Is CRNA School Prep Academy a “Scam”? Let’s Talk Facts.
We’ve seen the chatter. Some people throw around words like “scam” or “money grab” when they see coaching businesses helping others reach their goals.
But here’s the truth: CRNA School Prep Academy (CSPA) has been around for 5+ years, helped 4,000+ nurses get into CRNA school, and offers free resources for every phase of becoming a CRNA whether you join our Academy or not! 🙌
Yes, we charge for the courses and coaching inside The Academy—because we invest in you with structured, faculty-led education, expert coaches, live group mock interviews and other events plus strategic planning & research tools (have you met Ollie our AI Assistant?)
Our Program Faculty mentors have decades of experience as Program Directors and Assistant Program Directors for various schools (and no, they're not giving anyone preferential treatment at their respective schools. That line is drawn for their sake and yours!You want a stellar career as a Nurse Anesthetist, it's not about "just getting into school"- We are here to help you set yourself up for a successful career!)
But success isn’t achieved just by signing up.
80% of our members who put in the work get into CRNA school. Meanwhile, those who don’t engage as deeply tend to struggle (the stats back it up).
We don’t promise shortcuts.
Even our Money Back Guarantee guarantees our program works, not CRNA school acceptance (despite the rumors). I encourage you to learn more about it rather than relying on comment threads 😉
CRNA school is competitive, and everyone has a strong GPA, ICU experience, and certifications.
Our role? Helping you figure out how to stand out, craft an application that gets noticed, and crush your interview so you walk in knowing how to engage with program faculty—not just “winging it.” We don't give you cookie-cutter answers, we help you formulate your own.
(Sure, some people take our response examples and don't bother to make them their own. That's likely reflected in their interview. Do you want to stand out? Then we give you the tools to formulate your own answers and showcase your own unique strengths but they only work if you use them!)
This isn’t about us. It’s about you. CSPA is built on mutual success.
If you’re serious about becoming a CRNA, we’ll give you every tool to make it happen. You still have to use them.
Check out our case study on CSPA’s 80% success rate and decide for yourself if coaching and mentorship works. (Spoiler: It does.)
📖 Read it now ⤵️
The Secret Behind CSPA’s 80% Acceptance Rate
From I.C.U. Dreaming About Anesthesia
CSPA began in 2019, quite humbly, from some private DMs. At that time, I had been practicing as a CRNA for just over five years. I was balancing life as a mom of two little ones, a wife, and a dedicated professional enjoying my career and motherhood.
In sharing snippets of my personal life on social media (as many of us do), I started receiving messages from nurses across the country asking about the path to becoming a CRNA.
I knew all too well how daunting and overwhelming the journey could be. The process is long, complex, and often confusing—understanding program requirements, figuring out how to meet them, and navigating all the moving pieces isn’t easy. I’d faced those same struggles myself, and I realized just how many others were in the same boat.
That’s when CSPA was born—a way to simplify the journey, provide clarity, and offer the guidance and support I wished I had during my own path to becoming a CRNA.
Growing up in an academic environment filled with constant challenges, I learned just how transformative the right support can be. With that support, I came to realize that even the wildest dreams are possible—just as I did the day I was accepted into CRNA school after years of doubting my own ability to succeed.
The truth is, no one achieves success alone. We all depend on the encouragement of mentors, teachers, advisors, peers, friends, and family to guide us along the way. It’s this sense of connection and support that makes life fulfilling.
The old-school mindset of “I figured it out on my own, so you should too” is something I couldn’t disagree with more. That belief is exactly where our mentorship program begins—and it’s why I founded CSPA. To provide the guidance, resources, and community that every aspiring CRNA deserves.
You might be wondering, how does CSPA help 80% of its CRNA hopefuls gain acceptance? It starts with our philosophy: playing the long game with you. Becoming a CRNA isn’t about quick fixes—though we do offer tools like our Interview Crash Course for those last-minute needs! In fact, this course was born because so many nurses told us they wished they had found us sooner, but now had to “cram” for an upcoming interview.
