Join us at the virtual CRNA School Prep Academy Fall 2021 Conference!
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CRNA School Prep Academy
take the mystery out of becoming a CRNA
Finally, the guidance and mentorship you need to navigate the road ahead...
Introducing CRNA School Prep Academy
A powerful community membership where you will find the answers you’re looking for, support through the wins and setbacks, and accredited guidance you need to tackle your dream of becoming a CRNA- all in one place.
Whether you are still in nursing school, working as an ICU Nurse, or accepted into your program, CRNA School Prep Academy will be the revolutionary resource that you need to help you navigate the challenges and prepare for your unique journey.
The path to becoming a CRNA is one filled with many questions, fears, and uncertainties.
You’re feeling overwhelmed, and rightfully so.
Even though you have a burning desire to pursue this dream, you feel unsure about your capability to handle all the aspects of education and the profession.
you may be thinking...
I do not have what it takes to become a CRNA.
I am not smart enough to do this.
My GPA is too low.
I am too old to go back to school now.
I can’t become a CRNA and start a family.
I can’t afford not to work so that I can become a CRNA.
I got into school but I am fearful of the responsibility that lies ahead of me.
You’re in the right place if you find yourself wondering, “How am I supposed to do all of this?”
There are no shortcuts, but we’ve got the next best thing.
CRNA School Prep Academy provides you with:
- A certified mentor with experience to provide direction, guidance, and clarity for all stages of your journey
- A community that supports its students through the difficult times and celebrates your wins in the way that only a person on the same path can understand
- All of the resources, tools, and information you need to prepare you for your applications, interviews, and succeeding in school
I know first hand how challenging the road ahead can feel
Hi, I’m Jenny!
As a CRNA of 7 years with a wide variety of experience, I had to address and overcome the same challenges and fears that you have been or will be facing. Time and time again, I hear stories about excellent candidates losing hope and giving up. These students lack guidance and face burnout and overwhelm- with no one to turn to other than their peers who are experiencing the same things.
Over the past 2 years, I have been fortunate enough to combine my passion and expertise for anesthesia and love of helping others into a comprehensive, ongoing supportive academy. CRNA School Prep Academy is specifically designed with you and your journey in mind.
This academy was created to help aspiring students navigate the challenges around becoming highly qualified candidates. Inside the academy, you will gain clarity on planning your journey, the application process, the interview process, as well as mentoring and clinical guidance for SRNA’s.
CRNA School Prep Academy has mentored over 1,000 aspiring CRNA’s, with many going on to be successful students in programs across the country!
CRNA School Prep Academy is the self-paced membership that will give you the edge above the rest- from the moment you decide your career path, all the way through to that glorious finish line.
CRNA School Prep Academy is your clear road map, no matter where your starting point.
Plan for the Road ahead
- Set the trajectory for your BSN degree and experience to best serve your goal
- Receive guidance and mentorship on the topics in which you feel stuck (taking the GRE, CCRN, Job Shadowing, Grades, Financial planning, ICU experience)
- Learn important behavioral skills that will help propel you towards success
- Find your WHY. This ONE powerful reason will be what keeps you motivated to accomplish your goal of becoming a CRNA
- Tailored courses designed to help you BOOST YOUR APPLICATION
- ICU interview tips
- Road map that helps you design and plan for your future career as a CRNA
prepare for your interview
- Narrow down your schools to find the best fit for you and your future
- An insider look at what to expect during your interview
- Resources designed to teach you how to stand out on your application, prepare for, and rock that interview (As well as common questions you should be prepared to answer)
- Mock interview library, in which you can review real mock interviews, the feedback will help you when the time comes for your big day
- Resume building course along with opportunities for essay and resume critiques
- Over 12 educational workshops
- CE hours
navigate SRNA education
- Receive mentoring and clinical guidance from CRNA’s who have a wide variety of clinical practice and education.
- Tailored courses and educational workshops designed to aid in both clinical and academic development
- Get tried and true study tips to help you succeed
- Opportunities for academic tutoring coming soon
- A community forum which is a safe place to ask questions and gather clinical resources from classmates and upperclassmen
- Access to a growing care plan library
- A resource page with up-to-date sources that can help you in your studies
CRNA School Prep Academy Educational Workshops Now Offer Continuing Education Credits!
June 28th, 2021
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
July 17th, 2021
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
GET CAREER GUIDANCE AND EDUCATION THAT WILL PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR TIME AS A NURSE ANESTHESIA STUDENT!
