Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many applications are received each year?
   We typically receive approximately 130 applications each year.
2. How many students do you accept each year?
   The Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia admits 14 students each year.
3. Is a baccalaureate degree required for admission?
   A baccalaureate degree is required for all applicants. The baccalaureate degree must be either in nursing or a related basic science (e.g. biology, chemistry, etc.) from a fully accredited college or university in the United States. We do not offer programs designed to transition students from an associate degree to a master's degree.
4. How many years of R.N. experience are required? And in what areas?
   A minimum of one-year (two years preferred) experience as a registered nurse in an area of intensive care nursing is required. These include any ICU setting (e.g. CVICU, SICU, NeuroICU, MICU, etc.). We do accept pediatric and neonatal ICU (level III) experience. We typically do not consider experience in the following areas as meeting our ICU requirement: step down or transition care areas, post-coronary care, intermediate care units, progressive care units, recovery room/PACU, operating room, or emergency room. Experience in an open-heart recovery unit does meet our ICU requirement. CCRN certification is strongly encouraged.
5. Do I have to have a Texas RN license to apply for the program?
   1. All applicants must possess a valid, unencumbered RN license from at least one of the 50 United States.
   2. Applicants are required to submit, at the time of application, a copy of their valid, unencumbered RN license from the state in which they currently practice.
   3. A Texas nursing license is not required for the application process.
   4. Students that are enrolled in the program are required to possess a valid, unencumbered Texas RN license at all times during the program.
6. What happens if I do not have a Texas license and I am accepted to the program?

Once accepted to the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia, a current Texas R.N. license is required prior to starting school and must be maintained throughout the program. Further information on Texas RN licensure may be obtained from the Texas Board of Nursing web site www.bon.state.tx.us.
7. When is the application deadline?
1. Early application is strongly encouraged. All applications must be submitted on or before Dec. 1 of the prior year to which admission is being sought.
2. The Office of Admissions must receive all supporting documents (e.g. evaluation forms, transcripts, GRE scores, etc.) no later than Dec. 15 of the prior year to which admission is being sought. This includes a photocopy of the applicant's valid, unencumbered R.N. license, proof of current certifications stated in the application (BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, etc), and current Curriculum Vitae.
8. Can I submit a paper application?
1. We do not accept paper applications. On-line application is required. The on-line application can be completed by clicking on Online Application Form.
2. This application is only accessible July 1 through Dec. 1 each year.
9. How old can the GRE scores be?
1. The GRE exam must have been taken since the analytical writing score was offered (November 2002). GRE scores that do not include an analytical writing score will not be accepted.
2. The GRE exam scores must be officially reported to the Office of Admissions directly from GRE.
10. What are the GRE score requirements?
1. In order for an applicant's GRE scores to be competitive we recommend the following:
1. A score of 1000 (or higher) when combining the verbal and quantitative scores.
2. An Analytical Writing Score of 4.0 (or higher).
2. Only the most recent GRE scores will be considered, even if they are lower than more remote scores.
11. Do I have to take the GRE even though I already have a masters and/or doctoral degree?

All applicants, regardless of other degrees held, are required to take the GRE. No exceptions are made.
12. Who should I speak with at the College regarding the application process?
1. Wanda Thomas (Office of Admissions) is the contact person for the application process. Questions regarding the application, completeness of your application file (e.g. did we receive your evaluation letters, etc.) should be directed to Ms. Thomas. She can be reached via email at wthomas@bcm.edu (preferred) or by telephone at 713-798-4842.
2. If you have questions regarding the ICU experience requirement, or would like further information concerning the program, please contact Mr. James Walker (Director) via email at jrwalker@bcm.edu (preferred) or by telephone at 713-798-8650.
13. When will I be notified if I am granted an interview?

E-mail notification typically is sent in late December or early January to selected interviewees. If you have not heard from us by Jan. 15, please contact the Office of Admissions via email (wthomas@bcm.edu) or telephone 713-798-4842 for further information.
14. What are the requirements for admission?

The requirements for admission are as follows:
1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing or a related basic science degree from a fully accredited college or university in the United States.
2. Graduate of a fully accredited professional nursing program.
3. Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better (where A = 4.0) or evidence of outstanding post-graduate academic achievement.
4. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections).
5. A minimum of one year (two years preferred) of experience in an area of intensive care nursing after successful completion of National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). CCRN certification is strongly encouraged.
6. Current eligibility for licensure to practice professional nursing in Texas.*
7. Completion of the official application materials.
8. Personal interview with Admissions Committee.

* Students must maintain current Texas R.N. Licensure at all times during the program.
15. May I apply to, or receive advanced standing in, the Baylor GPNA if I have previously attended another nurse anesthesia program?

We do not grant advanced standing to students that have attended other nurse anesthesia programs. Our curriculum is unique in its emphasis of basic science concepts and the integration of those concepts with the clinical curricular content. All graduates must complete the curriculum in its entirety.

Applicants that have previously attended another nurse anesthesia program must meet all admission requirements. Applicants will be considered within the usual admissions cycle. We do not offer off-cycle admissions. Applicants that have been dismissed or withdrawn from another nurse anesthesia program will not be considered for admission without a letter of evaluation from the program director at the institution previously attended.
16. Are pre-requisite classes required for admission?

There are currently no required pre-requisite courses beyond those required for the BSN (or BS in appropriate basic science) degree.
17. Do I need an Organic Chemistry class prior to the application process or admission?

Organic chemistry is not required prior to admission or matriculation however; matriculants will find it helpful in mastering the curriculum. The Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia provides courses in both chemistry and biochemistry.
18. What is the college tuition?

This link provides current tuition and fees for the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/osa/osa-financial.html#anesth.
19. Is there a difference between in-state versus out-of-state tuition?

There is no difference in tuition rates for in-state vs. out-of-state students.
20. Is financial aid available?

Yes, Baylor College of Medicine offers a variety of financial aid opportunities through the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Planning. Further information is available at http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/osa/osa-financial.html.
21. Do I need to have CCRN certification before applying?

CCRN certification is not required for admission, however it is strongly encouraged.
22. Will I be able to work part-time during the program?
1. We strongly discourage students from seeking outside employment during the program. Students may choose to seek outside employment only if they are maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
1. During the first year, it may be possible to work 1-2 weekend shifts per month.
2. It is nearly impossible to work during the clinical phase of the program.
2. Students are strictly prohibited from working in any capacity that involves the administration of anesthesia.
23. If I am accepted for admission to the program, will I be required to make a deposit to hold my position?

Yes. Applicants that offered a position in the program will be required to make a non-refundable $1,000 deposit to hold their position. The deposit must be received within three weeks of our offer, or the position is offered to an applicant on the alternate list. The deposit will be credited toward the student's tuition account at the time of matriculation. All deposits are non-refundable.