Announcements
Happening Soon: Student Webinar
Register for the upcoming Preparing and Strengthening Your NursingCAS Application webinar on Tuesday, April 28, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET! AACN and NursingCAS representatives will share information about the nursing school application process. This is a great opportunity to learn all about NursingCAS, receive guidance on important components of the application, and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Even if you are unable to attend at this time, register anyway! All registrants will receive a copy of the webinar recording.
National Nurses Week Prospective Student Event
AACN is celebrating National Nurses Week with a two-day webinar event, Pathway to Purpose: Nursing School Admissions 101, on May 6 and May 12. Students won’t want to miss this interactive and informative event that will bring together school admissions representatives and current students to share guidance that will help you prepare for applying to nursing school.
May 6, 2:00 p.m. ET, The Nursing School Application Process – What Students Need to Know. Register here.
May 12, 3:00 p.m. ET, The Nursing School Experience. Register here.
Blog: Why the Nursing Profession Needs New Nurses Right Now
Last month’s NursingCAS blog is about the current state of the nursing profession and why now is an excellent time to pursue nursing as a career. With over 5 million RNs currently in the U.S. and growing, as well as a projected shortage of 63,720 full-time RNs by 2030, there are many opportunities for nurses to join the profession across health care settings and specialties.
Read the blog here and check back every month for tips, resources, and guidance for prospective nursing students.
Share Your Nursing School Experience to be Featured on Our Social Media
Want to help inspire other nursing school applicants to take the next step in their nursing journey? Send us your experiences with nursing school and advice for other students for a chance to be featured on our social media! Complete this form to share your nursing school achievements, goals, and advice.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn to see what your fellow students are saying!
Resource Spotlight
NursingCAS Degree Comparison Chart
There are multiple paths to starting or continuing your nursing career from Associates degrees in nursing all the way to advanced doctoral degrees. Looking for guidance on what degree might be best for you? The NursingCAS Degree Comparison Chart lists the different types of degrees and the students they admit.
Application Tips
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Never wait until the last minute to submit to NursingCAS! It is best to apply early to ensure your programs of interest have ample time to review your applications.
Open Seats
Anderson University - South Carolina
Are you ready to advance your nursing career? Anderson University is excited to announce remaining seats in our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and RN to BSN programs. Anderson University is a premier private Christian institution known for its rigorous education, grounded in faith and innovation. Our nursing programs integrate faith, service, and teaching, ensuring you thrive as a nursing student.
RN to BSN: Our Fast Track Nursing (RN to BSN) program is tailored for working nurses seeking a faster route to career advancement. With 28 credit hours and a senior capstone project, you can complete your degree in as little as 8 months. Seats remaining!
- Start Dates: Spring (March), Summer (May & June), Fall (August & October)
- Summer 2026 June Deadline: June 1st, 2026
Sign up for an information session to learn more! For additional information or to schedule a virtual appointment with an enrollment counselor, please email admissioncounselor@andersonuniversity.edu or call 864-353-7013.
Creighton University
Creighton University College of Nursing has a national reputation for providing excellent nursing education, a commitment to service, and being at the forefront of the ever-changing field of nursing. Whether you are interested in career advancement, diversifying your skills, or simply taking the next step in your education, Creighton can help you get there. We offer programs at the baccalaureate (BSN) and doctoral (DNP) degree levels. We also offer a variety of post-graduate certificates.
We are now accepting applications for a Fall 2026 start date for the following programs:
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN):
- Secondary deadline- May 1
- For more information about the ABSN program, please visit our website.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP
- Deadline- May 1
- For more information about the DNP program, please visit our website.
We are now accepting applications for a Spring (January) 2027 start date for the following programs:
Post-Graduate Certificates: Pediatric Acute NP, Adult-Gero Acute NP, Neonatal NP, & Nursing Education.
- Deadline - May 1
- For more information about the Post-Graduate Certificate programs, please visit our website.
If you have any questions or we can provide additional information about any of our nursing programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at nursing@creighton.edu.
Harding University
Harding University’s MEPN program is designed for individuals without a nursing background who want to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in just 5 semesters (year-round).
Seats remain available for Fall 2026.
This program integrates classroom instruction, simulation, and 1,000+ clinical hours to prepare practice-ready nurses, with additional emphasis on leadership and healthcare administration.
