CRNA Program - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application process?
Application and documents are submitted through NursingCAS
It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that all documentation is submitted and received by LLUH before the program deadline.
- Only applicants with completed applications will be considered for an interview.
The Nurse Anesthesia Committee (NAC) will review all completed applications and invite selected candidates for an interview.
Attend personal interview with the NAC Interview Panel.
Applicants selected for admission will be notified via email.
When an applicant has been offered a position at LLUSN, information regarding how to complete the acceptance process and pay the confirmation deposit will also be included.
Still have questions? Contact Graduate Nursing - graduatenursing@llu.edu
Do all applicants get an interview?
No. The Nurse Anesthesia Committee (NAC) will review all completed applications and generally select about 80 candidates for interviews.
I have my Bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing. Can I apply to the program?
No. A prior bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from an accredited school in the United States or equivalent from another country is required for admissions.
What science courses are included in the science GPA calculation?
Science courses will include the following:
1. Anatomy & Physiology
2. Microbiology
3. Chemistry (i.e. Intro to Chem, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry OR General Chemistry I)
How many students do you admit into your program each year?
The program admits 18 students per cohort.
What is defined as a Spiritual Advisor?
A Spiritual Advisor is defined as anyone who knows you spiritually, ethically, or can speak to your moral compass.
Do I need one year of full-time critical care work experience at the time of application?
Yes. Applicants should be employed, full-time in an ICU unit but will need to have the necessary one year of full-time experience at the time of application.
Is the GRE required?
No. There are no required entrance exams.
Do I have to be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be accepted into the program?
No. We consider and accept students from all faiths.
Can I attend the program on a part-time basis?
No. This is a full-time program.
Who should I speak with regarding the application process?
Contact Graduate Nursing - graduatenursing@llu.edu
Will I be able to work during the program?
Due to the rigorous nature of the nurse anesthesia program, employment is discouraged. To promote patient safety and student wellbeing, the student is not permitted to work within ten hours of the start of a clinical shift. The program forbids the employment of students as nurse anesthetists by title or function while enrolled in the program.
If I am accepted into the program, will I be required to make a deposit to hold my position?
There are two, non-refundable, confirmation deposit of $2,500. These deposits will be credited toward the student's tuition upon matriculation.
Do the students choose their regular clinical sites?
Assignment of students to clinical rotations is made at the discretion of the program administration and is guided by the availability and needs of the clinical sites and each student’s knowledge, ability, and existing case requirements. It is the desire and intent of the administration to rotate each student in order to attain every available experience. However, clinical affiliations can be created, modified, or canceled at any time, making each student’s clinical rotation experience unique.
Will I have to travel out of town for clinical sites? If so, where?
With the following exceptions, clinical sites are within driving distance (25-60 miles) of Loma Linda University:
Housing is provided at the following locations:
- Naval Medical Center San Diego
- St. Helena in the Napa Valley of Central California
- Adventist Health Bakersfield in Bakersfield, California
- Adventist Health Hanford Hospital in Hanford California
- Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California
Housing and rental car provided at the following location:
- Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio
- Note: clinical affiliations may be created, modified, or canceled at any time.
Is shadowing a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) required?
Although shadowing a CRNA is not a requirement, it is highly recommended. Submission of proof is required prior to the document's deadline. Shadowing experience must be with a CRNA and not an anesthesiologist.
Do you hire CRNA graduates at LLUH?
Yes. CRNA graduates have an opportunity to work for LLUH.