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.

Latest updates

Education Rule Change Threatens Nursing Workforce, Access to Care

Event summary

  • The U.S. Department of Education finalized the 'Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE)' rule on April 30, 2026.
  • This rule excludes post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from being recognized as 'professional degrees' for federal student loan purposes.
  • The Department acknowledged that nursing meets the Congressional definition of a 'professional student' but chose to exclude it.
  • The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), representing 461,000 NPs, strongly opposes the rule.
  • AANP is urging the President and Congress to take action to reverse the decision.

The big picture

The Department of Education's decision represents a significant setback for the nursing profession, which is already facing critical workforce shortages. This policy shift could disproportionately impact lower-income individuals seeking to enter the field, further limiting access to care in underserved communities. The move also highlights a growing tension between federal agencies and professional organizations regarding the definition and funding of specialized training programs.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
The likelihood of Congressional or Presidential intervention to overturn the Department of Education’s ruling remains uncertain, creating potential for further policy shifts impacting nursing education funding.
Workforce Impact
The rule will likely deter potential nursing students, exacerbating the existing shortage of nurses and potentially impacting patient care access and quality.
Legal Challenges
AANP’s call for action suggests potential legal challenges to the rule are probable, which could introduce significant delays and uncertainty for nursing programs and students.
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