Join AACN
Become a part of our community of critical care nurses, over 130,000 members strong
Become a part of our community of critical care nurses, over 130,000 members strong
AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization. For more than 50 years, we have championed progressive and critical care nurses, advocating for Healthy Work Environments, appropriate staffing and other improvements to patient care and nurses’ well-being. Whether you’re new to practicing or a longtime nurse leader, membership in AACN supports you with world-class education, support and connection.
Membership provides lifelong learning and benefits for you at every stage of your nursing practice.
The tabs below outline annual rates and eligibility for each AACN membership option.
AACN Membership Types and Eligibility
Active
Affiliate
Emeritus
International
Retired
Student
Membership rates starting at $78 per year
Who is eligible: Any registered nurse who is licensed in the United States and in good standing with the licensing agency of their state or territory
Membership rate: $78 per year, or save with a multi-year membership
Membership rates starting at $78 per year
Who is eligible: Any LVN, LPN, non-nurse professional or consumer interested in advancing the healthcare system
Affiliate members may not vote, hold office or serve on committees at the national or chapter level.
Membership rate: $78 per year, or save with a multi-year membership
Membership rates starting at $59 per year
Who is eligible: Any member over the age of 55 who has maintained active AACN membership for a period of five years or more
Membership rate: $59 per year
Membership rates starting at $78 per year
Who is eligible: Any registered nurse with licensure from somewhere other than the United States
International members may not hold office or serve on committees at the national or chapter level.
Membership rate: $78 per year
Membership rates starting at $52 per year
Who is eligible: Any member who has ceased active practice in nursing by reason of permanent retirement or permanent disability
Membership rate: $52 per year
Membership rates starting at $52 per year
Who is eligible: Any student in an accredited nursing program who is not currently licensed as a registered nurse
Student members may not vote, hold office or serve on committees at the national or chapter level.
Membership rate: $52 per year
AACN not only supports the skills associated with critical care nursing, it also demonstrates the caring which is an integral part of the art of nursing. Thank you!
Sherry Matthews, MSN, RN, CCRN, Staff Development Instructor, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
I want to keep my membership until I die. I belong to several nursing organizations and AACN gives me the biggest bang for my buck – and the NTI conference is phenomenal!
Eugenia Giguere, BSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, CSRN, ICU/Trauma Nurse, Memorial Medical Center, Modesto
As a member of AACN for 20+ years, I’ve had access to the most up-to-date critical care nursing information and countless opportunities to continue my education to provide what I hope was the highest quality of care to my patients.
Mary Adolphson, RN, CCRC, former Clinical Research Coordinator (retired)
Every time I call AACN I am never disappointed, my questions are always answered. AACN is a class act!
Elizabeth Seal, MSN, RN, APRN, Nurse Practitioner, Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County and Orangeburg Calhoun Free Medical Clinic
Membership offers opportunities to collaborate and shape the practice of nursing.
Who are AACN members and where do they practice?
AACN members are nurses who practice virtually everywhere acutely and critically ill patients can be found — traditional intensive care units, progressive care units, cardiac and surgical units, home health and primary care settings. In addition to being at the bedside, AACN members are on the forefront of research, academia, staff development and management.
What clinical resources are available to members?
We have clinical resources covering a wide range of topics including administrative and regulatory issues, advanced practice, career development, certification, ethics, end-of-life care, legal issues, public policy and research. Best of all, these resources are available in a variety of mediums to meet your needs.
Do I have to be certified to join AACN?
This is a common misconception. AACN membership is separate from AACN certifications, which include: CCRN, PCCN, ACCNS-AG, ACCNS-P, ACCNS-N, ACNPC-AG, CMC and CSC (CCNS and ACNPC as renewal options only). You have the option to be an AACN member or sit for the certification exams - or both.
The choice is yours. However, as a member you receive discounts on your certification exam and certification renewal fees.
Can I join AACN in my community?
As part of national AACN membership, all members also have the opportunity to join a local chapter in their area. We currently have more than 235 chapters worldwide, allowing abundant opportunities for involvement in local decision-making, networking and enhancement of leadership skills.
What is the value of joining AACN?
AACN is the world's largest specialty nursing organization, advocating on behalf of progressive and critical care nurses. We offer opportunities for members to grow personally and professionally, as well as these member benefits: