Program Administrator Quick Start Guide

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Quick Start Guide

This Quick Start Guide highlights key resources to support you in your role. From faculty development and resident support to research, accreditation, and funding, AANA provides the tools you need for success.

Help your faculty

Your ability to recruit and retain faculty is key to your program’s success. AANA wants to help make that easier.
  1. Review CRNA Education Edge courses (free to members). Includes CCAT, Simulation & Curriculum Design, Constructing Exams, Psychometrics and Navigating Academia.
  2. Check out the faculty Wellness Resources like Prioritizing Wellness for Residents, Health and Wellness Curriculum, Resident Wellness Ambassador Curriculum.
  3. Apply for a grant: CRNA Scholar, DEI Initiative; Doctoral Mentorship Program; General and Dedicated Research Grants; Health Policy Institute and Fellowship; Art Zwerling Fund; Postdoctoral Fellowship.
  4. Visit the Educator Hub for more resources,

Help your residents

AANA has many opportunities for residents to get involved, assist with finances, and more.
  1. Read the full list of the 100+ 2025 AANA Foundation Scholarship Programs; learn requirements and then apply here by March 1.
  2. Ask them to represent residents on the Education Committee and other committees. Applications are typically March 1-April 30.
  3. Recommend someone for the Resident Mentoring Program at Mid–Year Assembly. (deadline March 8)
  4. Nominate a resident for the AANA College Bowl at Annual Congress. (deadline April 1)
  5. Showcase research through a poster presentation at Congress. (deadline May 1)
  6. Apply for the Resident Emergency Educational Scholarship.
  7. Apply for Grants: Dean Hayden Resident Research and Evidence Based Practice.
  8. Encourage them to become an advocate or AANA Foundation Trustee.
  9. Visit the Resident Hub for Careers, Insurance, Block Buddy Pro, Grade 1 View podcast, 1099 CRNA Institute and more.
  10. Join the Wellness Ambassador Network to collaborate with others passionate about provider well-being.
  11. Hear from fellow residents on topics that matter to you on the Grade 1 View Podcast.

Help yourself

As a program administrator, you bring clinical expertise, teaching skills, and leadership to your role. Here’s how AANA can help:

Research 

  1. Looking for funding for a research project? Check out these options from around the industry.
  2. Need to survey AANA members or at an AANA event? Learn more.
  3. Here are some sourced data sets to help in your research. 

Publish in the AANA Journal 

  1. Submit a Manuscript or Editorial for Publication in the AANA Journal.  

Boost your CV 

  1. Get involved in a committee; become a Foundation Program Reviewer;  
  2. Apply for awards like: Fellow of AANA, Helen Lamb Educator award; Clinical instructor of the year; Didactic Instructor of the Year Award; Program Director of the Year Award; John F. Garde Researcher of the Year Award; Discoveries of Distinction 
  3. Earn the Didactic Educator Micro-Credential.

Collaborate with peers 

  • Join the Educator Network a gathering place to build relationships, collaborate with colleagues, and discover resources that support future CRNAs and advance the profession of nurse anesthesia education.

Manage a Cohort & Resident Payments 

NBCRNA is the certifying body responsible for the initial and continued certification of nurse anesthetists. All cohorts start at NBCRNA, then complete the information needed for membership at AANA.   

Start your cohort process with the NBCRNA here.

Contact Julie Rossberger with AANA if you have questions.

Manage your accreditation 

COA is the accrediting agency for nurse anesthesia educational programs in the United States. 

Log in to your program’s COAccess portal to view accreditation standards and resources.

General Resources

  1. Access the Professional Practice Manual with standards of nurse anesthesiology practice, policy and more. A print version of this manual is available in the AANA Bookstore.
  2. Learn more about reimbursement and MIPS.
  3. Access Clinical Practice Support including position statements, protocols and practice considerations on ERAS, Dental anesthesia, Cannabis, Ketamine, Malignant Hyperthermia, Pain Management, Infection Prevention and Control and more.
  4. Learn about specific practice law & requirements by state including an opt-out map, prescriptive authority, AAs and more.
  5. AANA Helpline: Drug or alcohol concerns? Call the AANA Helpline at 800-654-5167 24/7, for live, confidential, and individualized help and support for yourself, a colleague, or a resident.