"These lectures have been so helpful to me! This platform has made me feel like I am investing in my career as an RN and to be better for my patients, in addition to preparing for CRNA school. THANK YOU so much!"
Stefannie
ICU Nurse
I was a student nurse tech on the Surgical/Burn/Trauma ICU at a Level 1 Trauma Center for 1.5 years while in nursing school! For my senior practicum, I spent a semester in the CVICU at a Level 1 Trauma Center. I then became a nurse there! I have been here in the CVICU for 1.5 years! In this 1.5 years I have achieved my CCRN, CSC, CMC, became ECMO certified. I applied to three schools. Got interviews to all. After interviewing, I got denied at the first school, and accepted into the second school! I cancelled the third school’s interview. I’ll be starting school in May of 2021! Jenny has been a blessing in my CRNA school journey! Absolutely wonderful! I did a mock interview with her which I think was the most helpful out of all the amazing resources she provides. I check this page daily and I utilized almost all the resources on her website. I also love how responsive Jenny is with all my questions. Being an academy member has been such a great decision.
I've been a nurse for about 13 years now, originally from Kenya. I started off my nursing career as an LPN working in the corrections setting then transitioned into RN role which was my start in an acute care hospital setting.In 2017 I transitioned into ICU nursing.
I received my acceptance letter from my #1 school of choice -University of North Dakota.
I learned about CRNA School Prep Academy from a good friend & current student Calvin who has just gained his acceptance to UAB. I had just received 3 invites for interview (IN, OH and ND).
I did not have enough prep time for IN but consulted with Jenny and she was able to direct me on key concepts to review in the academy resources. I didn't hear back from IN but got a rejection from OH, which was about 2 weeks to my 3rd interview with ND. I was crushed, my morale down. I remember messaging Jenny about this just to get some words of encouragement as I still had one more chance to interview. Her words were comforting and just what I needed to push through. So I picked my self up and deep dived into Prep Academy Interview Phase resources, bonus content, and performed a final mock interview with PJ. All these steps and resources in the academy helped me feel very ready and prepared for that final interview. It went better than I expected and got the YES I so desperately wanted.
I owe the success of my journey into CRNA whole-heartedly to CRNA School Prep Academy
For those of you with a mostly NICU background, travel ICU experience and less than stellar grades, I’m here to tell you you can do this! I found out today that I was accepted into CRNA school!
I sat for additional certifications, took hard sciences and some math courses, and did whatever I could to creatively boost my chances of getting in. I interviewed at three schools, was accepted to one today, and I’m waiting to hear from the others.
Thank you so much Jenny for the amazing resources you provide through CRNA School Prep Academy. They really are invaluable.
It is possible!!!
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What’s inside the membership?
video instruction
From financial preparation for school, to job shadowing and ICU experience, to pathophysiology and pharmacology, we have a number of courses inside the membership to fit your needs, no matter where you are in your journey.
Access to a virtual shadowing experience with a signed shadow form for you to submit. If your school requires a specific form please send via e-mail.
We offer monthly educational workshops, some of which qualify for CE credits.
This means you may have options for employer reimbursement!
community forum
You’ll get access to a members only community of like-minded, success driven individuals who will support you, answer your questions, and provide feedback.
The forum covers a wide variety of common questions such as: interviews, DNP project ideas, GRE, CCRN, GPA, graduate courses, resume and essay tips. The forum is organized so that you can easily find answers to your questions!
You will also have access to reach out to Jenny privately to get your concerns or questions answered.
expert contribution
Watch exclusive interviews with successful CRNAs and SRNAs who have valuable strategies and success stories to share with our members that put you ahead of the curve.
INTRODUCING Richard Wilson, MNA, CRNA! Richard has recently joined as an expert contributor and will be hosting live workshops, Q&A’s and courses inside CRNA School Prep Academy!
That is not all! Richard has over 10 years of faculty experience at a Nurse Anesthesia Program and 14 years of clinical experience as a CRNA. He brings with him tremendous value and a genuine desire to help you succeed!
Need financial advice? No Problem! Get access to quarterly webinars on how to pay for graduate school and how to pay back your student loans by expert Natalie Kratzer with Thrivent Financial
PDF and Excel Resources
Full access to all downloadable resources, checklists, resume templates, example essays, lecture notes, interview questions, basic knowledge assessment tools and a school data sheet with interview styles and program stats to give you the edge against the competition.
