Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Awards

This annual award recognizes AACN member institutions involved in highly productive and model academic-practice partnerships.

Call for 2026 Cycle Applications Now Open!

Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm (ET)

Apply Now

This award is presented annually at the Academic Nursing Leadership Conference.

  • The academic-practice partnership demonstrates an innovative and sustained relationship that extends beyond clinical placements.
  • The partnership demonstrates a commitment to the Guiding Principles for Academic-Practice Partnerships developed by AACN and AONL. 
  • The academic-practice partnership demonstrates positive outcomes that are measurable.
  • The partnership has been in place for at least a year.

To nominate, submit the following documents to AACN through the online award application:

  • One-page description of the Academic-Practice Partnership
  • Goals and Outcomes Matrix

You can utilize online templates or create your own document for the Goals and Outcomes Matrix. Each school may submit only one award nomination per year.

View exemplars and sample submissions.

The awards committee is looking for submissions that represent the full spectrum of AACN member institutions, including nominations from small schools and private schools. All nominations will be reviewed by an awards review committee and approved by the AACN Board of Directors. The review committee reserves the right not to recommend an award in any given year. The dean/director of the program receiving the award and the practice representative will be recognized at the AACN Academic Nursing Leadership Conference and highlighted in AACN newsletters and press releases as well as on the AACN website. A plaque will be provided to both the dean and the practice partner.


Questions?

For more information, contact Cassandra Godzik, Director of Nursing Education Initiatives, at cgodzik@aacnnursing.org.

Congratulations to the 2025 Award Recipients!

Gallery Image 0
Gallery Image 1
Gallery Image 2
Gallery Image 3
Gallery Image 4
Gallery Image 5

Orvis School of Nursing and Renown Health

Purdue University School of Nursing and Family Health Clinic

Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences and Children's Health System of Texas

View Past Award Winners


Academic-Practice Partnerships

See resources available for nursing leaders looking to develop and sustain effective academic-practice partnerships.

Learn More