Nursing Organizations to Join: A Guide for Students and Working Nurses
Professional nursing organizations aren’t required for licensure, but the benefits are concrete: discounted continuing education, access to specialty certifications, networking, and scholarship money. There are options at every stage, from high school HOSA chapters to national specialty bodies serving practicing RNs. Dues and membership requirements vary by organization.
Sponsored School(s)
Joining a professional organization isn’t a licensing requirement at any stage of a nursing career. What these organizations offer instead is practical value: discounted CE credits, certification exam savings, scholarship funds, and access to professional networks that aren’t otherwise available to individual nurses. The size and structure vary considerably, from national bodies with hundreds of thousands of members to state associations with a few hundred.
Before You Earn Your License
Two national organizations serve aspiring nurses before licensure. HOSA (formerly Health Occupations Students of America) is open to middle school, high school, and college students interested in healthcare. It holds regional and national competitions, including clinical nursing events, and provides scholarship opportunities. Chapters operate at the school level, so availability depends on your institution.
The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) is the primary organization for students enrolled in nursing programs. With around 50,000 members, NSNA offers scholarship grants through its foundation, NCLEX preparation resources, career planning tools, and an online professional portfolio builder. It serves students in diploma, ADN, BSN, and graduate programs. Membership opens once you’re enrolled, with no need to wait for licensure.
Organizations for LPNs and LVNs
The National Association of Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurses (NALPN), formerly known as the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, is the national organization for LPNs and LVNs. Founded in 1949, NALPN currently has state chapters in five states: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. LPNs and LVNs can join as at-large members regardless of where they live. NALPN holds an annual conference, publishes a member newsletter, and recognizes outstanding practical nursing students through its Honor Society program. Current membership information is available at nalpn.org.
ANA’s full membership is designed for registered nurses. For a closer look at how the two credentials compare, see the overview of scope of practice differences between LPNs and RNs. Some state nurses associations may have separate membership options for LPNs and LVNs, but eligibility and structure vary by state. Check directly with your state nurses association to confirm current options in your state.
Organizations for Registered Nurses
The American Nurses Association (ANA), founded in 1896, is the largest professional organization for RNs. It covers workforce advocacy, ethics, and clinical practice standards. Members receive access to continuing education, an online professional networking community, and discounts on liability insurance. Some nurses join primarily for the insurance. Others participate in ANA’s advocacy and policy work at the state and federal levels.
The National League for Nursing (NLN), founded in 1893, is the oldest nursing organization in the country. Its focus is nursing education rather than direct practice, making it most relevant for nurses working in academic roles or considering nurse educator careers. NLN membership provides faculty development resources, testing services, research grant access, and involvement in public policy on nursing education.
Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma) is the nursing honor society. Membership is by invitation and requires a minimum academic standing in a nursing degree program. Sigma has more than 100,000 active members through chapters at institutions of higher learning worldwide. For nurses pursuing graduate education, research, or academic positions, Sigma membership carries professional weight and provides access to grant funding and continuing education.
Specialty Nursing Organizations
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, serving nurses who work with critically and acutely ill patients. Members receive access to unlimited online CE courses and significant discounts on specialty certification exams. Certification through AACN requires two years of practice experience. Membership isn’t required to sit for the exam, but the cost savings for members are substantial.
The American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) serves RNs, LPNs, and nursing students and focuses on expanding the role of men in the profession. It offers a mentorship program, an annual conference, and an essay-based scholarship. Other specialty organizations include the American Holistic Nurses Association, the American Nephrology Nurses Association, the Alliance for Psychosocial Nursing, and the American Association of Managed Care Nurses.
State nursing associations, which affiliate with the ANA, are worth considering alongside national memberships. Local chapters provide regional networking, insight into state-specific practice environment and legislative issues, and continuing education closer to home. In most states, you can join the ANA and your state association simultaneously to access benefits from both.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Professional and Student Nursing Organizations
- American Academy of Nursing
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- American Assembly for Men in Nursing
- American Nurses Association
- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- American Holistic Nurses Association
- Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association
- Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
- Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)
- Chi Eta Phi Sorority
- National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association (NANAINA)
- International Council of Nurses (ICN)
- National Association of Directors of Nursing (NADONA)
- National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES)
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses
- Nurses Christian Fellowship
- Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs
- National League for Nursing
- National Black Nurses Association
- Nursing Organizations Alliance
- Philippine Nurses Association of America
- SEIU Nurse Alliance
- Sigma Theta Tau International
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to join a nursing organization to get licensed?
No. Membership in professional nursing organizations isn’t a licensing requirement in any state. Licensure requires completing a board-approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, and meeting your state board’s eligibility criteria. For a full walkthrough, see the RN licensing process.
Which nursing organization is best for LPNs?
The National Association of Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurses (NALPN), formerly the NFLPN, is the national organization for LPNs and LVNs. It has active state chapters in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, but LPNs and LVNs anywhere in the country can join as at-large members. Check your state nurses association directly to confirm any additional local membership options.
Can nursing students join professional organizations before graduation?
Yes. The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) is open to students enrolled in nursing programs. HOSA accepts members as early as middle school. Many specialty organizations, including AACN, also offer student membership tiers at reduced dues.
What’s the difference between the ANA and state nursing associations?
The American Nurses Association is the national organization. Most states have a corresponding state association affiliated with the ANA, and in many states, you can join both at once and receive benefits from each. ANA-only membership, without a state association component, is currently available in Alaska, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Dakota.
Is Sigma Theta Tau worth joining?
Sigma membership is by invitation, based on academic achievement in a nursing degree program. It provides the most value for nurses pursuing graduate education, academic positions, or research careers, where Sigma’s grant opportunities and peer network are directly useful. For nurses focused on clinical practice, a specialty organization like AACN may offer more practical day-to-day benefits.
Key Takeaways
- No licensure requirement — Professional nursing organizations are optional. They offer real benefits — CE discounts, certification savings, scholarships — but don’t affect eligibility to sit for the NCLEX or obtain a state license.
- Start early — HOSA and NSNA both accept pre-licensure members, and NSNA scholarship grants are available to students currently enrolled in nursing programs.
- Credential-specific options — LPNs and LVNs have a dedicated national organization (NALPN, formerly NFLPN) separate from the ANA, which is structured primarily for registered nurses.
- Specialty organizations deliver specific value — Once you’re practicing, the most useful memberships are usually tied to your clinical area. AACN is the largest specialty org, but comparable organizations exist for nearly every specialty.
- Honor society by invitation — Sigma Theta Tau membership is merit-based and provides academic and research-focused benefits distinct from other professional organizations.
Find approved nursing programs in your state, including ADN, BSN, and LPN options with application links.