The Voice of Associate Degree Nursing: Advocating Access, Strengthening Communities

What we seek to accomplish

Educate policymakers on the vital role of associate degree nursing programs in expanding access to safe, quality care nationwide.
Collaborate with organizations and leaders to advance opportunities for nurse educators and associate degree graduates.
Promote access to nursing education and careers that help communities thrive.

Dr. Jill Biden Delivers Special Opening Message for the 2023 OADN Convention

Dr. Jill Biden opens the 2023 OADN Convention in San Diego with a special welcome message underscoring the vital role that nurses play in the lives of every American. As a community college professor, Dr. Biden expresses her gratitude to nurse educators for their role in preparing future nurses.

Rep. Jennifer Kiggans MSN, RN, AGNP (R-VA) Delivers Greetings to the 2023 OADN Convention

Congresswoman Jennifer Kiggans, a Navy veteran and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, expresses her gratitude to nurse educators for the critical work they do to support our nation’s healthcare workforce. Rep. Kiggans shares that she was first inspired to run for office at nursing conference similar to the OADN Convention. She now co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Nursing Caucus.

A Place at the Table:
OADN Leads the Effort for
Associate Degree Nursing

OADN’s purpose is to ensure that the voice of associate degree nursing is heard and represented anywhere decisions are made that affect our programs, faculty, and students.

We have made great strides in recent years. Leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and industry now seek out the counsel and input of associate degree nursing. OADN will continue to see that associate degree nursing is respected, equitably resourced, and recognized for our contributions to the health and welfare of the nation.


OADN CEO Dr. Rick García meets with Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18) on February 8, 2023 in Washington DC.

Latest News

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – April 2026: US Dept. of Ed Releases Final Rule Excluding Nursing From Professional-Level Student Loan Financing

OADN continues our federal advocacy on your behalf as a member of the Nursing Community Coalition, where we work to ensure nurses are supported and nursing education is funded. 🚨Breaking News Department of Education Releases Final Rule on Student Loan Limits Earlier today, the Department of Education released its unpublished final rule on student loan [...]

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Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – March 2026

OADN continues our federal advocacy on your behalf as a member of the Nursing Community Coalition, where we work to ensure nurses are supported and nursing education is funded. Advocacy & Engagement 102 Representatives Support FY 2027 Funding for Title VIII in House Dear Colleague Letter On March 27, a record one hundred [...]