Unlike any other nursing organization, AACN was established to give baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing education the exclusive attention and nurturing they require. Since its founding in 1969, AACN has fostered quality preparation of clinicians, research scientists, educators, administrators, consultants, and policymakers for leadership and health promotion through nursing - the nation's largest health care profession.

AACN is the association that baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs regard as their own - the only national organization whose sole focus is to meet the needs of universities and senior colleges in preparing the nation's nursing professionals.