Progression Indicators Feedback Period Open Now Through April 16 for Deans and Essentials Champions

As AACN continues to drive academic nursing’s transition to competency-based education, the association is working to develop a national consensus for progression indicators—the expected behaviors that demonstrate competency—for the competencies and sub-competencies outlined in the 2021 Essentials.

Since April 2024, the Progression Indicator Sub-Group of the Assessment Expert Working Group has been developing drafts of the progression indicators for all 10 domains. These indicators will serve as key benchmarks that will guide faculty in assessing student development within a competency-based curriculum. 

On March 20, 2025, an email sharing these drafts was sent to member deans and their school’s Essentials Champion. AACN is asking schools and their practice partners to review the drafts and submit feedback by April 16. These contributions will help ensure that the progression indicators are clear, practical, and applicable across nursing programs and clinical settings.

More detailed information about the progression indicators can be found in the March 20 email. If you have any questions about the review process or this communication, please reach out to essentials@aacnnursing.org.