We have a growing Resource Library which is full of valuable websites, access to current AANA journals, study guides, FREE personality quizzes, all the best apps and books that students recommend!
Mock Interviews
THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR YOUR REAL CRNA INTERVIEW!! practice different interview styles, and receive feedback on your answers for improvement. Utilize a library of previous mock interviews with feedback that will help you in your own interview. (this is done by current SRNA’s, additional cost applies)
This is one of the VERY BEST ways to ROCK your interview which is KEY for acceptance!!
The interview matters MORE than anything on your application!!!
Monthly Live Q&A's
Members-only, judgement-free space in which you can ask your questions and get unstuck in real time. Previous Q&A sessions will be recorded and stored inside for you to review at your own convenience.
You have opportunities to submit your questions ahead of time if you know you cannot make the live Q&A.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO CURRENT SRNA PANEL Q&A’S! Yes, talk to current students from various programs from across the country and hear firsthand how they are surviving CRNA school and what helped them along the way!
Monthly Guided Q&A with Program Faculty Richard Wilson MSN, CRNA.
Monthly Ask Me Anything Q&A with Jenny Finnell MSN, CRNA, and Founder of CRNA School Prep Academy.
Exclusive Access To Expert Services!
Mock Interviews
(investment: $145)
Essay Critique
(investment: $125 – 175)
resume Critique
(investment: $100)
one-on-one consultation
(investment: $145)
transcript review
(investment: $55 – 125)
All Services Are Optional and Charged In Addition To The Membership Fee
These services are done by current nurse anesthesia residents & program faculty.
See what they're saying!
click on the images below to expand and browse through feedback from some of our members
It doesn’t have to stay a dream. Becoming a CRNA can be your reality.
National Statistics:
CRNA overall average age
47.5 years
Average age at start of career
32.7 years
Average ICU experience
2.8 years
Average GPA
3.5
Imagine knowing you’ve got all the answers you need in one place.
Avoid frustration and overwhelm with clarity and support.
Power through doubtfulness and anxiety with confidence and preparation.
Overcome confusion and stress with solutions.
Sidestep burnout with a community that will consistently help you press on.
“It’s so different talking questions over with family because they haven’t ever actually been in our shoes. Working closely with a CRNA who has been through an interview before was invaluable. I was given feedback on my answers based on what a committee may be looking for.”
-Sara C.
SRNA
“By having the opportunity to sit down face-to-face (via FaceTime), it helped me to work through some of the interview anxiety, and gain confidence in my abilities. Jenny was very helpful to ask a variety of questions on both clinical and personal topics. The feedback she gave post-interview, helped me to sort out what responses needed some more thought and which areas I answered strongly in. This helped me to determine where my focus should be shifted in order to be as prepared as possible.”
-Vanessa C.
SRNA
This membership is perfect for you if:
- You are 100% determined to become a CRNA.
- You are ready and able to invest in your future.
- You desire to learn how to become a highly qualified candidate.
- You are ready and willing to do the work.
- You desire a focused community that can help you through every step along the way.
- You value having a mentor to personally answer your questions and address your concerns.
- You want insider clinical tips and academic pearls.
- You are ready to land that interview, gain acceptance and flourish during your time as a SRNA.
Now, more than ever, you are needed as a CRNA.
Regardless of your previous beliefs about yourself, it is possible to:
Become an expert in this field
Become someone that others can rely on
Have the knowledge and skill set to save lives
Bring peace and comfort
Be the advocate at the head of the bed
Become the version of yourself you always knew you could be
By becoming a member of CRNA School Prep Academy, you will build a strong connection to your drive and find a passionate approach to your career path that will be unrivaled by other candidates.
Let’s Recap! What do you get as a member of CRNA School Prep Academy?
- Tailored Key Note Courses ($1,295 value)
- Access to the Community Forum ($630 value)
- Expert contributions ($300 value)
- 2 Monthly Live Q&A’s ($400 value)
- 13 Educational Workshops ($520 value)
- CE credits towards your RN and CCRN license ($300 value)
- Access to exclusive, members-only services at a discounted rate; resume, essay, transcript reviews, mock interviews, and one-on-one consultations (>$500 in savings when compared to similar professional services)
- Printable PDFs, cheatsheets, guides, and instructional guides to help you navigate your journey ($270 value)
- Total Value = $4,215
This one-of-a-kind academy membership is valued at $104,215.00 per year!
