Strategic Plan | SDNP

SDNP Strategic Plan 2026–2029

Download the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan (PDF)

MISSION
To promote excellence in advanced practice dermatology nursing through certification, evidence-based clinical practice, and interprofessional research.

VISION
To be the go-to organization for dermatology nurse practitioners — a recognized national voice for the specialty, built on a growing membership and a strong bench of ready leaders.

OUR FOUR STRATEGIC PILLARS

  1. DCNP Board Certification
    Make DCNP certification the recognized, rigorous standard for dermatology nurse practitioners, and grow its visibility across the specialty.
  • Keep the certification exam current, rubric-aligned, and grounded in real-world practice.
  • Build clear onboarding pathways so new NPs understand and pursue DCNP certification.
  • Grow the DCNP-certified directory and expand promotion of certified members.
  • Survey course participants and certified members regularly to guide improvement.
  1. Publications & Research Led by Derm NPs
    Position dermatology nurse practitioners as active contributors to dermatology research and publishing, not just consumers of it.
  • Launch new member publishing venues — a chat forum, publishing shorts, a research compendium, and a journal club with JCAD.
  • Establish a scholarship fund supporting members pursuing original research.
  • Expand access to medical journals and literature through institutional membership.
  • Recognize and promote members’ published work and research achievements.
  1. Education
    Deliver the continuing education and clinical training that keep dermatology NPs current, credentialed, and confident in practice.
  • Expand Grand Rounds, webinars, and hands-on conference workshops to meet growing CME needs.
  • Launch a career curriculum and mentorship pathway for NPs entering dermatology.
  • Grow subject-specific education such as dermoscopy and hot-topic webinars, plus patient-education resources.
  • Introduce a members-only webinar subscription and expand industry-sponsored programming.
  1. Advancement
    Grow SDNP’s reach, influence, and long-term sustainability beyond day-to-day programming.
  • Expand membership geographically, including new outreach to Canadian NPs.
  • Establish the SDNP Foundation and a philanthropic strategic plan.
  • Strengthen advocacy and legislative tracking on behalf of the NP profession.
  • Build the financial and governance foundation needed to sustain growth.

Adopted from the SDNP Strategic Planning Retreat, August 2026.
Questions about a specific initiative? Contact the SDNP team at sdnp@affinity-strategies.com.