Term of Entry: Fall (year-round progression)
Application Deadline: June 1 (applications reviewed upon submission)
Admissions & Track Options:
Traditional Track: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Early Entry Track: Minimum of 87 undergraduate credit hours
Completion of Arkansas nursing prerequisites required for all applicants
Scholarships available for eligible students
Contact: mepn@harding.edu
Kettering College
Building on a tradition of excellence and innovation, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Kettering College is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Students choosing this degree are interested in advancing their nursing careers toward leadership and management to improve healthcare outcomes. The MSN curriculum is based on the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Leader Core Competency Model, and includes content in leadership, health promotion, organizational behavior, human resources, emotional intelligence, education, financial management, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and mentoring.
The 39-credit program is scheduled for completion over 2 years (6 semesters) with courses offered online and practicum experiences arranged with facilities close to the student’s geographic area. Graduates are academically prepared for certification when the graduate meets eligibility requirements for work experience.
Apply through NursingCAS by the July 1 deadline for August admission and by the December 1 deadline for January admission.
Questions? Contact Mary Kay Cobb, Graduate Admissions Counselor, at mary.cobb@kc.edu.
Manchester University
Ready to Launch Your Nursing Career FAST?
The Manchester University Nursing Program in Indiana is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Accelerated BSN cohort, and this is your chance to step into a high-demand, rewarding career in just 16 months.
No bachelor’s degree? No problem.
You can apply with just 60 undergraduate credits from an accredited university!
Why choose Manchester’s ABSN?
- 93% NCLEX pass rate, well above the national average
- 100% job placement BEFORE graduation
- Designed to get you career-ready quickly and confidently
- Graduate with little to no debt thanks to our partnership with a local hospital system
If you’re motivated, driven, and ready to make an impact in healthcare, this program is built for YOU.
Contact Stephanie McCracken at sdmccracken@manchester.edu to learn more
Seats are limited and filling FAST. Don’t wait!
Apply today and start your journey toward becoming a nurse!
Millikin University
Master's Entry into Nursing Practice
Deadline: May 1, 2026
DNP-FNP Open Seats
Cohort start: Jan 2027
Application Deadline: November 11, 2026
Oregon Health & Science University
The OHSU School of Nursing is Oregon's only academic health center, with six locations across Oregon, as well as hybrid and online options. We offer multiple nationally ranked bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Learn more at https://son.ohsu.edu/admissions!
The following programs are still accepting applications:
Bachelor's programs
- RN to B.S. | Apply by May 14
Master's programs
- Master's in Health System and Organizational Leadership | Apply by June 1
Doctoral programs
- D.N.P. in Executive Leadership | Apply by July 1
- Post Master's D.N.P. | Apply by July 1
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | Apply by Sept. 1
Questions? Drop in for virtual office hours, schedule an advising appointment, email proginfo@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-7725. We look forward to talking with you!
Regis College
Regis College is accepting applications to the full-time Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing for Non-Nurses program. The program starts in the Fall only, with clinicals starting that same semester.
We require seven prerequisites (Chemistry I and II, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Statistics, and Human Development) which can be fulfilled through undergraduate course work or after at other institutions. You may apply and be accepted without all prerequisites having been completed; however, all prerequisites must be completed by the start of the program in September. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026.
We are currently accepting applications on a rolling admissions basis.
Please contact David Dinwiddie at david.dinwiddie@regiscollege.edu with any questions.
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Looking to become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist, Roseman University College of Nursing has you covered. We are excited to announce that Roseman University is accepting applications for seats in the following nursing programs:
- Doctorate of Nurse Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (Summer 2026 start date)
- Doctorate of Nurse Practice-Nurse Anesthesia (Summer 2027 start date)
Visit our website to learn more about how you can start your academic journey to become an NP or CRNA with our graduate programs. For more information, contact Roseman University of Health Sciences at (702) 968-2054 or via email at dnpadmissions@roseman.edu.
Union University
Be prepared to change lives through the professional practice of nursing at Union University, where knowledge and faith unite. We offer an accelerated BSN if you want a career change or a variety of graduate programs to further your education. We also offer a fast-track program for registered nurses desiring a bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate Degrees
Accelerated BSN
- 15-months in-person full-time program for 3 Tennessee locations:
- Jackson- Apply by July 15 for Fall start
- Germantown and Hendersonville- Apply by July 15 for Fall start or Nov 30 for Spring start
RN - BSN
- Complete the RN-BSN online in little as 12 months (excluding general education requirements)
- Apply by July 15 for Fall start or Nov 1 for Spring start
Graduate Degrees
Graduate applications open each year in August with a variety of deadlines and admissions criteria for each program.