EVERY YEAR YOU DELAY ACCEPTANCE YOU LOSE A YEAR OF CRNA INCOME!
So, why am I offering access to the academy at a much lower price?
As the questions rolled in about how I became a CRNA, a lightbulb went off in my head. I realized how many people were struggling with no support to make this dream a reality, and I was determined to help others realize their true potential.
While this career is financially rewarding in the long run, I know first hand how difficult it can be to manage finances while in school. I want to serve you along this journey by creating a comprehensive and truly affordable resource packed with value and support (without breaking the bank.)
“...When I stumbled around with my reasoning for why I wanted to do anesthesia, I was actually embarrassed that I didn’t have anything amazing prepared to say. Then you started to give me tips about how I should say something about a personal experience, and have the focus be on being one-on-one with my patient, and their best advocate. I utilized all those tips, and the interviewers were really impressed with what I had to say.”
-Sara E.
SRNA
Membership options:
PAY MONTHLY
$ 39
99
PER MONTH- Reoccurring monthly payment - cancel anytime
- Monthly topics for video instruction
- Access to the Community Forum
- Mock Interview Opportunities (additional cost)
- Monthly Live Q&A
- Access to exclusive, members-only CRNA & SRNA interviews
- Printable PDFs, cheatsheets, guides, and instructionals to help you navigate your journey
- 20% discount on a CRNA School Prep Academy T-shirt
- Access to Member Only Events
PAY ANNUALLY
$ 325
PER YEAR
- BEST VALUE: Save $154.88 when you choose the annual payment option! Plus a FREE T-shirt valued at $23.95 (total savings of 178.83)
- Less than $1 a day!
- Monthly topics for video instruction
- Access to the Community Forum
- Mock Interview Opportunities (additional cost)
- Monthly Live Q&A
- Access to exclusive, members-only CRNA & SRNA interviews
- Printable PDFs, cheatsheets, guides, and instructionals to help you navigate your journey
- FREE CRNA School Prep Academy T-Shirt with Future CRNA on the back
- Access to Member Only Events.
- Yearly students will have access additional events throughout the year!
Popular
PAY QUARTERLY
$ 104
97
EVERY 3 MONTHS- GOOD VALUE: Save $60 over 12 months when you choose the quarterly payment option!
- Monthly topics for video instruction
- Access to the Community Forum
- Mock Interview Opportunities (additional cost)
- Monthly Live Q&A
- Access to exclusive, members-only CRNA & SRNA interviews
- Printable PDFs, cheatsheets, guides, and instructionals to help you navigate your journey
- 30% discount on a CRNA School Prep Academy T-shirt
- Access to Member Only Events
if you are less than 100% satisfied get a no questons asked refund within the first 30 days!
Need more success stories? We got 'em!
click on the images below to expand and browse through feedback from some of our members
If you’re finally ready to...
be the most qualified candidate you can be
prepare for all aspects of becoming a CRNA, from start to finish
knock out those limiting beliefs
invest in yourself and your future
AND
receive that piece of paper that reads, “Your Name, CRNA”
FAQ:
most frequently asked questions
Are you 100% committed to becoming a CRNA?
Are you ready and able to invest in your future?
Do you value and desire a community that can provide mentoring and professional development?
If you answered YES to ALL three then NOW is the right time to JOIN!
It does not matter so much about where exactly you are in your journey. You can be years away from applying or activity applying as you read this. You can be a senior nursing student or an ICU nurse of 8 years. I think the ideal time to join is at least 1-2 years prior to applying to school. This will allow you to take advantage of all the educational content and Q&A sessions.
Even after you gain acceptance CRNA School Prep Academy can offer monthly educational workshops, Q&A sessions, and financial planning workshops that will give you that head start you desire prior to starting your program.
-Personalized guidance: Not only can you review previously recorded Q&A’s, but we also do NEW sessions monthly. These Q&A’s will help you move forward and address issues that may otherwise hinder your progress. ALL Q&A sessions are with CRNA’s and/or CRNA Nurse Anesthesia Faculty.
-Access to one-on-one services: The services inside the Academy include transcript reviews, mock interviews, essay and resume edits, tutoring, and one-on-one consultations. These do cost in addition to ALL memberships.