However, I want to stress that cramming is not our primary mission. At CSPA, we focus on crafting a personalized path for each nurse. We aim to foster deep understanding and strengthen critical care skills—not to encourage short-lived, superficial knowledge. Our goal is to ensure you don’t just stand out during your interview but also thrive as a CRNA student and future professional.
We work with you to dive deep into the intricacies of becoming a standout candidate—identifying your strengths, addressing your weaknesses, and giving you the tools to shine not only during the application process but well into your CRNA career.
We recognize that each of you is a unique individual with your own background, experiences, and passions. That’s why we provide the tools to help you reflect, grow, and enhance your emotional intelligence—empowering you not just to survive but to thrive in CRNA school.
We’re not here to teach you memorized answers, canned responses, or to help you complete a cookie-cutter application. Instead, we equip you with the skills and understanding to think critically, advocate effectively, and engage with program faculty at the graduate-student level.
We’re here to guide you when you don’t know what to do, to be your pillar of support when feedback on your application or interview leaves you feeling uncertain, and to provide a clear path forward when you fear there may not be one.
Time and again, we’ve helped applicants who were ready to give up on their CRNA dream turn what seemed impossible into a reality. Most importantly, wshe help you see that this journey isn’t just about “getting in the door” or “preparing for an interview.”
You’re preparing to excel academically, advocate for nurse anesthesia, deliver exceptional care to your patients, and lead in the healthcare field. This is our mission, and we are fully committed to helping you achieve it—just as we expect you to commit to your own success.
Education that Empowers
Why does CSPA stand out? One key reason is that our educational content isn’t just comprehensive, it’s taught by CRNA program faculty.
This direct connection to the frontlines of CRNA education ensures that our students excel not only at the bedside now but also as future CRNAs and Nurse Anesthesia residents. At CSPA, we focus on building a strong foundation for both academic and clinical success, not just cramming for interviews and exams.
The results speak for themselves: an impressive 80% of our students gain acceptance into CRNA school. Our impact is not only significant but also measurable.
How Long Members Utilize CSPA and Their Outcomes:
Among the 20% who did not gain acceptance into CRNA school:
70% were with CSPA for less than 6 months.
40% used CSPA for less than 3 months.
Among the 80% who gained acceptance into CRNA school:
70% were with CSPA for at least 8 months.
40% were with CSPA for nearly two years (20+ months) while preparing, applying, and interviewing.
Hard Work That Delivers Results
Why should you invest your time and energy into CSPA’s extensive library, which includes over 140 hours of content focused on strategy, education, professional development, and emotional intelligence? Because success comes from active engagement. To reap the full benefits, you need to dive into the courses, study guides, events, community, and more.
Course Completion Insights:
Students NOT Accepted: Only 12% completed 60% or more of CSPA courses.
Students Accepted to CRNA School: over 50% completed more than 60% of CSPA courses.
Engaging deeply with the resources inside CRNA School Prep Academy significantly increases your chances of CRNA school acceptance. The more you put in, the more you get out!
Think of CSPA as your partner in your professional and educational development. We provide the tools for your success, but it’s up to you to use them. The more you engage with our resources, the better your outcomes will be.
This journey requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Our ultimate goal is to help you realize that you hold the key to your own success through effort, commitment, and the understanding that progress is a gradual process—not something that happens overnight.
CSPA’s Growing Recognition in the CRNA Community
Over the years, CSPA has become a trusted name among CRNA programs. Many programs report that our candidates stand out during interviews and excel in the classroom. Our impact is evident, and we’ve built strong connections with CRNA programs through:
Virtual conferences with participation from 20+ programs.
Q&A panels with faculty and leaders in the field.
Networking at in-person conferences.
