Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists

09/16/2025

University of Mobile
Alabama’s CRNA programs have expanded-and continue to expand-to meet the needs of patients and the profession. 📈
UM launched its nurse anesthesia program in 2024 with an inaugural class of 12 students. Another 12 joined in 2025, and enrollment is set to grow to 15 in 2026 and beyond—a 25% increase! While the numbers are smaller, every seat represents another highly trained CRNA in the making. This new program marks an exciting step forward in strengthening anesthesia care across Alabama.

09/10/2025

UAB School of Nursing
Alabama’s CRNA programs have expanded—and continue to expand—to meet the needs of patients and the profession. 📈
The UAB School of Nursing DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade! With 65 students enrolled this year and another 65 expected in both 2026 and 2027, the program is expanding its capacity and directly addressing the national shortage of CRNAs by preparing skilled anesthesia providers to meet workforce demands.

09/09/2025

Samford University
Alabama’s CRNA programs have expanded—and continue to expand—to meet the needs of patients and the profession. 📈
The Department of Nurse Anesthesia has been consistent in the education of nurse anesthetists even through the transition from the MSN to the DNP. To ensure graduates each spring, the faculty managed an overlap of curriculum for the cohorts of 2020 and 2021. The class size did not decrease with the transition. Since the class of 2021, 92% of students admitted are from Alabama or have significant Alabama ties. The progression of class size represents a 41% increase.

09/04/2025

Did you know that in just five years, Alabama has increased the number of nurse anesthesia graduates by 86%—growing from 58 students in 2020 to 108 in 2025 as UAB and Samford expanded their classes and the University of Mobile launched its program?

And the growth doesn’t stop there! In 2026, the Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program will graduate its first 7 Alabama students and UM’s graduating class will be 25% higher than 2025. That brings the statewide total to 118. That’s a 103% increase from 2020, officially doubling Alabama’s student output in just six years.

Alabama is dedicated to CRNAs. 💪✨

08/03/2025

Survey link: https://form.typeform.com/to/Be80MIeJ

Fall meeting registration: https://tinyurl.com/Fall-Meeting-Registration

08/03/2025

CRNAs: Leading the Way in Safe, Accessible, and Cost-Effective Anesthesia Care

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly educated and qualified anesthesia providers committed to patient safety and access to care. This infographic highlights the key differences between CRNAs and Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs), emphasizing the autonomous nature of CRNA practice. CRNAs work independently or as part of a team, providing high-quality anesthesia care in urban, rural, and underserved communities. Their extensive education and clinical experience make them a vital part of our healthcare system.

08/01/2025

07/03/2025

📢 **10 Days Left!** 📢

Get ready to make your voice heard, Alabama CRNAs! Our “Your Voice. Your Association” survey is launching soon. This is your chance to shape the future of the Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Check your email on July 14th for the survey link. Let’s work together to build a stronger AANA!

07/01/2025

COMING SOON: 2025 ALANA Member Survey!
We’re listening.
Your feedback helps guide our priorities, advocacy, and the future of our profession in Alabama.

📅 Watch for the survey in your inbox later this summer.
📝 It’s quick, confidential, and created with you in mind.

06/26/2025

🎉 Today we’d like to honor a true legend in nurse anesthesia — Kathy Baldwin, CRNA — as she celebrates her 75th birthday and 50 years of service as a CRNA.

Kathy became a nurse in 1973 and earned her CRNA credentials in 1976. Since then, she has dedicated her life to caring for patients across Alabama, including:

• UAB (1976–1977)
• South Highland (1977–1987)
• Gadsden Regional Medical Center (1987–present)

Yes, you read that right — Kathy still works full-time in Gadsden today. Her commitment, compassion, and longevity are an inspiration to us all.

Happy Birthday, Kathy — and thank you for five decades of service to our profession and the patients we serve! 💙

06/19/2025

📣 Exciting News for RNs + CRNAs!

ALANA’s Fall Meeting is coming up September 19–20 in Birmingham, and we’ve got something new this year:
💥 RN Breakout Session—designed to help RNs strengthen their CRNA school applications! Led by Cahoon, Yerdon, and other CRNA faculty.

📅 Schedule:
• Friday, Sept 19 – ACLS & PALS
• Saturday, Sept 20 – Lectures begin at 8:30 AM
🧠 Earn up to 11 CEs for the full meeting (7 on Saturday alone)

🎤 Featuring:
• AANA Region 7 Update with Erik Rauch
• ALANA Business Meeting
• Samford’s Funderburg Lecture Series with Dr. Lisa Herbinger

💵 Registration Options:
• $325 – Full Meeting (ACLS/PALS + Saturday)
• $175 – Saturday Only
• $25 – RN Breakout Only (also included in Saturday registration)

Tag your RN friends. Let’s help shape the future of our profession. 💪

05/30/2025

Meet ! A Bibb County High School alumna (’16) and UAB School of Nursing graduate (’19), Kellen is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia at UAB.

We’re proud to share that she was recently featured in The Bibb Voice for her outstanding achievements. Balancing the roles of student, wife, and mom, Kellen is a shining example of resilience and drive. We can’t wait to welcome you into the CRNA community, Kellen—keep thriving!
📰 Read the full article: https://www.bibbvoice.com/2025/05/08/community-connect-local-uab-student-excels-in-uabs-prestigious-nurse-anesthesia-program-kellen-fondren/