Academy for Aspiring Nurse Leaders -School of Nursing

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.

Choosing a Mentor at your Institution

Participants are required to work with a mentor of their choosing from their home institution as part of the Academy. Mentors will:

Guide mentee through the yearlong program
Facilitate their mentee's project completion and learning
Commit time to mentoring, making it a priority to build a relationship with their mentee and establish regular meetings with their mentee

Start Your Application

Apply

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?

Request more information about the academies.