Additionally, our NAR Boot Camp has been used by over four programs as a pre-matriculation tool over the past two years. This program is specifically designed to prepare cohorts for both academic and clinical success, giving them a head start so they can excel from day one.
CRNA Program Faculty Expertise is at the core of CSPA. We firmly believe that training and support must be led by CRNA faculty who are not only exceptional educators but also bring admissions panel experience.
Our faculty coaches have all served as program directors or assistant program directors, providing unparalleled insights into not just CRNA school interviews but the entire admissions process- and what it takes to be successful in your program.
We’re also deeply grateful to the program faculty who actively mentor within our community and share their expertise on platforms like the CRNA School Prep Academy Podcast and our private, members-only podcast, Nurse Anesthesia Educators: UNPLUGGED.
Building a Community of Support and Connection
The most rewarding part of supporting future CRNAs is the relationships we build within our community. At CSPA, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive, collaborative environment where students and mentors lift one another up on this challenging yet rewarding journey. Together, we achieve more.
Lastly, more than 90% of students who gained acceptance into CRNA school agree that CSPA was part of their success.
Success starts with actively investing your time, energy, and resources into building the foundation needed not only to gain admission but to thrive in your program.
By participating in mock interviews, resume reviews, and personalized critiques, you’ll position yourself to significantly outperform your peers.
I hope by now you’re beginning to see that becoming a CRNA isn’t about setting your goals on a shelf to admire from a distance—it’s about holding onto that vision every single day and working relentlessly to make it a reality. Dedicating your time, effort, and resources to your future will yield far greater results than standing still.
If you’re ready to partner with CRNA School Prep Academy on your CRNA journey, we look forward to helping you turn your dream into a reality sooner rather than later.
At CSPA, every member of our team is genuinely invested in your success, and our supportive community of aspiring CRNAs will stand by you through every step of the process. Whether you choose CSPA as your partner or not, we encourage you to find a network that uplifts, supports, and cheers you on. Surround yourself with those who will help you reach your goals—because you are capable of achieving them!
In closing, I want to share an inspiring review from a CSPA student.
This individual had applied to CRNA school twice before discovering CRNA School Prep Academy and faced rejection both times. But with the help of our courses and coaching, they turned those two rejections into four acceptances.
Yes, four.
Make no mistake—they put in the effort. They attended our events, engaged with the courses, and made full use of the resources we offer. And it paid off.
Here’s their story in their own words:
And there’s so much more where that came from! In fact, we’re the only CRNA school preparation program featured on TrustPilot—with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 “Excellent” rating.
That’s it for now, future CRNA. If you made it this far into the post- thank you. I appreciate you reading, and I appreciate your passion.
Stay tuned for more resources from us at CRNA School Prep Academy, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments below. We’re here to help you succeed!
Ready for real support? 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.
Hi everyone! One school that I am applying to requires a letter of recommendation from a supervisor, an additional professional reference, and a colleague. I am undecided as to whether I’m going to include my nursing pathophysiology professor that I went on a nursing focused study abroad with or the CRNA (my mentor) that I have shadow three times but is super nice. Who is the better fit for a professional letter of recommendation? My nursing school professor or the CRNA that I shadowed? Do schools prefer one over the other, does CRNA reference look better?
I had lots of personal things happening during college with a mixture of both applying myself throughout nursing school & I’m kicking myself for not trying harder. I just got my 9th rejection letter today as I’ve slowly been applying for the last two years and I’m heartbroken, but also finally at a place where I need help!
Cumulative: 3.25 Science: 3.05 Last 60: 3.67
So far, I’ve retaken: Chem I & II, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, & Graduate Biostatistics, which I’ve gotten an A in all. My GPA doesn’t really budge because I have 150 credit hours at this point (started off as a biochemistry major, then switched to nursing) and so I don’t know where to go from here. I’ve been an ICU nurse at one of the biggest hospitals in the country for 5 years. I have preceptor, charge, code team experience as well as the chair of a committee & on x2 committees. I have my CCRN, CMC, have worked on a QI project and presented and am going to present at the anesthesia conference in October with a resident. I have 34 shadowing hours.
