The RRNA to CRNA Bridge Program is designed to support nurse anesthesia residents in the third year of their program through their first year as CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists.
This structured, resource-rich program is designed to complement existing learning, provide support, and help ease the transition to practice.
AANA Bridge Program
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Help shape the future of nurse anesthesia.
Become a coach today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in it for you?
Career Coaching and Mentorship
Each resident is matched with a near-peer coach and joins a small group for support throughout their early career.
Exclusive Dashboard
Participants will have access to an exclusive dashboard with resources curated for their journey from nurse anesthesia school to becoming a CRNA.
Milestone Support
Guidance for transitioning to your CRNA career including study tools, onboarding checklists, and insights to ease the transition.
Peer Community
Build a strong network of CRNAs like you who are beginning their careers together.
Career Readiness
Gain access to curated tools to explore various employment pathways with confidence.
Exclusive Bridge Program Event at Annual Congress
Participants will meet their cohorts, coaches and sponsors at a networking event in-person at the 2026 Annual Congress in Boston, MA.
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📍
👥
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We are currently recruiting early-career CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists – those with 4-6 years in practice – to serve as coaches for small resident cohorts. Your firsthand experience and encouragement can make a difference during this pivotal time.
- Build relationship with future CRNAs/Nurse Anesthesiologists.
- Share your story and lessons learned.
- Support a small cohort (10 or fewer participants) through structured monthly check-ins and ongoing communication.
- Receive everything you need to succeed as a coach, including a coaching guide, orientation, and 1:1 support from staff.
- Meet your cohort in-person at the 2026 Annual Congress in Boston, MA.
The Bridge Program is a 24-month experience to support residents in their final year of training through the transition to the first year of practice. It offers milestone support, career coaching, mentorship, peer community, and career readiness.
The program begins around the start of the 3rd year of nurse anesthesia school and will continue through your first year of practice.
There is no cost associated. Participation in the Bridge Program is complimentary for resident associate members of AANA.
Participants are eligible when beginning the 3rd year of their nurse anesthesia school program.
The program includes self-paced online resources and an optional in-person workshop at the AANA Annual Congress.
Preference may be given to participants intending to attend the 2026 Annual Congress in Boston, MA. There will be an exclusive opportunity for Bridge Program participants and coaches at Annual Congress. Additionally, AANA will provide a curated schedule to guide Bridge participants through Annual Congress.
Yes! All Bridge Program participants will have access to an exclusive networking opportunity at Annual Congress. We will also provide an additional virtual program kick-off with a chance to meet your cohort, plus ongoing communication with your cohort & coach.
As this is a pilot, we are reserving spots for a select group of 60 participants to ensure an immersive experience.
Absolutely. We value your feedback and will solicit input throughout the program to help shape future Bridge initiatives.
Coaching in the Bridge Program is designed to be a long-term, low-burden commitment that focuses more on meaningful connection than time-sensitive work. On average, you can expect to dedicate approximately 2 hours per month throughout the 20–24 month experience.
Your perspective is fresh and incredibly relevant. Residents prefer to connect with near-peers who can relate to what they are going through. You'll build leadership skills, expand your network, and make a real impact on the future of the profession—all while strengthening your own confidence.
That's okay! You don't need previous coaching experience. You just need a willingness to share what you've learned, listen and show up. You won't be doing this alone. AANA will equip you with:
- - A comprehensive coaching guide
- - Easy-to-follow checklists and conversation prompts
- - Milestone-based reflection questions
- - Ongoing support from the Membership Committee
The Bridge Program is a 24-month experience to support residents in their final year of training through the transition to the first year of practice. It offers milestone support, career coaching, mentorship, peer community, and career readiness.
The program begins around the start of the 3rd year of nurse anesthesia school and will continue through your first year of practice.
There is no cost associated. Participation in the Bridge Program is complimentary for resident associate members of AANA.
Participants are eligible when beginning the 3rd year of their nurse anesthesia school program.
The program includes self-paced online resources and an optional in-person workshop at the AANA Annual Congress.
