American Association of Colleges of Nursing

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American Association of Colleges of Nursing

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for America's baccalaureate- and higher-degree nursing education programs.

05/01/2026

Every day, the impact of nurses is felt in moments both seen and unseen. For many of us, that impact is the work we do together. As National Nurses Week (May 6–12) approaches, we join our Tri-Council for Nursing partners in recognizing the contributions of our community: nurses, nurse educators, researchers, scientists, and leaders advancing health across every setting.

Whether you are preparing future nurses, generating new knowledge, leading change, or delivering care, your work is essential to a stronger, more responsive healthcare system. We are honored to stand with you and celebrate the difference you make every day. Read our statement: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3d8c2b58-0c32-4b54-adbd-efe8f931b2df/downloads/d4d9c7ae-249b-4a07-ba1b-fe73ab4a2ade/5-1-26-Tri-Council-Celebrates-Nurses-Week.pdf?ver=1777571970530

04/30/2026

Ahead of National Nurses Week, the U.S. Department of Education issued a final rule that excludes nursing from its definition of professional degree programs, despite extensive advocacy from the nursing community and bipartisan support in Congress.

This decision has significant implications for nursing education and the future healthcare workforce.

AACN firmly opposes this action and will continue working with policymakers and partners to protect access to nursing education and support the nation’s growing demand for care: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/aacn-statement-on-the-us-department-of-educations-final-rule-abandoning-nursing-education-as-a-professional-degree

04/24/2026

What happens when you bring together business officers from nursing schools across the country in one room? A few days of real conversation, practical insight, and the kind of peer exchange you can’t replicate anywhere else!

At this year’s BONUS Annual Meeting, discussions ranged from sustaining leadership wellness in demanding roles, to making sense of AI’s rapidly evolving impact across higher education, to rethinking how leaders protect time and energy for truly strategic work. The takeaway? Today’s challenges require not just operational excellence, but clarity, adaptability, and space to lead with intention.

In addition to this year's sessions, BONUS Network members leaned into what makes this network so valuable: connecting face-to-face, collaborating in small groups, and experiencing Boston together, from historic streets to the Charles River. Thank you to all who joined us for such an engaging and energizing meeting! We’re already looking ahead to what’s next.

04/03/2026

This year’s Deans Annual Meeting was a huge success! We’re reflecting on the energy and insight from this year’s meeting, and one theme kept surfacing: the future isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we actively shape.

From conversations on AI and human-centered innovation to the evolving expectations around safety, quality, and interprofessional care, our plenaries challenged us to think bigger and lead differently. We heard how AI can elevate (not replace) human purpose in academic nursing, and how the next generation of clinical leaders will redefine what safe, high-quality care looks like in increasingly complex systems. Just as powerful was the reminder that teams who train together deliver better outcomes, reinforcing the essential role of collaboration across disciplines.

Beyond the plenaries, our emerging solutions sessions grounded these big ideas in the day-to-day realities of leadership, creating space for strategic thinking, leading with financial clarity, and navigating uncertainty with intention. And in between sessions, moments like our CEO Deb Trautman's annual walk through DC with colleagues and friends, and conversations around new approaches and solutions with our exhibitors and sponsors served as a reminder that leadership is also about connection, reflection, and community.

We thank all who joined us for a thoughtful and energizing few days. We’re already looking ahead to continuing the conversation next spring March 14-16 in Washington, DC.

04/01/2026

AACN is pleased to announce that Julie Sanford, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, the Angelyn Adams Giambalvo Dean and Professor at The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing, has been appointed Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. Dr. Sanford officially began her two-year term as Board Chair following AACN’s Spring 2026 Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. Learn more: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/dr-julie-sanford-from-the-university-of-alabama-appointed-chair-of-the-aacn-board-of-directors

03/10/2026

AACN is pleased to announce the results of its 2026 election to fill seats on the AACN Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. With votes cast by nearly half of all member deans from the nation’s nursing schools with baccalaureate and higher degree programs, those selected to serve as AACN’s top leaders include Board members Valerie Howard (Chair-Elect) from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Christine Verni (Secretary) from Niagara University; Bimbola Akintade from East Carolina University; Eileen Fry-Bowers from the University of San Francisco; Kimberly Hunter from University of Iowa Health Care; and Versie Johnson-Mallard from Kent State University. New members of AACN’s Nominating Committee include Aziza Mahmud Perez from Ponce Health Sciences University and Cynthia Rubenstein from Randolph-Macon College. Read the full press release: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/aacn-announces-2026-election-results-for-its-board-of-directors-and-nominating-committee

03/02/2026

Today is the last day to submit comments! If finalized, this proposed federal rule would reduce access to federal loans for nursing students by excluding post-baccalaureate nursing education from the definition of a professional degree.

This threatens educational pathways to advanced practice nurses, faculty, researchers, and leaders at a time when the nation can’t afford fewer nurses. Take Action by COB today: https://www.aacnnursing.org/policy-advocacy/take-action/nursing-is-a-professional-degree

02/27/2026

Hiring soon? This is the moment to post in AACN's Career Center! AACN has maintained consistent Career Center job posting rates for eight years. Beginning March 17, a 15% rate adjustment will take effect to support continued value and service.

Before the adjustment, AACN member schools have a limited-time opportunity to post at current rates and receive added visibility.

Post a 30-, 60-, or 90-day job listing between now and March 17 at 12:00 pm (ET) and receive current (pre-increase) pricing and one complimentary monthly email distribution for each 30 days posted ($300 value per email). A 60-day posting includes two complimentary email distributions, and a 90-day posting includes three.

This offer applies to one job posting per member school.
Learn more and post your position: https://www.aacnnursing.org/career-center

02/23/2026

The Department of Education’s proposed rule excluding nursing as a “professional degree” is still under review, and the public comment period remains open through March 2. If finalized as written, graduate nursing students could face up to $100,000 less in aggregate federal loan eligibility compared with other programs, creating a barrier to advanced education and threatening the nursing workforce.

AACN continues to urge students, faculty, and nursing advocates to submit personalized comments as soon as possible to ensure that master’s, DNP, and PhD nursing programs are recognized as professional degrees in the final rule. Your voice still matters, make sure it is heard: https://www.aacnnursing.org/policy-advocacy/take-action

02/13/2026

With federal policymakers considering changes to how professional degrees are defined, a proposed rule would exclude post-baccalaureate nursing education. This would lower the amount for federal loans available to nursing students and threaten pathways to advanced practice, research, faculty, and leadership roles.

Nursing IS a professional degree. Federal regulation must make that clear. Add your voice in support of nursing: https://www.aacnnursing.org/policy-advocacy/take-action

02/12/2026

We’re proud to share that our President & CEO, Dr. Deborah Trautman has been named a 2026 National Humanism in Medicine Medal recipient by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

Dr. Trautman’s leadership has helped advance humanism in healthcare and inspire compassionate, team-based care. This honor reflects her profound impact on nursing education and interprofessional engagement. She will be formally honored at the Gold Foundation’s 2026 Gala in New York City in June, and we’re proud to see her leadership recognized on a national stage: https://www.gold-foundation.org/newsroom/news/2026-gala-honorees/

02/04/2026

The Tri-Council for Nursing is urging nurses to submit public comments on the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule that excludes nursing from the professional degree designation. This decision contradicts licensure requirements, workforce needs, and federal policy. Comments requesting inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) are due by March 2. Read the full statement -https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3d8c2b58-0c32-4b54-adbd-efe8f931b2df/downloads/4470620d-7243-4d9e-be8a-87553280d545/2-4-2026-Tri-Council-DoE-Proposed-Rule-Stateme.pdf

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Website

http://www.aacnnursing.org/

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