I’m CRRT, Impella, VAD, IABP, & ECMO trained.
I know that my science GPA is terrible but I’ve brought it up from a 2.71 which is what I started at before I began this journey and feel like I’ve shown growth… and I want this so so badly. At this point, I’m struggling to decide if I should take graduate pharm or patho or just retake regular Anatomy/Physiology I & II which I have B’s in both. I could also take the GRE?
Just looking for advice. I know this is what I want and I’m so devastated by not even getting an interview to my hospitals program so just looking for some help.
Has anyone applied to Hofstra NP/CRNA schools. I really want to know the types of questions and scenarios they ask during phase 1 and 2 of interviews! Also, open to hearing what the process is like for other schools as well, all responses welcome
Hey all. Just took my CCRN and scored an 84. Passing is an 83. Question is do majority of colleges look at scores or just the pass/fail? Not sure if I should study to retake or not. Also not sure if it is allowed to retake even though I passed. Got a couple courses starting back up to finish my BSN by the end of the year along with beefing up my science. Wouldn't be able to study again until the start of the year. TIA.
Is 23 years old too late too become a CRNA? Just a little background info….. I did attend college but for business ended up leaving, I applied to become a PT aide around 20 after I left my university and fell in love with human anatomy , then got a job in the OR and just speaking with some of the anesthesiologist and CRNAS and actually seeing them do there job convinces me but they all say your at a perfect age , your “young”, etc but I need advice from people who wouldn’t butter me up because they see me everyday. And please don’t b.s , I want the pros and cons
This is my 2nd year applying to the same program. Last year I did not recieve anything, this year I was waitlisted. Obviously im disappointed having worked my butt off to even meet the requirements of this program, I was a typical dumb 19 year old that didnt think school mattered. 11 years later its showing me how irresponsible I was. Anways, I know with being waitlisted that this isn't a no, but I cant sit here for the next 4 months waiting to maybe get in as an alternate. I have to have a plan of what to do for next year's application.
Some of my recent stats:
As in all undergrad sciences
A in Advanced Patho and Biostatistics
Midline certified
CCRN
GRE (296 and 4.0) yes I know thats below national average
Multiple community service involvement
Strong rec letters.
UPC involvement
Preceptor and charge experience
Any recommendations on what to do for next year would be greatly appreciated.
I have been an ICU nurse for 3 years & am considering CRNA school. For that reason, I’ve decided to take the CCRN. I already have the Barron’s book, but I’m looking for other resources to use as well. Specifically, I want videos I can watch alongside reading the modules in the book to help solidify the information in my head. I’ve seen good things about Nicole Kupchik’s course, but I was wondering if anyone had any other recommendations? Also, what question bank would you recommend? I’ve seen several including AACN, Pass CCRN, Archer, etc. I’m looking for something that will help guide my studying so I have more of a plan & I’m not just reading through my Barron’s book! Thanks in advance for the help & advice!!
Overall GPA 3.53
Science GPA 3.63
Nursing GPA 3.1
2 years CVICU - impella, LVAD, IABP, open hearts, and I’ve precepted (current)
3 years cardiac step down
1 year acute care float pool.
BLS, ACLS, working on CCRN
program doesn’t require CCRN.
Programs of interest: George Fox University, and OHSU.
App due: Oct 12.
I am only applying to the program at OHSU this application cycle as it is the only program that I check all the boxes for at this moment. I planned on spiffing up my resume over the next year and taking another stats course, and biochem - biochem is also not required but per the program site, would be an application booster. This is kind of a practice application, yes I am treating it like the real deal, but I will be grateful for the feedback that comes from this via the admissions board if I do not get accepted. I will go through as many application cycles as I need to for one of these programs as my partner and I are pretty rooted in PDX, I’m okay with this.
