Institute for Artificial Intelligence

NLN/Walden Institute for Artificial Intelligence Academy

Vision

To equip and empower nurse educators and administrators to lead the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nursing programs and curricula, in collaboration with real-world clinical practice, as part of technology-enhanced education that strengthens the workforce with practice-ready nurses, promotes the well-being of educators and students, while improving health outcomes for all in AI-driven health care environments.

Mission

  • Develop leaders who advance education, practice, and well-being through a deep understanding of AI's potential, opportunities, and challenges
  • Equip leaders with the AI-driven knowledge and skills to integrate AI into curricula, prepare practice-ready students for AI-driven clinical environments, build faculty capacity, engage in research and scholarship with broad dissemination, and leverage resources to build an infrastructure that sustains innovation
  • Cultivate the leadership competencies needed to enhance decision-making in complex systems and navigate the ethical, legal, and equity challenges of AI

About the Academy

The Academy is designed for nurses practicing in multiple roles (e.g. education, clinical, research, policy) and interprofessional colleagues who are working to address the existing and emerging impacts of AI in nursing education and desire a formal program to be better equipped, empowered, and inspired to lead in the AI era.

During this year-long program, a cohort of peers examines the curricular, student learning, administrative, and clinical practice aspects of how AI is and will continue to influence nurse educator practice. Throughout the year, participants will be encouraged to engage in research and scholarly activities to enhance well-being and their AI knowledge and skills.

Objectives

  • Advance curricula to promote AI literacy
  • Advance curricular utilizing and integrating AI applications
  • Reduce administrative burden
  • Promote greater faculty proficiency and literacy AI for teaching and scholarship
  • Address policy and practice related AI issues
  • Lead with agile, innovative, and change mindsets
  • Explore student-centered benefits and risks for teaching and learning with AI
  • Promote faculty, patient, and community well-being
AI Academy Curricular Threads

Program Overview

Requirements:

  • Two-day In-person Program Orientation Meeting**
  • Three-day In-person Intensive Retreat **
  • Monthly Online Tech Talks with Nursing and Industry Experts
  • NLN Education Summit**
  • Transformation Project

**Participants are responsible for travel, lodging costs, and NLN Summit registration

Program Session: January 1 - December 31, 2027

Applicants Notified By: Monday, November 2, 2026

Tuition: $4,250 – NLN members; $4,750* – Non-members*

Deadline to Confirm Participation and Remit Fee: Friday, December 4, 2026

*Become an NLN member today for instant savings on program tuition

Application Cycle: May 6 - October 6, 2026

Apply Here

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for nurses practicing in multiple roles (e.g. education, clinical, research, policy) and interprofessional colleagues, at a novice or advanced beginner level, who are working to address the existing and emerging impacts of artificial intelligence in nursing education and desire a formal program to be better equipped, empowered, and inspired to lead in the AI era.

Admission: Candidates will be selected based on role-based opportunities for action-oriented impacts. A letter of support from a supervisor is required.