American Association of Colleges of Nursing

08/14/2026

The best leadership programs don’t just provide new ideas. They create connections that continue long after the program ends. That was at the heart of this year’s AACN-Wharton Executive Leadership Program, which wrapped up yesterday after three days of interactive learning, discussion, and collaboration.

This year's cohort explored strategic decision-making, strategic agility, financial acumen, high-impact philanthropy and how nursing schools can help donors achieve greater impact, as well as emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities across the healthcare landscape. Participants also developed practical tools and frameworks to navigate change, influence stakeholders, negotiate strategically, and advance their schools’ missions.

Congratulations to the 2026 AACN-Wharton Executive Leadership Program cohort! We’re proud to celebrate this group of nursing leaders and the knowledge, perspectives, and connections they will carry forward. hashtag hashtag

08/14/2026

AACN is now accepting nominations for its 2027 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Serving in an elected leadership role is an opportunity to advance excellence in academic nursing, contribute to strategic discussions, and help shape the priorities of the association and the profession.

Open positions include Board Treasurer, Board Member-at-Large, Practice Board Member-at-Large, and Nominating Committee. Learn more: https://www.aacnnursing.org/membership/volunteer-engage/call-for-nominations

07/28/2026

On July 24, 2026, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced the appointment of Dr. Courtney F. Aklin as the director of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). AACN applauds the selection of Dr. Aklin to lead the institute, which plays a pivotal role in the research training, career development, and the preparation of the next generation of nurse scientists. Read the full press release: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/aacn-applauds-the-selection-of-dr-courtney-aklin-as-director-of-the-national-institute-of-nursing-research

07/24/2026

AACN congratulates Dr. Courtney Aklin on her selection as Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). NINR plays a critical role in advancing research that improves health, informs clinical practice, and prepares the next generation of nurse scientists. We thank Dr. Aklin for her leadership and look forward to continuing our partnership with NINR to advance nursing science and improve the health of individuals, families, and communities.

NEWS: Courtney F. Aklin, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as director of NIH’s National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). She will begin her permanent role on July 26, after serving as Acting Director since April 2025.

As NINR director, Aklin will lead her institute’s mission to conduct rigorous, solutions-oriented research to address pressing health challenges, improve care delivery, and inform practice.

She will also guide NINR’s efforts to train and develop careers for our next generation of nurse-scientists.

Read the full story ➡️ https://bit.ly/4vREa3E

07/22/2026

AACN applauds the Senate HELP Committee for advancing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.1874) out of Committee as amended. Title VIII programs are a cornerstone of federal nursing workforce investment, supporting education, recruitment, retention, and practice across the profession.

Reauthorizing these bipartisan programs will help build a stronger nursing pathways and ensures patients nationwide continue to receive high-quality nursing care. We remain dedicated to working with Congress to pass Title VIII Reauthorization this year. Learn more here: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/title-viii-reauthorization-advances-out-of-the-senate-help-committee-6

07/15/2026

The U.S. Department of Education has issued additional guidance clarifying how Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes apply to professional nursing degree programs.

The July 10 update provides further clarification regarding MSN and DNP programs and builds on guidance released in June. AACN continues to advocate for the recognition of all post-baccalaureate nursing degrees as professional degrees and will keep members informed as this issue moves forward. Read the latest policy update and learn more: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/department-of-education-clarifies-guidance-on-professional-nursing-degrees

07/14/2026

Innovation happens every day in schools of nursing. The question is: Will you share yours? AACN is seeking abstract submissions from faculty that highlight creative teaching strategies, impactful scholarship, faculty initiatives, curricular innovation, educational technology, and research that is transforming nursing education. Submit an abstract to present at Transform 2026 in Indianapolis, the Doctoral Education Conference 2027 in Coronado, and/or pre-conferences: https://www.aacnnursing.org/conferences-webinars/conferences/call-for-abstracts

06/30/2026

AACN welcomes the U.S. Department of Education’s interim designation of the MSN, DNP, and DNAP as professional degree programs for purposes of administering federal student loan limits, an important step that follows legal action taken by AACN and a coalition of national healthcare and higher education organizations and provides relief for thousands of graduate nursing students preparing to meet our nation’s healthcare needs. However, the exclusion of the PhD in nursing from the interim list is deeply concerning and threatens the nation’s ability to educate future nurses, advance nursing science, and address critical healthcare challenges.

AACN urges the Department to correct this omission as it develops a final list of professional degree programs. Read AACN's statement to learn more, stay informed, and join us in supporting pathways into graduate nursing education: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/department-of-education-adds-nursing-degrees-to-its-interim-list-of-professional-degree-programs

06/25/2026

Late yesterday, a federal judge in Washington, DC blocked the Department of Education (ED) definition of “professional degree” that was set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Plaintiffs have shown that the Department of Education’s definition of professional degree is “likely contrary to law” as outlined in the Memorandum Opinion. Read the full press release: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/all-news/article/federal-court-blocks-department-of-education-definition-of-professional-degree

06/11/2026

The House Appropriations Committee advanced its Labor, Health and Humans Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending bill. AACN is encouraged to see increased funding for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and level funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in the House bill, rejecting the Administration’s call for substantial cuts to nursing research and the elimination of nearly all Title VIII programs. We are thankful for the Committee’s concentrated effort to increase investment in Title VIII for the first time since FY 2024, though disappointed to see that the Nursing Workforce Diversity Program is proposed to be eliminated for the second consecutive year. Read the full press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 10, 2026 – Late yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its Labor, Health and Humans Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending bill. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is encouraged to see increased funding for Title ...