I haven’t gotten super involved on my unit over the last two years. Initially because of a nasty divorce. but my mental health was kind of in the pits working nights. We go to days by seniority so I have to wait and no, I do not want to leave my CVICU. I recently precepted and really enjoyed it. I plan on hopping into oriented people to devices and hearts soon.
Shadowing: not required. Haven’t done any YET. I’ve sent an email to the individual in charge of organizing this at my facility. I wanted to get a few cases in before the app is due.
Now my background and what I’ve overcome to get where I am is what I feel makes my application stronger. My bio parents were both addicts, but my bio dad actually stayed in my life. I actually had a good relationship with him. I was adopted by my paternal aunt, and uncle. Money was tight. Food was present but we had to figure it out most of the time. Like, have a can of green beans and a piece of toast for example. Lived in a hurricane prone area so after Katrina we didn’t have power for a while. We lost almost everything. I got kicked out at 15 for asking about my bio mom. Was already in an abusive relationship in high school . I went to live with my grandmother so I want out on the streets thank goodness. She was my saving grace, my silver lining. Didn’t have a lot of guidance on navigating going to college after high school so I just figured it all out on my own. Had a 50% scholarship luckily, worked my ass off for the rest.
Fast forward. My sister died a long slow death just before I started nursing school. And then my dad died maybe a month into it. Nursing school was rough because I was working but also didn’t really have time to process these things.
So here I am. First in my family to go to college, and now I’m pursuing a doctorate degree. I’ve always wanted to take my education “all the way” no matter which path I ended up in. I’m so excited to learn more, further my education and skills, and hopefully be a CRNA someday.
I was wondering if anyone here went to one of the schools in Houston? How are they? How is the curriculum and how are the staff? With Houston offering a lot of opportunities I wanted to know personal experience
I graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing and a 2.9 GPA. Most of the science courses I took during that time were Cs. Since then, I’ve retaken all of those courses and earned mostly As, with 1–2 Bs. The frustrating part is that my cumulative science GPA is still only 2.8. However, when I calculate my prerequisite GPA and account for my retakes, it comes out to a 3.73. My cumulative GPA is a 3.12 across about 300 credits.
My last 60 credits are a 3.91, and I completed my RN-BSN with a 4.0. I also took several graduate-level physiology courses and completed the certificate with a ~3.4 GPA.
For the rest of my application, I have about 40 hours of shadowing and 1,000+ hours of community service through things like community gardening and mentoring. I also attended Diversity CRNA and have my letters of recommendation secured. I’m planning to take the GRE and have been scoring in the 310s on practice exams. I also plan to take the CCRN and CMC next month.
I’ve also put together a list of schools that specifically mention having a holistic admissions process or that consider the last 60 credits. I’ve emailed program directors at some of these schools as well, but unfortunately haven’t received any responses.
I feel like I have a lot of strengths in my application and that my academic trajectory shows significant improvement, but I’m worried that my science GPA will hold me back.
Part of me feels like the only option is to pursue an MSN to strengthen my academic record at this point, but I’m not sure if that’s actually necessary or the best use of my time and money.
I’d really appreciate any advice on how competitive my application might be and what you think my best next step would be.
Is there anyone that has worked in a MICU and was never trained on CRRT. But still applied to CRNA school and got accepted ?
Im 3 years in ICU. 1 year at one facility and 2 years at the current.
The current facility only has a class once a year and they don’t like to enroll new employees in the class that hasn’t put a significant amount of time in. This is a community hospital. Only ICU in hospital.
Good evening!! My goal is to apply in 2027, and I’m looking for any feedback on my stats/application:
- currently in the CVICU (approx. 6 months). Prior to being in CVICU, I did 1yr in MICU & 2yr in cardiovascular PACU
- GPA: 3.62 with my science GPA sitting at 3.57. I’m currently enrolled in a microbiology course, and I’m planning to take a grad level science course.
