Expansion of nurse anesthesia educational programs: where are the barriers?

CRNAs have been a major contributor to direct patient anesthesia care for more than 100 years. All indicators suggest a greater need for nurse anesthetist services in the future. Our ability to meet this increased demand will depend on wise decisions in accreditation and professional agendas and support of all CRNAs in this critical issue. As stated by AANA Past President Linda Williams, CRNA, JD, students represent only 10% of our membership but they represent 100% of our future. Let's unite all forces to secure a future in which CRNAs will be indispensable healthcare providers throughout the 21st century.