The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) was founded in 1988 in response to the growing complexity and unique demands of transport nursing. As air and ground medical transport programs expanded across the United States, nurses working in these environments recognized the need for a professional organization dedicated specifically to their practice.
Where We Came From
From its inception, ASTNA was established to advance the specialty of transport nursing, promote patient safety, and support nurses practicing in high-acuity, mobile, and often resource-limited settings. Early leaders of the association focused on creating a professional home where transport nurses could share knowledge, develop standards, and advocate for excellence in care.
Where We're Going
Over the decades, ASTNA has grown into a nationally recognized professional organization that supports nurses in air medical, ground critical care, and specialty transport roles. The association has played an important role in advancing education, supporting specialty certification, and fostering collaboration across disciplines involved in transport medicine.
ASTNA’s commitment to education has remained central to its mission. Through continuing education, professional development programs, conferences, and partnerships with organizations such as the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), ASTNA continues to invest in the growth and advancement of transport clinicians.
Today, ASTNA represents a diverse community of transport nurses and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for critically ill and injured patients during transport. Guided by its founding principles of safety, education, and professional excellence, ASTNA remains focused on supporting the evolving needs of transport nursing while honoring the legacy of those who helped shape the specialty.