Important Update for Pathway to Excellence Applicants

The current Application Manual 2009 is in effect for all applicant organizations submitting documents prior to the June 1, 2012 cycle. Documents submitted on June 1, 2012, or thereafter will submit under the criteria established in the Pathway to Excellence Application Manual 2012. The 2012 edition is now available for purchase. 

Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care Applicants will continue to use the Pathway to Excellence Application Manual 2009 and the current supplement that includes the practice standards and elements of performance specific for long term care.

Any questions may be addressed by contacting the Pathway Program Office at PathwayInfo@ana.org, or by calling 1.800.284.2378.

1. Pre-Application Process
   Conducting a self-assessment is a good first step to determine whether your organization meets the requirements for Pathway to Excellence or Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care designation. The process enables your organization to compare itself against the program's compulsory elements to measure your current state. The following resources are available to assist in the decision process:
   
      Pathway to Excellence Self Assessment
      Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care Self Assessment
      Pathway to Excellence Manual
      Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care Manual
      Pathway to Excellence® Program Practice Standards and Elements of Performance
      Pathway Program Office at PathwayInfo@ana.org
   
   Applying for Pathway to Excellence or Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care designation is a significant commitment that requires three key elements:
   
      High-level oversight.
      Realistic timeline.
      Realistic budget.
2. Electronic Application
   Organizations are required to submit their electronic application to the Pathway Program Office no later than 4 months prior to the submission date requested.
   
   A completed Pathway application includes:
   
      Submit online application
      Email the CNO or DON CV and Organizational Chart to PathwayInfo@ana.org
      Mail the $850.00 application fee to: 
                                                               ANCC Pathway
                                                               P.O. Box 505012
                                                               St. Louis, MO 63150-5012
3. Submit Documents
   Documents submission dates are as follows:
   

   February 1st	August 1st
   April 1st	October 1st
   June 1st

   
   To see the current fees, check the Program Fees  page.
   
   Document submission includes:
   
      One hard copy to the Pathway Program Office
      One CD version of complete documents to the Pathway Program Office
      One hard copy to each of the 3 reviewers 
4. Organizational Demographic Form (ODF)
   All organization's that submit documents for the Pathway program must also submit an ODF. Organizations must complete the applicable ODF (Pathway to Excellence or Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care). 
   
   ODFs are due to the Pathway Program Office on the last day of the submission month for applicants submitting documents prior to June 1, 2012. For applicants submitting documents June 1, 2012 and thereafter, ODFs are due to the Pathway Program Office at the time of document submission. The ODFshould be emailed to PathwayInfo@ana.org by the due date.
5. Survey
   Organizations that move to survey will be contacted by the Pathway Program Office with additional information and instructions on completing the confidential online survey. More information on the survey can be found on our Survey page.
6. Designation Requirements
   To achieve the Pathway to Excellence or Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care designation:
   
      All Practice Standards must be met.
      Survey requirements must be met.
   
   The Commission on Pathway to Excellence makes the final determination regarding designation.

Last updated: 11/03/2011