The Association was established in 1976 by private nursing colleges and junior colleges, and was incorporated in 2009, marking 48 years since its establishment. According to the Articles of Incorporation, the purpose of the Association is "to contribute to the development of academics and education and to achieve the mission of nursing higher education institutions by promoting its members through research and surveys on education, research, and management, and through mutual partnership and cooperation among universities in view of the importance of private universities' responsibilities as higher education institutions for nursing education in Japan. The four business activities are (1) projects to enhance education and research at private nursing colleges, (2) projects to strengthen the operation and management of private nursing colleges, (3) social projects related to collaboration and cooperation with related organizations, and (4) other projects necessary to achieve the objectives.