The Application Process

Start the Journey

An organization earns or renews the Pathway to Excellence^® designation through a comprehensive review process.
The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted for 4 years

How to get started on the Pathway journey

The first step in embarking on a nursing excellence journey and creating a positive practice environment is conducting a self-assessment and gap analysis of your organizational culture. Applying for Pathway to Excellence® or Pathway to Excellence® in Long Term Care® designation is a significant commitment that requires high-level oversight, a realistic timeline, and a realistic budget. The results of your organization’s gap analysis will guide your internal timeline and when to start Phase 1 of the application process.

Download the free Pathway Self-Assessment of Organization Culture Tool for acute care or long term care.

Apply for the Pathway to Excellence | ANCC | ANA Enterprise or purchase the electronic version at

Pathway to Excellence Publications and Products | ANCC | ANA.

Phase 1: Applicant Registration

All application materials must be received via the Pathway Portal https://pathway.nursingworld.org at least 8 -12 months before the requested date of the Pathway Standards document submission.
Register via the Pathway Portal online application: Pathway Applicant Registration includes:

Complete the registration form
Upload the following documents:

CNO or DON curriculum vitae
Organizational chart(s) that reflects the CNO / DON relationship with the 1) Executive Leadership 2) nursing services and 3) additional campus(es) as applicable.
Operating license or other independent verification of licensed beds if applicable.

Pay the non-refundable Applicant Registration fee application fee at the time of application, with a check or credit card via the Pathway Portal.

Check Remittance address

ANCC Pathway
P.O. Box 505035
St. Louis, MO 63150-5035

The Applicant Registration will be processed once the above is fulfilled.

Phase 2: Pathway Standards Document (PSD) Submission

Applicant organizations are required to:

Upload the Pathway Standards Document in the Pathway Portal via www.pteapplication.org by the submission date deadline.

The Pathway Standards Document (PSD) is an organization’s written response to the requirements of the application manual. It includes the Organizational Demographic Form (ODF), Organizational Overview (OO) documents, and Elements of Performance (EOP) Narratives showing how the standards are implemented. This is used as the primary appraisal method for applicant organizations.

Pathway Standards Document submission dates:

February 1
April 1
June 1
August 1
November 1

For current fees, please visit Program Fees page.

Phase 3: Pathway Survey

Following a successful Pathway Standards document review, nurses complete the Pathway Survey to indicate whether the Pathway Standards have been enculturated. For some organizations, may include non-nurse midwives and nursing assistants. The organization must meet survey thresholds.

Phase 4: Recognition and Reflection

Pending the Pathway designation decision, organizations reflect on the accomplishments of their Pathway Journey and establish a plan for sustaining engagement and continuous pursuit of excellence.