AANA Foundation Resident Scholarships

Name: AANA Foundation Resident Scholarships

Award Amount: Varies by scholarship (most awards are $3,000; total annual awards exceed $275,000)

Information And Eligibility:
The AANA Foundation Resident Scholarships program is a large, competitive funding initiative created to support nurse anesthesia residents during one of the most financially and academically demanding stages of their careers. Administered by the AANA Foundation, the program is designed to reduce educational debt while recognizing residents who demonstrate academic strength, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to the nurse anesthesia profession.

Each year, the Foundation awards dozens of scholarships across a wide range of categories. These scholarships are funded by professional organizations, industry partners, and individual donors who are invested in advancing the future of nurse anesthesia. In a recent funding cycle, hundreds of residents applied, and fewer than one hundred scholarships were awarded, underscoring the program’s competitive nature and prestige.

The scholarship portfolio includes both general and specialized awards, allowing residents to apply for opportunities that best align with their background, goals, and circumstances.

• Includes merit-based and merit plus financial-need–based scholarships
• Offers awards focused on leadership, professional involvement, and service
• Includes scholarships dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Allows applicants to apply for multiple scholarships through a single application

Eligibility is limited to nurse anesthesia residents who are active members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and currently enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Applicants must be in good academic standing and are only eligible if their anticipated graduation date is after March 1, 2026. As part of the Foundation’s commitment to expanding access, award preference is typically given to residents who have not previously received an AANA Foundation scholarship.

The application process is completed entirely online and requires applicants to carefully review scholarship-specific criteria before submitting materials. Residents must select the appropriate application version—either merit-only or merit plus financial need—depending on the scholarships they wish to be considered for. Some scholarships require additional essays or documentation addressing specific qualifications, such as leadership activities, professional advocacy, or diversity-related contributions.

• Applicants must meet all requirements for each selected scholarship
• Financial-need scholarships require additional documentation
• Incomplete or mismatched applications may not be reviewed

The AANA Foundation encourages residents to prepare early by reviewing the published scholarship criteria in advance of the application window. Because the program is highly competitive, thoughtful preparation and attention to detail are essential. Scholarship funds are intended to support educational expenses and help residents remain focused on academic and clinical excellence throughout their training.

By investing in nurse anesthesia residents nationwide, the AANA Foundation Resident Scholarships program plays a critical role in strengthening the profession, supporting emerging leaders, and ensuring the continued delivery of safe, evidence-based anesthesia care.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a nurse anesthesia resident enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program.
• Must be a current member of the AANA.
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Must graduate after March 1, 2026.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online AANA Foundation scholarship application.
• Selection of the correct application type (merit-only or merit plus financial need).
• All required essays and documentation for selected scholarships.

Deadline: January

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