AACN Essentials

The Essentials

Essentials Curriculum Mapping Tools

The following tools were developed by faculty and stakeholder organizations to help schools align their programs with the 2021 AACN Essentials.

Sample Curricular Mapping Templates

Collaborative Organization's Essentials Crosswalks

Additional Resources

AACN White Paper

Practice Experiences in Entry-Level Post-Licensure Nursing Programs

On April 15, 2024, the AACN Board of Directors endorsed a new white paper titled Practice Experiences in Entry-Level Post-Licensure Nursing Programs. This document replaces a previous version titled Expectations for Practice Experiences in RN to Baccalaureate Curriculum that was released in 2012. The white paper was revised to reflect changes in health care and align with the expectations for entry-level post-licensure programs outlined in the 2021 AACN Essentials.

View White Paper


Teaching Resource Database

This database includes extracted resources from the 18 Domain and Concept Tool Kit Working Groups. This database is continuously evolving and new teaching resources will be posted. All resources will be reviewed regularly for currency and relevance with new resources added as appropriate.  Each resource includes the following:

  • Overview and How to Use
  • Recommended Learning Strategies
  • Recommended Assessment Strategies
  • Possible Courses 
  • Additional Resources and Publications
  • Sub-competencies Mapping to Domains

Access the Database