ANCC Pathway to Excellence^® Program

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence Program recognizes a health care organization’s commitment to creating a positive practice environment that empowers and engages staff.

By investing in the optimum workplace for nurses, organizations demonstrate a culture of sustained excellence, resulting in the successful recruitment of top candidates and staff retention through high job satisfaction. Nurses are even empowered in the Pathway to Excellence application process itself; since frontline staff must validate that their experience with the organization meets the Pathway Standards – before designation can be achieved.

Pathway with Distinction™

Pathway with Distinction™, a new designation recognizing the highest performing Pathway organizations around the world, is based on validation from the workforce. Only a select few achieve this elite level of performance. They serve as exemplary role models for nursing excellence and for creating practice environments where staff feel valued and supported.

Pathway with Distinction celebrates health care organizations that meet higher scoring thresholds required to attain the Pathway designation. It raises the bar to recognize the top-tier organizations committed to nursing excellence and creating a positive practice environment.

Pathway with Distinction FAQs

Who is eligible for Pathway with Distinction?

Any organization seeking Pathway designation or re-designation is eligible.

What is the process?

Pathway with Distinction is determined based on the review process. Organizations apply and are reviewed using the standard document submission methodology. Those who meet the higher thresholds will be notified during the decision call with the Commission on Pathway to Excellence.

How does an organization achieve Pathway with Distinction?

The criteria for achieving Pathway with Distinction rely on the results of the Pathway survey completed by eligible respondents. It is essential that nurses and non-nurse midwives at all levels within the organization share their perception of their practice environment. There must be significant participation and consensus that the foundational elements of a positive practice environment (Pathway Elements of Performance) are present.

How are organizations recognized?

ANCC’s designation letter and certificate will denote the Pathway with Distinction recognition, and all organizations that achieve this level will be celebrated at the ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference.

When does Pathway with Distinction take effect?

The designation goes into effect with ANCC’s 2024 Pathway to Excellence and Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care Application Manual. Organizations submitting under the 2024 manual will be eligible to achieve Pathway with Distinction.

How will Pathway with Distinction impact nursing and health care?

Pathway with Distinction will recognize a culture of sustained excellence where evidence-based practice is hardwired, staff is valued and given a voice, workforce well-being is prioritized, optimal patient outcomes are achieved, and compelling organizational outcomes are obtained. It affords health care organizations an additional avenue to demonstrate the value of nursing care to the communities they serve.