NADONA

What NADONA does

NADONA (National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care) is a US nonprofit professional membership association founded in 1986 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. It serves Directors of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing, Infection Preventionists, LPN/LVNs, and aspiring nurse leaders working in skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and other long-term and post-acute care settings across all 50 US states. The organization functions as an educational and credentialing body rather than a software or technology platform, distributing its value proposition through a website-based membership portal, a learning management system, and a webinar delivery stack.

The core offering is a recurring annual membership bundled with access to eight board certification programs (CDONA, IP-BC, AS-BC, CALN, CLPN, GDCN, QAPI-BC, Staff Development Coordinator) plus certification prep courses, a three-year renewal cycle, continuing education, and a peer-reviewed quarterly journal (The Director) indexed by the US Library of Congress. Members also receive access to the Nurses' Lounge digital benefit (job listings, resume tools, CE library), the Academy of Fellows recognition program, and state-chapter programming in all 50 states.

Revenue is generated through five distinct streams: annual membership dues (subscription), one-time certification exam fees and triennial renewals, individual course enrollment fees, national and regional conference registration fees, and journal advertising. Distribution is direct via the nadona.org website and member portal. Commercial activity is supplemented by a Business Partner roster (PharMerica, McKesson, GOJO, QIAGEN, Capella University, among others) and a Corporate Leadership Council of major pharmaceutical sponsors that fund programs and provide educational content.

Name

NADONA

Legal name

National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care

Website

https://nadona.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NADONA is a 1986-founded US nonprofit professional association that provides certifications, education, conferences, and peer networking for Directors of Nursing and Infection Preventionists in long-term and post-acute care across all 50 states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Nursing Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDANAIAB

Nursing & Allied Health Certification Prep (CNA, EMT/Paramedic, Radiology, Sonography, PT/OT)

Education/Tutoring & Test Preparation/Professional Certification & Licensure Exam Prep

Keywords

• Nursing leadership certification
• Long-term care education
• Infection prevention training
• Professional nursing association
• Nurse continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: NADONA generates primary revenue through annual membership fees. Membership is available for RNs, LPNs/LVNs, Associate Members, and Infection Preventionists in long-term care settings. The membership includes access to certifications, webinars, publications, and networking resources.
2. Certification Exams and Renewals: The organization offers multiple certification programs including CDONA, IP-BC, AS-BC, CALN, CLPN, GDCN, QAPI-BC, and Staff Development Coordinator certifications. Revenue is generated through exam fees and recertification renewal fees every 3 years.
3. Educational Courses: NADONA provides certification prep courses including Long-Term Care Nurse Certification Prep Course, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Course, Antibiotic Stewardship Course, Staff Development Coordinator Course, and Nurse Leadership Course. These courses generate revenue through enrollment fees.
4. National and Regional Conferences: Annual national conferences (39th in 2026, 40th planned for 2027) and regional conferences (New England South, NCDONA, MI-NADONA, Texas, North Dakota) generate revenue through registration fees. Conferences feature educational sessions, CE credits, and networking opportunities.
5. The Director Journal: The official peer-reviewed quarterly journal of NADONA is published and distributed to members. The publication generates revenue through advertising sales and is indexed by the United States Library of Congress.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

NADONA (National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care) is a nonprofit professional membership association providing education, board certification programs, continuing education, conferences, and peer networking resources for Directors of Nursing, Infection Preventionists, LPNs/LVNs, and other nurse leaders in long-term and post-acute care settings. Members gain access to certification exams (CDONA, IP-BC, AS-BC, CLPN, GDCN, QAPI-BC, CALN, Staff Development Coordinator), preparation courses, the peer-reviewed Director journal, webinars, an annual national conference, and a network of state chapters across all 50 US states.

