About The Profession

Why You Should Attend the AANA Annual Congress if You're Applying to CRNA School

Sachi, CRNA

CRNA

May 31, 2024 · Updated July 31, 2026 · 3 min read

In This Article (6 sections)

What’s CRNA Life Really Like? The Congress Exposes It All
Why Networking at Congress Actually Matters (and Isn’t Painful)
Advocacy: Not Just for the “Political” Crowd
How Do I Find My CRNA Study Group?
Meet the Decision Makers. Yes, the Program Directors Are There
Our Final Thoughts

Should you go to the AANA Annual Congress if you’re applying to CRNA school? Yes. If you want the inside scoop on all things CRNA, the AANA Annual Congress is your golden ticket. Networking, real-world stories, and direct face time with the people who might be reviewing your application. Don’t sleep on this one.

What’s CRNA Life Really Like? The Congress Exposes It All

Ever sat in the break room at 3am, scarfing down cold pizza and wondering what CRNA life actually feels like? Yeah, us too. Shadowing helps. But the AANA Congress? Whole other level. You’ll see the latest research, advocacy wins, messy real-talk about our struggles (burnout, anyone?), and all the stuff nobody puts on Instagram.

This isn’t just resume fluff. Bring up what you learn here in your interviews and watch the program directors nod. Want to get nerdy before you go? Hit our Learning Library for Profession Overview and CRNA History + Types of Anesthesia (so good, honestly). Try it free.

Why Networking at Congress Actually Matters (and Isn’t Painful)

Everyone says “networking.” You picture stiff handshakes and fake smiles. We get it. But the AANA Congress? It’s like talking shop with your favorite coworkers, but everyone completely gets the struggle. SRNAs spilling tea on their application disasters. Seasoned CRNAs giving you the no-BS version of what works.

You’ll hear stories that’ll save your butt in interviews. Maybe even meet someone who becomes your mentor. And if you want the real dirt on what schools are looking for, listen to Episode 1 of The CRNA Club Podcast: "What CRNA Schools are REALLY looking for in an applicant." It’s honestly the episode we wish we had years ago.

Advocacy: Not Just for the “Political” Crowd

Didn’t realize CRNAs had to care about laws and policies? Yeah, neither did most of us before school. But at Congress, you’ll see CRNAs fighting for our profession (and your future paycheck). Learn about current issues and brag about it in your interview. directors love an applicant who already “gets it.”

Want to get a head start? Our How to Become a CRNA guide breaks it down. Promise it’s not boring.

How Do I Find My CRNA Study Group?

Ever feel like you’re the only one obsessed with CRNA school? You’re not. Congress is crawling with future applicants just like you (nervous, caffeinated, overthinking their resume at midnight). Start a group chat. Swap tips. Share your horror stories about your worst semester ever. We promise, this stuff matters way more than you think when it’s time to prep for interviews.

Seriously, we made a free school database for a reason: find your people, find your program. It’s helped so many of us.

Meet the Decision Makers. Yes, the Program Directors Are There

Okay, don’t freak out. But you might actually meet the people reading your application. CRNA program directors. Faculty. The folks who will decide your fate. They go to the Congress, too. Not saying you have to be a networking ninja, but showing up and introducing yourself? Huge. And they’ll remember you.

Also, if you’re curious what kind of money you can actually make as a CRNA (we all are), do not miss Episode 4 of The CRNA Club Podcast: "CRNAs make HOW MUCH?!". Brings the receipts. And yeah, our Learning Library Salary lesson is pure motivation. Check it out here.

For more information, check these trusted resources: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our Final Thoughts

We’re not here to hype things that aren’t worth your time. But for real, the AANA Congress is one of those “wish I’d done this sooner” moves. You’ll leave with knowledge, connections, maybe even a new best friend to text at 3am when you’re losing it over your essay.

The CRNA Club is all about making this journey less lonely (and less confusing). So go. Take notes. Listen to the podcasts (especially Ep 2: "3 things I would have done differently BEFORE applying to CRNA school". ouch, still stings).

Dig into the CRNA School Requirements guide when you get home. And don’t forget that free School Database. We’ve got your back. Always.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I attend the AANA Annual Congress as a CRNA school applicant?

Yes, attending the AANA Annual Congress as a CRNA school applicant is absolutely worth it, especially considering there are 154 accredited programs competing for your attention. The Congress gives you direct access to program directors who might be reviewing your application and provides real insights you can reference during interviews. You'll experience authentic conversations with current SRNAs about their application disasters and seasoned CRNAs sharing what actually works. The CRNA Club emphasizes this as one of those 'wish I'd done this sooner' moves that makes your application journey less confusing and more connected.

What can I actually learn about CRNA life at the Annual Congress that I can't get from shadowing?

The AANA Annual Congress exposes the complete reality of CRNA life beyond what you see during shadowing, including the latest research, advocacy wins, and honest discussions about professional struggles like burnout. You'll witness real-world stories and messy truths that nobody posts on social media but that matter for your career understanding. The Congress showcases current issues affecting the profession, advocacy efforts that protect future CRNA paychecks, and research developments. According to The CRNA Club, bringing up what you learn at Congress during interviews makes program directors nod with approval because it shows you already 'get' the profession.

Will I actually meet CRNA program directors at the Annual Congress?

CRNA program directors and faculty do attend the Annual Congress, so it is one of the few places you can introduce yourself to them in person rather than as a line in an application pile. We cannot promise that a hallway conversation changes an admissions decision, but putting a face to your name costs you nothing. These interactions don't require being a networking expert, just showing up and having genuine conversations about the profession. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) facilitates these connections through various Congress events and sessions where educators and applicants naturally interact.

How does attending Congress help me find other CRNA school applicants to study with?

The AANA Annual Congress puts you in a building full of other future CRNA applicants who share your obsession with getting into school. These connections often turn into study groups, group chats for sharing application tips, and support systems for the stressful application process. You'll meet people at your exact stage who understand the midnight resume overthinking and worst semester horror stories. Many attendees form lasting friendships and accountability partnerships that continue through school applications and beyond, creating the support network you need for this challenging journey.

What advocacy topics should I know about before applying to CRNA school?

CRNA advocacy focuses on protecting practice rights, scope of practice legislation, and policies that affect both the profession and your future earning potential, which matters given that in-state tuition averages $118,734 across the 149 programs that publish a figure. Understanding current legislative battles and professional challenges shows program directors you grasp the bigger picture beyond just clinical skills. The Congress highlights ongoing fights for CRNA independence, reimbursement issues, and regulatory challenges that shape the profession. You'll learn about state-level practice restrictions, federal policy impacts, and how CRNAs work to maintain their role in healthcare delivery systems.