Preference may be given to participants intending to attend the 2026 Annual Congress in Boston, MA. There will be an exclusive opportunity for Bridge Program participants and coaches at Annual Congress. Additionally, AANA will provide a curated schedule to guide Bridge participants through Annual Congress.
Yes! All Bridge Program participants will have access to an exclusive networking opportunity at Annual Congress. We will also provide an additional virtual program kick-off with a chance to meet your cohort, plus ongoing communication with your cohort & coach.
As this is a pilot, we are reserving spots for a select group of 60 participants to ensure an immersive experience.
Absolutely. We value your feedback and will solicit input throughout the program to help shape future Bridge initiatives.
Coaching in the Bridge Program is designed to be a long-term, low-burden commitment that focuses more on meaningful connection than time-sensitive work. On average, you can expect to dedicate approximately 2 hours per month throughout the 20–24 month experience.
Your perspective is fresh and incredibly relevant. Residents prefer to connect with near-peers who can relate to what they are going through. You'll build leadership skills, expand your network, and make a real impact on the future of the profession—all while strengthening your own confidence.
That's okay! You don't need previous coaching experience. You just need a willingness to share what you've learned, listen and show up. You won't be doing this alone. AANA will equip you with:
- - A comprehensive coaching guide
- - Easy-to-follow checklists and conversation prompts
- - Milestone-based reflection questions
- - Ongoing support from the Membership Committee
Have additional questions?
Career Coaching and Mentorship
Each resident is matched with a near-peer coach and joins a small group for support throughout their early career.
Exclusive Dashboard
Participants will have access to an exclusive dashboard with resources curated for their journey from nurse anesthesia school to becoming a CRNA.
Milestone Support
Guidance for transitioning to your CRNA career including study tools, onboarding checklists, and insights to ease the transition.
Peer Community
Build a strong network of CRNAs like you who are beginning their careers together.
Career Readiness
Gain access to curated tools to explore various employment pathways with confidence.
Exclusive Bridge Program Event at Annual Congress
Participants will meet their cohorts, coaches and sponsors at a networking event in-person at the 2026 Annual Congress in Boston, MA.
What’s in it for you?
AANA Bridge Program
Have additional questions?
We are currently recruiting early-career CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists – those with 4-6 years in practice – to serve as coaches for small resident cohorts. Your firsthand experience and encouragement can make a difference during this pivotal time.
Step 1
Step 2
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Winter 2026 Stream
Eligibility:
- Must begin 3rd year of nurse anesthesia school in Winter 2026 and be on track to graduate around December 2026.
- Ability to participate in the Bridge Program through December 2027.
- Maximum five students per school program.
- Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Spring 2026 Stream
Eligibility:
- Must begin 3rd year of nurse anesthesia school in Spring 2026 (April – June 2026) and on track to graduate in Spring of 2027.
- Ability to participate in the Bridge Program through Spring 2028.
- Maximum five students per school program.
- Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
📌
As a Bridge Coach you will:
- Build relationship with future CRNAs/Nurse Anesthesiologists.
- Share your story and lessons learned.
- Support a small cohort (10 or fewer participants) through structured monthly check-ins and ongoing communication.
- Receive everything you need to succeed as a coach, including a coaching guide, orientation, and 1:1 support from staff.
- Meet your cohort in-person at the 2026 Annual Congress in Boston, MA.
Current Bridge Program participants at Annual Congress 2025 in Nashville.
Winter 2026 Stream
Eligibility:
- Must begin 3rd year of nurse anesthesia school in Winter 2026 and be on track to graduate around December 2026.
- Ability to participate in the Bridge Program through December 2027.
- Maximum five students per school program.
- Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Spring 2026 Stream
Eligibility:
- Must begin 3rd year of nurse anesthesia school in Spring 2026 (April – June 2026) and on track to graduate in Spring of 2027.
- Ability to participate in the Bridge Program through Spring 2028.
- Maximum five students per school program.
- Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign up by January 15!