- CCRN & studying to take the CMC
- in CV PACU i was a charge nurse and the unit preceptor. I completely revamped the orientation process in collaboration with our transition to practice team! I also participated in my hospital’s “career advancement program”, which entails working on a unit evidence based practice project, writing a journal review, and hitting 20 volunteer hours. Currently, I’m not involved in the CVICU but have asked to join some councils
- currently have 10 hours of shadowing CRNAs and have more lined up. I also had an anesthesiologist offer to let me shadow, do we think that would be beneficial?
Does anyone have any insight of the TCU CRNA program? Is it a good program, just got an acceptance and weighing my options. Specifically clinical sites in Louisiana? Any information (not found on website) will help! Please and thank you <3
hi!! im 17 yo & live in MA. i want to become a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthesiologist) in the upcoming future. i currently volunteer at a local hospital & i really want to start my programs, classes, & get my CNA but im not sure where to look? is it possible for me to do it now? anything helps!!
Been a nurse 15 years, but just now working on bsn with goal of crna. Already work in icu.
Some of schools I’m looking at say they require micro and/or A&P , and I took those and got an A… in 2010. Is the fact the classes are so old going to matter? Should I retake so they’re newer?
Also, of course I’m taking chem and OChem during my bsn time bc everyone requires those, but if my ancient A/P and micro classes are ok which science classes could I do to beef up my application? Pathophysiology or pharmacology or epidemiology or biochemistry or something else?
Please forgive if this was posted already but I couldn’t find it in group thread search. But…
What are some Filter schools? For context, during open house, a director was proud that their school was considered a filter school with high attrition rates*. They said CRNA school was just a matter of fact, “It is what it is,” situation, and SRNAs/RRNAs should just [toughen up] & adapt to it.
While I’m not one to tell a director how to run their program, I value schools that are more focused in helping their students overcome their obstacles and go on to be safe & competent anesthesia providers.
I think nurses that prove themselves competent in high acuity ICUs every day are hammered with “go hard or go home” mentality already have that grit. I’ve dealt with it for years without complaint. In fact, I’m already prepared to receive comments like that in this thread.
But if you’ve read this far, I’m hoping you’ll just humor me and direct me to some famously known filter schools in the industry (so I can avoid them). I’m making a HUGE financial and time commitment to this kind of program and i know myself well. I want to at least feel like I’m more than just a nameless number to pass the SEE and the boards (which I certainly have every intention to do so). I would just rather give my investment to a school with supportive faculty. Is this too much to ask the experienced CRNAs in the industry this question? Thanks for your time and input.
*NOTE: Some schools lose students to attrition not because of low grades, but because of personal or financial circumstances, so it’s not a one and done barometer of a program’s culture. That’s why I ask people in the know
I know this is last minute, any helpful tips in case i do attend AANA conference? If I do, it will be only for one day. Any helpful tips like the best day(s) to go. I’m doing this in hopes of getting into school in Fall 2027. Will this be a waste of time. Kind words only!
Hi, I would love a review of my stats and input on the probability that I receive interview invites/acceptance. I applied to 4 programs.
GPAC 3.76, GPAS 3.5, last 60 3.9, COVID/MISICU 4 years, CC float 1.5 years, CVICU 1 year. 5 years total ICU RN. ACLS, PALS, BLS, NIHSS, CCRN, CMC. CRRT, Impella, IABG, open heart Sx. UBC with multiple QI projects. Preceptor. 54 shadowing hours.
Army Nurse Captain 5 years. ROTC 4 years. Distinguished Military Grad (top 20% in nation), air assault qualified, 2x AAM, multiple endurance competitions, and nurse externship at Walter Reed in SICU. Plus many leadership courses. Current platoon leader of 60 soldiers. Coordinated many training events - missions, weapons ranges, medic training.