Product overview

NADONA is a professional association (not a software product company) offering a comprehensive ecosystem of certification programs, educational courses, and member services for directors of nursing and infection preventionists in long-term and post-acute care settings. The portfolio includes certification prep courses (Long Term Care Nurse Certification, IPAC, ASCOM, QAPI, Nurse Leadership), board certification exams (CDONA, CLPN, IP-BC, AS-BC, GDCN, QAPI-BC, CALN, Staff Development Coordinator), certification renewals, webinars, an annual national conference, the Academy of Fellows recognition program, The Director peer-reviewed journal, state chapters network, and the Nurses' Lounge online community. The organization functions as an educational and professional development provider rather than a technology platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NADONA/LTC: Brand name used interchangeably with NADONA for the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care
• The Director
• Academy of Fellows
• FACDONA
• Nurses' Lounge
• PACNEP

Products and services

• NADONA Membership Annual membership subscription for individual nurse leaders (RN, LPN/LVN, Associate, Infection Preventionist) working in long-term or post-acute care. Includes access to certifications, webinars, publications, mentorship, state chapter participation, and The Director journal.
• Certified Director of Nursing Administration (CDONA) Exam Board certification exam for directors of nursing administration in long-term care. Renewable every 3 years through continuing education.
• Infection Preventionist Board Certified (IP-BC) Exam Board certification exam for Infection Preventionists in post-acute and long-term care. Requires completion of the IPAC Course. Renewable every 3 years.
• Certified Licensed Practical Nurse (CLPN) Exam Certification exam for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in long-term care.
• Antibiotic Stewardship Board Certified (AS-BC) Exam Board certification exam for antibiotic stewardship practice in long-term care.
• Staff Development Coordinator Board Certified Exam Board certification exam for staff development coordinators, covering staff development, communication, teaching methods, culture of learning, and competencies.
• Geriatric Diabetic Certified Nurse (GDCN) Exam Certification exam for nurses specializing in geriatric diabetic care.
• Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Board Certification (QAPI-BC) Exam Board certification exam for Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement practice in long-term care.
• Certified Assisted Living Nurse (CALN) Exam Certification exam for nurses practicing in assisted living settings.
• Long Term Care Nurse Certification Prep Course Six-webinar preparation course for LPNs and RNs entering post-acute care to serve elderly residents and take the LTC Nurse Certification exam.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Course 15-session Certificate of Mastery program covering infection control program components and the role of the Infection Preventionist. Prerequisite for the IP-BC certification exam.
• Antibiotic Stewardship Certificate of Mastery (ASCOM) Course Certificate program in antibiotic stewardship for long-term care settings.
• Certified Assisted Living Nurse Certificate of Mastery Certificate program preparing nurses for the Certified Assisted Living Nurse (CALN) certification.
• Staff Development Coordinator Course Course preparing nurses for the Staff Development Coordinator role in long-term care facilities.
• Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Certificate of Mastery Program Certificate program covering QAPI principles for long-term care quality improvement.
• Nurse Leadership Course Course designed to prepare nurse leaders for the Certified Director of Nursing Administration (CDONA) certification.
• Certification Renewal Programs Recertification renewal programs for CDONA, CLPN, IP-BC, AS-BC, CALN, and QAPI-BC credentials, required every 3 years with continuing education.
• NADONA National Conference Annual national conference featuring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, continuing education credits, exhibit hall, and networking for nursing leaders and infection preventionists in post-acute care.
• NADONA Regional and State Conferences Regional and state-level conferences (New England South, NCDONA Multi-State, MI-NADONA Convocation, Texas, North Dakota) providing localized continuing education and networking.
• The Director Journal Official peer-reviewed quarterly nursing journal indexed by the US Library of Congress, offering research, evidence-based practices, and regulatory updates for post-acute care leaders.
• Academy of Fellows (FACDONA) Fellowship program recognizing superior achievement and dedication to long-term care; Fellows use the FACDONA credential and participate in NADONA projects including a speakers bureau.
• Scholarship Programs Memorial scholarships for nursing students committed to long-term care careers, including the NADONA Nurse Leadership Scholarship and the TXADONA Sunny Stout Memorial Scholarship.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PharMericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPharMerica is a long-term care pharmacy services provider and Business Partner of NADONA. They sponsor the Nurse Leader of the Year Awards and provide webinar content on topics relevant to LTC nursing leadership. PharMerica has partnered with NADONA for multiple years.
• McKessonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMcKesson is listed as a Business Partner of NADONA, providing products and services relevant to long-term care pharmacy and medical supply distribution.
• Pathway HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPathway Health is a consulting and services partner for post-acute care organizations, listed as a NADONA Business Partner providing education and operational support services.
• NCCDP (National Center for Cognitive Disorders)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNCCDP is a Business Partner offering dementia training and certification programs relevant to long-term care nursing.