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Tracks include:
- Administration
- Education
- Nurse Practitioner (FNP & P-MH)
- MSN/MBA combination degree
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Available tracks include:
- Executive Leadership (BSN-DNP and Post-Master's DNP)
- Nurse Anesthesia (BSN-DNP)
- For Licensed CRNAs (CRNA-DNP and Post-Master's DNP)
- Nurse Practitioner (Family and Psychiatric Mental Health - BSN-DNP and Post-Master's DNP)
*MBA combination degree option with Post-Master's DNP
*BSN-DNP options are 36 months, full-time only. Post-master's options are available, either full-time (five semesters) and part-time (eight semesters)
Post-graduate certificates: Administration, Education and Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Endorsements: Education, Administration
For more information and details on these degrees, please contact Amy Joyner at 731-661-5028 or ajoyner@uu.edu.
University of Missouri - Columbia
The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing is a land grant university centrally located in mid-Missouri with a long history of serving rural and underserved populations. We accept students from across the country to our online DNP, MS(N) or post-graduate certificate programs. We are CCNE accredited, require limited on-campus visits, and charge in-state tuition to all students making completion of your degree affordable and convenient.
Our deadlines are September 30th (all degrees; rolling LDR & NE) and February 15th (all degrees; rolling LDR & NE) every year.
For more information on becoming a MIZZOU Nurse, visit our website or contact Dr. Miriam Butler (butlermd@missouri.edu) or Esther Ellis 573-884-4705 (ellise@missouri.edu) or Leslie McPeak 573-882-0200 (mcpeakl@missouri.edu).
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult-Gerontology
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Grad certs fall start only)
- Leadership & Innovations in Healthcare (MS or DNP) (Rolling applications. No Deadline)
- MS Nurse Educator (Rolling applications. No Deadline)
- MS Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Systems (Rolling applications. No Deadline)
Hear more about our program from one of our students: Christine Harris, Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care DNP
University of Texas Medical Branch
The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing is proud to be the 1st school of nursing in Texas! Educating nurses since 1890, UTMB offers undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to meet the needs of each nursing professional. To view more information on programs offered, including admission requirements and application openings, please visit our website at nursing.utmb.edu.
Undergraduate
- Accelerated BSN - on-campus (fall, spring, or summer entry)
- RN-BSN - online (fall entry only)
- Graduate
MSN - online (fall entry only)
- Family NP
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Neonatal NP
- Executive Nurse Leader
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nurse Educator
DNP (fall entry only)
- BSN-DNP Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, or Dual Track - online
- BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia - on-campus
- MSN-DNP - online
PhD - online (fall entry only)
- BSN-PhD
- MSN-PhD
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at son.studentaffairs@utmb.edu or (409) 772-8271. To view available open house dates and to register, please visit nursing.utmb.edu/openhouse.
Deadline extensions
Union University
Great news, there’s still time to take the next step toward your future at Union University! We’ve officially extended the application deadline for all Nurse Practitioner, Administration, Education, and Executive Leadership programs to June 1st, giving you a valuable opportunity to finish strong and submit your application. Whether life got busy or you just need a little more time to prepare, this extension is your chance to move forward with confidence. Don’t miss it, your calling in advanced nursing practice is waiting! If you apply between May 1st and May 8th, you can have your Union University Supplemental Application Fee waived in honor of Nurses Week!
Please visit our website for more details.
New Programs
Milwaukee School of Engineering
The Milwaukee School of Engineering is expanding its graduate nursing portfolio with the launch of two new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) tracks with rolling admission for the fall 2026 or spring 2027.
The Nurse Educator track prepares nurses to design and deliver impactful learning experiences, blending evidence-based practice with curriculum development and quality-focused instruction. The Nursing Informatics track equips graduates to lead at the intersection of patient care and data, leveraging analytics and technology to improve outcomes, safety, and system performance.
These new programs complement MSOE’s established MSN offerings, including the highly regarded Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program - currently ranked #1 in Wisconsin - as well as the Executive Leadership and Management Track Program. Together, these programs provide nurses with flexible pathways to advance their careers across clinical practice, education, leadership, and data-driven healthcare innovation.
MSOE’s PMHNP program emphasize a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating psychotherapy and evidence-based modalities while preparing graduates for certification through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Center (AHNCC).
All MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The only admissions criteria are a 3.0 undergraduate GPA (BSN required) and an unrestricted RN license.
Questions? Email grad@msoe.edu.
Oregon Health & Science University
The OHSU School of Nursing is excited to announce a new doctoral program! The DNP in Executive Leadership is now available to start this fall. This hybrid program can be completed in just 18 months. Join a program that prepares you to work in top executive roles.
Questions? Drop in for virtual office hours, schedule an advising appointment, email proginfo@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-7725. We look forward to talking with you!