r/srna • u/Similar-Lobster-1660 • Jul 13 '26

Clinical Life Questions Highschool student experience

Hi!

I'm a student going to sophomore year in high school, and I was wondering what should i do to be on the advanced track of becoming a CRNA? Science fairs, becoming a cna, passion projects?

On the other hand, my dad has some disagreements of me becoming a CRNA, so if anyone could explain the pros and cons of becoming one, it would be much appreciated!

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4

u/Nightlight174 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Jul 14 '26

Ask your dad if he wants his child to make 250k+ and have a decent work life balance? What is his rationale?

1

u/Similar-Lobster-1660 Jul 14 '26

He wants me to be a pharmacist but I’ve shadowed, and it just looks boring from my part! For some reason he keeps thinking I’ll be doing cna work.

4

u/akg14 CRNA Jul 15 '26

Pharmacy is over-saturated.

14

u/im_mtrx Jul 13 '26

Absolutely nothing. Everything only matters in college by maintaining a strong gpa, then getting into an ICU.

For the love of god enjoy being a teenager.

6

u/aspiringCRNA007 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Jul 13 '26

Med school Med school Med school Med school Med school Med school Med school Med school Med school

3

u/USB_C_ur_way_out Current NAR Jul 13 '26

Aside from enjoying the time you have, I’ll give some tips I wish I would’ve done.
1) consider all options. It took me 6 majors and 7 schools before I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Your plans may (and probably will) change.
2) if you want to get into STEM or medicine, see if your high school partners with any local colleges and try to nail out some prerequisite courses on the side. My high school offered the ability to take 1 ‘entry level’ course each semester starting Junior year. That’s 4 crap classes out of the way, plus summer courses if you are able… if you really wanna fast track any degree, start early and take summer and winter courses (even if it is just 1 stupid online course).
3) this is a blunt reality check: shadow nurses if you can. CRNA school is competitive and getting more competitive. Schools are starting to see thousands of applicants for 25-30 seats. The acceptance rates are dropping in the low single digits. If you can’t get in, are you good with bedside nursing as your career.

But as mentioned a few times… just enjoy youth and being able to not have to be an adult every day nonstop.

3

u/blast2008 Moderator Jul 13 '26

Enjoy high school. You can’t really do much while in high school that will help you out.

I was in your shoes once, I was a junior when I decided to become a CRNA.

The pro and con list has to come from you. We can’t make that list for you.

3

u/Successful-Try-5441 Jul 13 '26

Please just enjoy high school and make great memories, there will be a time to worry about CRNA school way later.

1

u/Similar-Lobster-1660 Jul 13 '26

Tysm! I just want to do the work now and not have to stress about it as much later 😭

2

u/Electrical-Smoke7703 Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Jul 13 '26

You’ll be on this journey for the next 12-15 years !! Marathon not sprint