• Nurses on Boards CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNurses on Boards Coalition is a strategic partner working to improve health care quality by placing nurses on boards. Listed as a NADONA Business Partner.
• EmbectaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmbecta is a medical device company specializing in diabetes care products for long-term care settings. Partners with NADONA through banner advertising and educational content on LTC safety topics.
• Drizalma Sprinkle (PsycU)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPsycU by Drizalma Sprinkle provides educational resources on psychiatric medications in long-term care. Listed as a Business Partner through website advertising placement.
• MDS ConsultantsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMDS Consultants provides MDS (Minimum Data Set) consulting services for skilled nursing facilities, listed as a Business Partner supporting NADONA.
• Paradigm LTCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParadigm LTC is a partner providing services to long-term care facilities, listed as a NADONA Business Partner.
• VanCareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVanCare is a long-term care pharmacy and services provider listed as a NADONA Business Partner.
• WoundSourceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWoundSource is a clinical resource for wound care products and education, listed as a Business Partner supporting NADONA members.
• Capella UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCapella University is an online university offering healthcare and nursing degree programs. Listed as a NADONA Business Partner providing educational pathways for nurse members.
• MatureHealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMatureHealth provides advertising and marketing services for the healthcare/long-term care industry. Handles advertising sales for The Director journal and NADONA publications.
• HCAM (Healthcare Association Management)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHCAM is an association management organization listed as a NADONA Business Partner, providing conference and event management services.
• GOJO IndustriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGOJO Industries, maker of PURELL hand sanitizer, is a Business Partner providing infection prevention products and solutions for long-term care settings.
• QIAGENminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQIAGEN is a molecular biology and infection control testing company listed as a NADONA Business Partner serving the LTC market.
• Premier Geriatric SolutionscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Geriatric Solutions provides educational content and resources including Geriatric Notes quick reference guides at a 20% discount for NADONA members. They also provide the PACNEP video series covering clinical topics like heart failure, sepsis, pneumonia, and infection prevention.
• ACHIEVEDxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerACHIEVEDx is a partner organization providing professional development resources listed under NADONA partnerships.
• MedNet ConceptsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedNet Concepts is a partner providing infection prevention and control resources and education for long-term care settings.
• PDI (Passive Disease Intelligence)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPDI provides infection prevention products and solutions for healthcare settings, listed as a NADONA partner.
• Eden ALT (Eden Association of Long-Term Care)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEden ALT promotes person-centered care principles in long-term care, partnered with NADONA to advance culture change in LTC settings.
• ConnectRNminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConnectRN provides staffing solutions for healthcare facilities, listed as a NADONA Business Partner supporting LTC workforce needs.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• NAHCA (National Association of Health Care Assistants): NAHCA serves CNAs and frontline caregivers in long-term care with certification, recognition, and education programs that target the same LTC workforce pipeline that feeds NADONA's LPN/LVN and aspiring-leader member segments.
• APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology): APIC is the leading professional association for infection preventionists across all healthcare settings and offers the CIC certification that overlaps with NADONA's IP-BC credential for LTC IPs.
• AAPACN (American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing): AAPACN (formed via merger of AADNS and AANAC) is the most direct competitor, offering certifications, education, and member services for DONs, ADONs, and nurse assessment coordinators in skilled nursing and post-acute care facilities.

Broad incumbents

• ANA (American Nurses Association): ANA is the premier broad-scope professional association for all U.S. nurses, offering credentialing, CE, and advocacy that overlap with NADONA's general nurse leader offerings but without LTC specialization.
• LeadingAge: LeadingAge represents nonprofit aging-services providers including nursing homes, and offers leadership education and certification programs that overlap with NADONA's DON/CDONA training for the nonprofit LTC segment.
• AHCA/NCAL (American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living): AHCA/NCAL is the largest national association representing skilled nursing and assisted living providers, offering education and advocacy that complements and partly competes with NADONA's offerings to nurse leaders within those facilities.

Emerging players

• NCCDP (National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners): NCCDP provides dementia training and CDP certification to healthcare professionals in LTC settings and is a NADONA business partner while also serving overlapping LTC nurse and IP audiences with its own certification programs.

Others

• Pathway Health: Pathway Health is both a NADONA business partner and an independent LTC consulting and education firm offering regulatory compliance and clinical training to skilled nursing facilities, partially overlapping with NADONA's course catalog.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nadona
• Facebookfacebook.com/nadona

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NADONA