American Association of Nurse Practitioners

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the United States, representing the interests of over 461,000 licensed NPs. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with an Office of Government Affairs in Washington, D.C., AANP's mission is to empower all NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership.

AANP provides a comprehensive suite of services to its members, including advocacy at local, state, and federal levels to advance health policy and promote excellence in NP practice, education, and research. The association offers extensive continuing education activities, professional development programs such as the Loretta Ford Visionary Leadership Program, and resources tailored for NP students. Members can also engage in networking through AANP Communities, which are organized by specialty and professional interests. AANP publishes two official journals, the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, serving as key resources for the NP community.

Governed by a Board of Directors comprising volunteer NP members and led by CEO Jon Fanning, AANP maintains its position as a leading voice for the NP profession. In January 2025, the NP profession was recognized as the No. 1 job in America by U.S. News & World Report for the second consecutive year, also securing top rankings in Best Health Care Job and Best STEM Job. More recently, AANP has voiced concerns regarding the Department of Education's final rule on post-baccalaureate nursing degrees, highlighting potential negative impacts on the nursing workforce and patient access to care. The association also announced its 2026 election results and National Leadership Award recipients in April 2026.