The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is the professional organisation for certified registered nurse anesthetists and for the students training to become them. Founded in 1931, it reports representing more than 59,000 nurse anesthetists and student registered nurse anesthetists.
It was known for most of its history as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and the change of name to nurse anesthesiology was itself part of a long argument with physician anesthesiology about titles and scope.
Why the role is unusual
Nurse anesthesia is the oldest recognised advanced practice nursing role in the United States, predating the term advanced practice by decades, and it occupies a distinctive position in rural care: nurse anesthetists are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals, and the main providers of anesthesia to the armed forces.
It is also the best paid role in nursing by a wide margin. The federal median for nurse anesthetists is $236,590, against $134,920 for the advanced practice group as a whole and $97,550 for registered nurses. See registered nurse pay and levels of nursing.
Certification
Certification is not run by the association. In 2007 its certification and recertification councils became independent and incorporated as the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, which now administers the examination and the continued certification programme.
That separation is the same pattern seen across nursing: the association advocates and educates, while a legally distinct board owns the credential, so that the examination is not a benefit of membership. See nursing specialties.
What it does
Federal and state advocacy, particularly on scope of practice and on whether physician supervision is required for reimbursement, is the association's dominant activity, and the subject is contested with physician anesthesiology in almost every legislative session.
Beyond that it accredits nothing itself, but works alongside the separate council that accredits nurse anesthesia educational programmes, publishes a peer-reviewed journal, and produces practice guidance for members.
Related
- Nursing organizations
- Levels of nursing
- Registered nurse pay
- Nurse practitioner practice authority
- Nursing specialties
Sources
- History of AANA. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, for the 1931 founding and the 2007 separation of certification. Accessed September 9, 2026.
- About the association. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, for membership and rural practice. Accessed September 9, 2026.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 pay. Accessed September 9, 2026.