-Education that will serve you ad an ICU nurse and as you transition into your role as a Nurse Anesthesia Student
Community, forum, mentors, support
Quarterly financial guidance from a financial consultant
Discounts and early access to events
Informational emails, reminders of events or unique offerings
Latest resources
Tailored Interview guidance for individual schools
professional growth
If you do not know if CRNA is the right career path, we suggest job shadowing and utilizing our free resources like the Podcast and Facebook community until you know 100% CRNA is for you.
Are you teachable, adaptable, and open to trying new things? Some advice may not be what you want to hear and it may even be disappointing. We will always be truthful and try our best to set you on a path for success. Know that sometimes this may require additional courses, certifications or even changing the unit you work on.
Are you ready for a financial investment: Becoming a community member is an investment towards your future. CRNA School Prep Academy has a team of SRNA’s, and CRNA’s who pour their time and resources into this community. We also have a dream team behind the scenes that keeps the website and the community happy and healthy. None of this would be possible without all these moving parts. We strive to provide value to both our students and all of the wonderful contributors. CSPA. This is a mentoring business, which allows us to grow our resources and provide our students with our time. If paying to be a part of a mentoring program does not sit well with you, we understand! Please utilize all the Free resources we provide including our Podcast and FREE Facebook community. Remember to go to your school’s Open House Events!!
If your undergraduate GPA was 3.0 or less, unless schools see clear evidence elsewhere of strong academic ability, you will probably not be offered an interview. You may be able to overshadow a GPA that is slightly below standard if you have accumulated other evidence of academic ability subsequent to your undergraduate work (such as through graduate work, repeating undergraduate sciences {if needed}, outstanding leadership roles, and by being very active within the community).
Unfortunately, it comes down to CRNA programs are very competitive. For every previously unfocused person, there are numerous more who were, and who shows up with a transcript attesting to strong academic ability. It is a definite advantage in the selection process. So, how can you escape the stigma of this GPA? The best way to do so would be to demonstrate your academic ability as it is now.
A good place to start would be with anesthesia prerequisite courses if you have not taken them in your undergraduate education. The prerequisites usually consist of courses in statistics, chemistry, or possibly physics. These can be at the undergraduate level, but if you desire to demonstrate your academic ability, it may make more of an impression if you do any coursework at this point at the graduate level. If your prerequisites are completed already, then think about taking some graduate courses. I always advise that you reach out to your program for guidance on which courses would be the most beneficial based on your transcripts. This is also where CSPA services can come in. Program faculty Richard Wilson can review your Transcript and give you guidance.
Performance in sciences such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, or chemistry is good ways to demonstrate your ability in technical graduate courses. You may also take some of the courses from the regular anesthesia curriculum, such as theory and research (if this is allowed, varies from program to program), without being admitted to the program.
If you need to demonstrate your academic ability, consider the quality of the work you do at this point, as well. If you take nursing theory and achieve less than an A in the course, you may not be making the impression you need to. Likewise, if you challenge yourself to more rigorous coursework (such as advanced pathophysiology or pharmacology course), a good performance would speak towards your abilities.
The best place to start is a shadowing experience. I encourage you to do this multiple times and in various settings. Do not wait until you are thinking about applying to do this. Start when you are in a nursing program and ask for an OR experience. Then as a nurse’s aid call up the anesthesia department or walk over and ask to speak with someone about setting up a shadow day. Utilize this access additionally after you become a nurse. If you have 2-3 shadowing experiences under your belt and you feel that FIRE and PASSION to DO THIS. GO ALL IN! If you are thinking about changing your career to CRNA then defiantly shadow prior to making this large commitment. CRNA school is a 3-year full-time commitment which is also very costly. Make sure you see the job in action before you decide this is the right career path for you. Most competitive candidates have 40 plus hours shadowing a CRNA. This also sets you up to be able to get a reference from the CRNA you shadow. ** Remember to document your day regardless of the school requirement.**
CSPA can help SRNA’s prepare for the rigors of school with our educational workshops. Once a month students will learn critical care knowledge, that will cross over into their time as SRNA. All material presented will be information you will learn again as a nurse anesthesia student. I believe once you start your program, CSPA will play a less critical role as your focus needs to be on the material you are completing in your program. Some students remain involved and continue to utilize our monthly Q&A sessions and workshops as additional resources. This is a personal preference. Our monthly Q&A can be a great way to continue to receive mentorship and support during school. We are also working on providing additional resources for current students.
