On this page: About | Referral program | Member benefits | Advocacy | Postnominals | Membership tiers | Fellowship | FAQs | Testimonials
Membership
Join ACN and advance your nursing career
As Australia’s peak professional body for nurses, the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) empowers nurses at every stage of their careers. Becoming a member means joining a thriving community of passionate professionals dedicated to advancing nursing and delivering exceptional patient care.
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, grow your professional network, or advocate for the future of nursing, ACN provides the resources, recognition, and opportunities you need to excel.
Why nurses choose ACN
Become an ACN member to unlock new opportunities
Bring your work bestie to ACN
You and your work bestie have each other’s backs on every shift—why not lift each other up in your careers too? Refer them to ACN, and you’ll both get one month free on your membership.
Joining ACN means accessing career development, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that strengthen the nursing profession. Share the benefits with your colleagues and grow together.
ACN membership perks
Advocacy: Driving change together
ACN is a powerful advocate for the nursing profession, working to advance and elevate the role of nurses in Australia. When you become a member, you add your voice to a strong collective that drives change in the profession.
Your membership helps ACN advocate for policies that create more opportunities for nurses to lead, innovate, and practice to their full scope. The greater our membership, the stronger our influence — ensuring nurses remain at the forefront of shaping Australia’s healthcare future.
Postnominals: Recognising your professional standing
Postnominals are a powerful way to showcase your expertise, commitment, and leadership in nursing. As an exclusive benefit of ACN membership, postnominals demonstrate your professional affiliation with Australia’s peak nursing body and enhance your credibility among colleagues, employers, and the broader healthcare sector.
By using ACN postnominals, you highlight your dedication to professional excellence and lifelong learning.
Membership tiers
No matter where you are in your nursing career, ACN is here to support your growth, development, and success. From students taking their first steps in the profession to experienced nurses leading the way, ACN membership provides tailored opportunities to build skills, expand networks, and advance your career.
General member
Available to all nurses registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Affiliate member
Available to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Enrolled Nurses (ENs) registered with the NMBA who are members or employees of ACN Affiliate organisations.
Undergraduate student member
Available to undergraduate RN and EN students.
Graduate member
Available to RNs and ENs in their first three years of registration with the NMBA.
Associate member
Available to those who are not NMBA-registered RNs or ENs but have an interest in the nursing profession.
Retired member
Available to nurses permanently leaving the paid workforce who have maintained ACN Membership or Fellowship. Members with 10+ years receive complimentary membership, while those with less than 10 years are eligible for a discounted rate.
Become an ACN member to unlock new opportunities
Fellowship: Recognising excellence in nursing
Fellowship of ACN is a prestigious recognition awarded to nurses who have demonstrated significant professional achievement, leadership, and contribution to the profession. Becoming a Fellow acknowledges your expertise and commitment, positioning you among an esteemed group of nurse leaders who shape the future of nursing.
Membership FAQs
Employees of Affiliate organisations receive an exclusive discounted membership rate. Check the full list of Affiliate organisations to see if your employer is included.
To claim the discounted rate, tick the Affiliate box in the ‘Personal Details’ section of the membership application form, then select your employer from the dropdown list.
ACN provides dedicated guidance and assistance through our Membership Team and Career Mentoring program, ensuring you have the support you need at every stage of your career.
ACN is a professional nursing organisation dedicated to education, leadership, advocacy, and policy development. Unlike a union, ACN does not provide industrial representation or negotiate employment conditions.
ACN membership fees are tax-deductible for many nurses as a professional association expense. Check with your tax adviser or the ATO for eligibility.
No, ACN membership does not include professional indemnity insurance. Professional indemnity insurance provides individual coverage, offering protection against claims related to professional practice. Many nurses will already have coverage through their employer or union, but some may choose to take out their own policy.
For those who do, ACN members can access an exclusive discount on Guild Professional Indemnity Insurance, ensuring comprehensive and personalised coverage.
To access free CPD, log in to MyACN, hover over ‘My Benefits,’ and explore the available courses.
To claim your free month, enter your colleague’s unique referral code in the ‘Personal Details’ section of the membership application form. Learn more on the Member referral program page.
Make sure you are using the correct email address when logging in, as you may have registered with either your work or personal email. If you are unable to access your account, use the ‘Forgot Password’ function to reset your login details.
You can cancel your membership after the initial 12-month period by contacting the Membership Team. Please note annual fees are non-refundable.
Hear from our ACN members
Get in touch
For general information, please contact:
ACN Membership team
t: 1800 061 660
e: membership@acn.edu.au