AANA Honors Excellence in Nurse Anesthesiology: Program Director of the Year Award Presented to Michelle Canale

Rosemont, Ill. – The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will present Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Michelle Canale, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, with the Program Director of the Year Award during its 2025 Annual Congress, August 9-13, in Nashville. 

The Program Director of the Year Award was established in 1991 to recognize a CRNA who has made a significant contribution as a program director to the educational process of Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs). The award recognizes the individual’s commitment to the profession of nurse anesthesiology and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high-quality patient care. 

Canale has served as the program director of the University of South Florida (USF) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesiology program in Tampa for the past seven years. Described by colleagues as having an “unwavering commitment and admirable work ethic,” she has “propelled the program to new heights of excellence.” Within just three months of taking on the role, Canale led the program through the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accreditation process and oversaw its transition from a master’s degree to a DNP program. She also revamped the admissions process by incorporating new selection criteria—including emotional intelligence—that enhanced student selection and program success. In parallel, she realigned the curriculum to adopt a competency-based educational model and introduced a comprehensive remediation and study support program to better prepare RRNAs for the National Certification Exam (NCE). 

Under her leadership, the class of May 2024 achieved a 0% attrition rate and a 98% first-time pass rate on the NCE. According to her nomination, these impressive results are directly attributed to Canale’s “relentless commitment to upholding the highest standards of education and student success.” 

Canale’s clear vision for the future of USF’s nurse anesthesiology program includes a continued focus on clinical residency experiences that support the full scope of nurse anesthesiology, producing CRNAs who will expand access to care and reduce healthcare costs, and the implementation of innovative and collaborative, evidence-based quality improvement initiatives. Through her work and dedication, she prepares students with training that exceeds COA standards. She also uplifts her team and supports professional development by setting annual goals that keep faculty at the forefront of nurse anesthesiology education and research. 

The RRNAs Canale teaches sing her praises—according to one of her students, her “unwavering commitment to student success sets her apart as an innovator and role model in the field of nurse anesthesia education.” Recognizing her students’ challenges, she provided the support and mentorship needed to develop the Student Success and Wellness Committee, a student-led initiative that fosters well-being and confidence among RRNAs. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the AANA Program Administrator of the Year Award,” said Canale. “This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but a testament to the incredible team and community I am privileged to be part of.“ 

As a testament to her unwavering dedication as a mentor and program director, a student writes, “Canale fosters an environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Her leadership and dedication to student well-being make her an exemplary program director and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of learning from her.” 

Beyond her responsibilities as USF’s program director, Canale is a practicing CRNA at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She has also chaired and served as a member of several USF committees, chaired the AANA’s Membership Career Needs and Values Task Force, serves as the current chair of the Conference Planning Committee of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FANA), and is a Reviewer for the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing and AANA Journal. Additionally, she has previously served as FANA’s President from 2022-2023. 

Canale obtained her DNP degree from USF in Tampa. She also earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree, Specializing in Anesthesia, from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from USF in St. Petersburg. 

To learn more about AANA Member Recognition awards, visit https://www.aana.com/membership/recognition/aana-awards/.