AANA

AANA Overview

Founded in 1931 and located in Park Ridge, Ill., the AANA is the professional organization for more than 90 percent of the nation’s nurse anesthetists. As advanced practice nurses, CRNAs administer approximately 32 million anesthetics in the United States each year. CRNAs practice in every setting where anesthesia is available and are the sole anesthesia providers in more than two-thirds of all rural hospitals. They administer every type of anesthetic, and provide care for every type of surgery or procedure, from open heart to cataract to pain management.

Requirements

Education and experience required to become a CRNA include:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.
• A current license as a registered nurse.
• At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting.
• Graduation with a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program. As of April 2010 there were 108 nurse anesthesia programs in the United States utilizing more than 1,700 approved clinical sites. These programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements. All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.
• Pass the national certification examination following graduation.

In order to be recertified, CRNAs must obtain a minimum of 40 hours of approved continuing education every two years, document substantial anesthesia practice, maintain current state licensure, and certify that they have not developed any conditions that could adversely affect their ability to practice anesthesia.