Associate Professor Kimberly Prado inducted as Fellow, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
August 4, 2025
Kimberly B. Prado (DNP, AGPCNP/ANP-BC, FAANP), clinical associate professor at Rutgers University School of Nursing and a proud Rutgers alumna, has been inducted into the prestigious Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) program—one of the profession’s highest honors.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 431,000 licensed NPs in the U.S and advocates for the profession and quality care at the local, state, and national levels.
Prado joined a select group of 51 nurse practitioner leaders recognized this year for their outstanding contributions to clinical practice, education, leadership, and advocacy. They were officially inducted as Fellows at the AANP National Conference, held June 17-22 in San Diego, California.
A board-certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioner who specializes in cardiology, Prado has more than three decades of experience delivering and advancing care. She was the first nurse practitioner in cardiology at Morristown Medical Center, New Jersey, where she helped establish policies and clinical guidelines that set new standards for advanced practice nursing.
At Rutgers School of Nursing, Prado is highly valued for her teaching excellence and mentorship. She prepares graduate nursing students for advanced practice with an emphasis on compassionate, evidence-based care. Her students often cite her accessibility, clinical expertise, and passion for patient advocacy as key influences on their careers.
Angela Starkweather (PhD, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN), dean and professor at the nursing school said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Prado as a new colleague in the AANP Fellows program.” Starkweather, a Class of 2020 AANP Fellow, added, “Dr. Prado is a gifted educator, clinician, scholar, and role model who is shaping our profession and its future every day.”
Prado is co-chair of the Northern New Jersey chapter of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association and was recently featured on its Heart to Heart podcast. Her expertise in preventive cardiology and integrative health has been shared through numerous presentations and publications. A notable study on low-density lipoprotein particle numbers earned her the Evidence-Based Practice Award from Sigma, the international honor society of nursing.
“Being inducted as a FAANP Fellow is a tremendous honor,” Prado said. “It’s especially meaningful to receive this recognition as a Rutgers alumna and faculty member. Standing among pioneers, change makers, and leaders who continue to elevate our profession, I’m grateful for this milestone and to the incredible mentors who have shaped my journey.”