delays in obtaining critical care jobs

• Strong competition from applicants with more straightforward BSN + ICU backgrounds

• Potential burnout or timeline extension

However, with awareness, planning, discipline, and mentorship, these risks can be mitigated.

Step-by-step plan if you are on or considering the entry-level MSN route

Here’s a suggested multi-year plan assuming you are enrolled (or planning to enroll) in an entry-level MSN program and you aim for CRNA school.

Year 0 / Pre-entry:

• Research reputable CRNA DNP programs and collect their prerequisites.

• Ensure your undergraduate credentials satisfy or can be supplemented to meet those prerequisites.

• Take any missing science or math courses before starting.

Years 1–2 (while in entry-level MSN):

• Take strong science courses (with labs) and maintain high grades.

• Engage in nursing clinical rotations deliberately — if possible, request ICU or critical care exposure.

• Network with CRNAs, shadow them, and connect with mentorship opportunities.

Immediately after graduation / becoming an RN:

• Secure employment in an ICU or critical care unit.

• Begin logging complex patient care experience, ventilator management, vasoactive drug titration, invasive monitoring, etc.

• Earn certifications (CCRN, ACLS, BLS, PALS).

• Continue shadowing CRNAs and attending anesthesia conferences or seminars.

1–3 years post-graduation:

• After accumulating 1–2+ years of ICU experience, begin applying to CRNA DNP programs.

• Confirm prerequisite coursework, submit transcripts, letters, and GRE if required, and prepare for interviews.

• Highlight your advanced MSN coursework, clinical excellence, research, or leadership roles in your application.

During CRNA DNP (once accepted):

• Complete the program, pass national certification, and begin practice as a CRNA.

Conclusion: Can you get into CRNA school with an entry-level MSN?

Yes — you can get into CRNA (nurse anesthesia) doctoral programs with an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing, but only if you fill in the gaps (critical care experience, prerequisites, strong grades, certifications, robust application). The entry-level MSN gives you a leg up by providing a graduate nursing degree, but it does not replace clinical experience or advanced science coursework expected by CRNA programs.

If you follow a deliberate, strategic plan: ensure prerequisites are covered, gain ICU experience, maintain competitive credentials, and select CRNA programs that accept entry-level MSN applicants, then your entry-level MSN can indeed lead you into CRNA school. It won’t be the easiest path, but with dedication, it is absolutely feasible.