Nursing Leadership Academies
Currently no nursing leadership academy exists to specifically develop leadership skills of nursing professionals providing care for children aged 0 to 18. In March 2017, we launched a needs assessment survey to explore the preference for a pediatric-focused academy and gauge awareness of existing academies. More than 1,500 RNs and PNPs responded, and 75% were interested in a future pediatric nursing leadership academy. Opportunities to collaborate on the development of a pediatric academy will be explored in the future.
Looking to develop or strengthen your leadership skills in the near future? See the below currently available respected programs to explore in-depth opportunities in a variety of formats.
Nursing Leadership Academies are typically defined by the following:
- Build upon individual nursing leadership skills, last approximately 12 months and have a wide range of cost
- Require projects, face-to-face workshops and distance-based learning activities
- Target eligibility requirements to specific roles
- Offer leadership academy faculty who are subject matter experts in the profession
Descriptions below are current as of 11/18/2025, but please see the program's website for more up-to-date information, including application timelines.
Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Leadership Academies
Sigma academies provide opportunities for all types of nurses to grow their leadership and advocacy skills, and much more. Whether you’re looking to start or finish that writing project, connect with nurses globally, or nurture your inner leader, at Sigma, they have an academy for you.
Duke University-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership Academy
12-month program with monthly distance-based learning activities and experienced coaches for nurse practitioners and midwives, especially those practicing in underserved community settings, to gain professional development needed to position themselves as key stakeholders in leading the evolution of U.S. health care.
This 18-month program builds on AACN’s CSI Academy with 12 months of core training and 6 additional months of consultation and a train-the-trainer workshop to scale projects across organizations. Participants engage in monthly learning sessions, receive expert mentorship, and present a final project at an Innovation Conference, along with a sustainability workshop to extend impact. The program strengthens leadership skills, improves nurse retention, fosters a healthy work environment, and provides tools to expand success organization-wide.
Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) Nursing Alliance Leadership Academy (NALA)
1.5-day conference for newly elected or emerging volunteer leaders to provide governance leadership in Alliance member organizations such as NAPNAP or SPN.
Johns Hopkins Nursing Leadership Academy
This three-day intensive program provides participants with evidence-based practices and practical strategies from Johns Hopkins nursing leaders. It combines self-assessment and interactive group sessions focused on real-world challenges, fostering collaboration among peers to address critical issues in nursing leadership. Enrollment is limited to ensure engagement, and the Academy is offered only three times a year.
National League for Nursing (NLN) Leadership Institute
The National League for Nursing (NLN) Leadership Institute offers immersive, year-long programs designed to strengthen leadership skills for nursing educators and administrators at all career stages. Through expert faculty, dynamic curricula, and experiential learning, participants gain the tools to co-create and implement transformative strategies, fostering excellence in nursing education and practice.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s LEADS
AACN LEADS is a visionary initiative from AACN that ensures all members have access to customized enrichment experiences. AACN LEADS programs support faculty and administrators at various career stages, offering a wide range of learning opportunities tailored for new, early-career, and experienced deans, associate deans, program directors, and faculty members.
Culture of Health Leaders
3-year program for honing high-level leadership skills through professional coaching, networking, and advanced leadership curriculum. Participants receive top-tier professional coaching from national leaders in change management, health equity, and social innovation.
Health Policy Research Scholars
Health Policy Research Scholars is a national leadership program for doctoral students in any academic discipline who are starting their second year of study and want to apply their research to help build healthier and more equitable communities.
Interdisciplinary Research Leaders
Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL), a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, brings together teams of researchers and community partners to conduct action-oriented research that advances health and equity. Each year, fellows collaborate across disciplines to implement rigorous, community-engaged projects and develop leadership skills, fostering connections among social, economic, and environmental factors that shape well-being
Wharton Nursing Leaders Program
Wharton Nursing Leaders Program equips nursing leaders to navigate increasingly complex, cross-silo challenges within healthcare organizations. Through classroom instruction and small-group work, participants learn to influence stakeholders, manage resources effectively, and make strategic decisions that enhance leadership impact and patient advocacy.
Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Leadership Academy
NPD Leadership Academy is a yearlong, mentored program designed to build leadership skills specific to nursing professional development. Combining live workshops, seminars, self-paced learning, and one-on-one mentorship, participants complete a practice-based leadership project culminating in a presentation at the ANPD Aspire Convention. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants to ensure a personalized and impactful experience.
