Academy for Cultural Pioneering Nurse Leaders

Academy for Aspiring Nurse Leaders

Empowering emerging and aspiring nursing changemakers

July 21 – 24, 2025  | Vanderbilt School of Nursing | Nashville, TN

A four-day career planning program designed to develop and support nurses who desire to have leadership roles, equipping them with tools for success in future leadership positions.

Section Contents

Following the success of the first cohort of the Emerging Academy in 2022, the need for a similar career development experience for nurses early in their careers, and not yet on a leadership path, was identified. Thus, the Academy for Aspiring Nurse Leaders was developed to encourage and equip early-career nurses who aspire to lead with necessary skills to advance.

After two successful years, the decision was made to offer the Aspiring Academy alongside the Emerging Academy, providing further opportunities for mentoring, networking and growth for both sets of fellows.

Program Details

What You'll Learn

Fellows are empowered through self-discovery, ongoing mentorship and exposure to core managerial competencies. Discussions will cover topics including:

  • A historical perspective of nursing and medicine
  • Theories in leadership and management
  • Productive conflict resolution
  • Principles and best practices of transformational leadership
  • Developing an effective leadership presence
  • Pathways to leadership in health care 
  • Strategies on how—and why it’s necessary—to build your community of supporters and mentors

Plus, support and understanding from national leaders and a community of colleagues from around the country.

Applicant Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred
  • 3 years or more of nursing experience
  • Service as an officer or chair of a committee at your organization is preferred

Tuition

  • $1,500

Commitment

  • 4-day in-person academy at Vanderbilt School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee
  • Support from your direct supervisor, dean or chief nursing officer
  • Commitment to expanding and supporting belonging, collaboration and growth through nursing leadership
  • Support of a mentor at your home institution
  • Design and implement a career mapping plan
  • 2 post-academy monthly meetings with your academy mentors at the six-month and one-year time frames

Career Mapping Plan

As part of the academy, each attendee will design a project that demonstrates career development or a leadership pathway. While each project should be specific to individual needs and strengths, projects should align with current goals and objectives. Both the institutional and academy mentors will work to facilitate the design and/or implementation of the project.

Start Your Application

FAQs

  • What is the cost of the program?

    Tuition is $1,500. Apply by April 30, 2025, to receive a 15% discount ($225 value).

  • What are the selection criteria for the program?
    • A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is preferred.
    • Service as an officer or chair of a committee at your organization is preferred.
    • Are committed to expanding and supporting belonging, collaboration and growth through nursing leadership
    • A minimum of 3 years or more of nursing experience.
    • Leadership support from your dean, chief nursing officer or direct supervisor.
    • Have identified a mentor at your institution or organization.
  • Other than attending the academy sessions in July, what is the ongoing time commitment for each fellow?

    You will need to design and implement a career mapping plan; the time commitment for it will vary. You will have post-academy monthly meetings with your academy mentors at the six-month and one-year time frames.

  • What is the deadline to apply?

    June 15, 2025

  • When will fellows be notified of acceptance?

    June 17, 2025 or earlier

  • How do I apply?

    Apply here.

  • Am I eligible for tuition discounts through my nursing organization?

    The Academy for Cultural Pioneering Nurse Leaders is endorsed by several nursing organizations. Active members may benefit from tuition discounts upon validation of membership. A discount code will be provided upon acceptance and prior to payment. Please contact your organization or Beth Sims for more details.

  • Who do I contact for more information?

    Co-Directors Mamie Williams, mamie.g.williams@vumc.org or Rolanda Johnson, rolanda.johnson@vanderbilt.edu

Are you an emerging or aspiring nurse leader? 

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