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2027 Doctoral Education Conference

January 12-14, 2027 |  Coronado, CA
Chart the Future of Doctoral Nursing Education

The Doctoral Education Conference explores national trends in doctoral nursing education, strategies to increase enrollment, and approaches to maintaining rigor in terminal degree programs. With content addressing both practice and research doctorates and a willingness to engage in provocative issues, this conference offers opportunities to advance teaching, research, and administrative roles.


What You Will Gain at the Conference

  • Discover new developments in academic nursing and innovations impacting higher education and healthcare delivery
  • Connect with noted thought leaders and shape the future of nursing education
  • Meet peers from across the nation and learn how they are developing and inspiring future nursing professionals
  • Immerse yourself in a diverse learning environment with plenary sessions, breakouts, focused discussions, and informal forums
  • Participate in peer-reviewed abstract presentations
  • Earn Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) credits

Who Should Attend

Deans, directors, and faculty teaching in doctoral programs, as well as those with a primary responsibility for advancing a research agenda.

 

Advancing the Future of Doctoral Nursing Education

Join faculty and leaders in academic nursing at
the 2027 Doctoral Education Conference

Registration Opens May 4!

Pre-Conference Offerings

PhD Pre-Conference

January 11, 2027

Designed for deans and associate deans from schools offering research-focused doctoral nursing programs, as well as those planning new programs. This session explores key challenges and solutions in PhD education.

Learn More about the PhD Pre-Conference

Faculty Practice
Pre-Conference

January 11, 2027

Hosted by AACN’s Practice Leadership Network (PLN), this session brings together individuals involved in faculty practice and focuses on translating real-world healthcare experiences into the classroom.

Learn More about the Faculty Practice Pre-Conference

Research Leadership Network (RLN) Program

January 12, 2027

Hosted by AACN’s Research Leadership Network (RLN), this program supports faculty in research leadership roles and focuses on advancing nursing science through innovative methods.

Learn More about the Research Leadership Network Program


 

Photo collage of CA
Conference Venue

Hotel del Coronado, CA

Join us at the Hotel del Coronado, set along the shores of Coronado Island just across the bay from downtown San Diego, offering iconic beachfront views and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

View Hotel Information


 

2026 Highlights & Attendee Experience

See why academic nursing leaders return each year to connect, learn, and lead.


640+ attendees from across the U.S. came together to:

  • Explore practical applications of AI in doctoral nursing education
  • Gain strategies to strengthen research- and practice-focused programs
  • Learn from national thought leaders across healthcare and academia
  • Advance leadership approaches in scholarship and innovation
  • Connect with peers to shape the future of doctoral nursing education

 

 

Testimonials

“I enjoyed the information about AI implementation in academia and how it will affect our healthcare workforce. It was also a great opportunity to network with other educators to compare, contrast, and implement new ideas that would further add, enhance, and create intrinsic value for our students."

“I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with colleagues and engage in meaningful discussion re: strengths and areas of opportunity for my DNP program. I also enjoyed the opportunity to learn about innovative teaching and evaluation strategies.”

“I loved the opportunity to network with colleagues around the country and brainstorm new ideas. PhD education is challenging, but so worth the journey. I look forward to additional AACN conferences in the months to come. You are doing such a great job supporting member schools, faculty, and making a difference in the quality of educational programming.”

“It was a wonderful conference! There was a rich breadth of sessions to choose from, and particularly around my area of interest in the role of Artificial intelligence in nursing education."

For questions, contact the AACN Conference Team today!

Phone: 202-463-6930    |     Email: conferences@aacnnursing.org     |    Website: www.aacnnursing.org/conferences