Latest AACN Announcements & Initiatives
Rounds with Leadership: A Deeper Dive into the Data
Earlier this month, AACN released results of its 2025-2026 annual survey, indicating that enrollment in nursing schools was up across all program types, with one exception (PhD programs were down by 3%). Applications to these nursing programs were also up across the board, with one exception (master’s programs were down by 0.9%). In this month’s column, we highlight additional data points not previously reported to provide a closer look at AACN’s data collection efforts and spark ideas for informing research, scholarship, and program assessment.
AACN Joins with National Healthcare and Higher Education Groups in Legal Action to Recognize Nursing as a Professional Degree
AACN announced that it is taking legal action in response to the Department of Education’s (ED) final rule, published May 1, which excludes nursing from its definition of professional degree programs. AACN is joining with an interprofessional group of national organizations to preserve access to federal student loan funding for post-baccalaureate students, which is critical to protecting the nation’s health.
Rounds with Leadership: Aligning ACE with the AACN Essential
When the Essentials were initially endorsed, the AACN Board of Directors agreed to revisit the document at the five-year mark to ensure the content remained relevant. In keeping with this expectation, the 2026 edition of the Essentials was released on April 17, 2026, with updates reflecting AACN’s commitment to ensuring that competency expectations continue to meet the evolving needs of nursing education, clinical practice, and the communities we serve.
April 29, 2026
Rounds with Leadership: New Dimensions in Academic Leadership
Higher education leaders today must go beyond academics to manage financial pressures, public trust, workforce alignment, and evolving student needs, all while navigating increasing complexity and burnout. In response, AACN offers leadership programs to help nursing educators develop the skills needed to drive change and improve student and institutional success.
AACN Announces 2026 Election Results for its Board of Directors and Nominating Committee
AACN is pleased to announce the results of its 2026 election to fill seats on the AACN Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.
March 10, 2026
Rounds with Leadership: Strength in Numbers: Support Nursing as a Professional Degree
When the U.S. Department of Education (ED) decided last November to advance a proposed definition that did not include nursing as a professional degree—a move that would significantly limit federal student loan access for post-baccalaureate nursing students—the public response condemning this action was unequivocal and far-reaching.
AACN Alarmed Over Department of Education’s Proposed Limitation of Student Loan Access for Nursing
AACN is deeply concerned by the Department of Education’s decision to move forward with a proposed definition of professional degree programs that excludes nursing and significantly limits student loan access.
November 7, 2025
Rounds with Leadership: Elevating Nursing’s Impact on Federal Policy
AACN is widely recognized as a trusted source for legislators shaping healthcare and higher education policy. Our organization has taken strategic steps to ensure that nurses - with their unique body of knowledge and power to influence – are working to shape policy at the highest levels. One area where our leadership is having a significant impact is with the Ad Hoc Nomination Consortium.
Recruit Prospective Students at AACN’s Discover Nursing School Virtual Fair
NursingCAS member schools are encouraged to register for AACN’s Discover Nursing School Virtual Fair on October 14, 2025. The early registration fee is $295 and ends on September 5.
Rounds with Leadership: Fostering Access, Connection, and Engagement
Building a robust and welcoming academic nursing community has always been at the heart of AACN’s mission. As part of our continued growth and responsiveness to the needs of our member schools and the nursing community, we are evolving how we frame this work as an integral part of our programming and advocacy.
July 30, 2025
AACN Partners with Leading Background Check Provider to Offer Discounted Solutions to Schools of Nursing
AACN is pleased to announce the selection of a new corporate partner to provide discounted background checks and related services to member schools. Certiphi Screening®, the nation’s leading provider of screening solutions for health profession students, was selected as AACN’s preferred vendor for criminal background checks, drug screenings, and record tracking services, which can be tailored to meet individual program needs.
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