Complete one application, select programs of interest, submit any additional supporting materials (such as references, essays, etc.) and information required by your selected programs, and submit. Please visit the Applicant Help Center or contact support if you have questions about your application.
Once you create an account with NursingCAS, you can access your application as often as you need. Specific instructions are available within each section of the application. The programs you select and apply to via NursingCAS will have real-time access to your application and supporting materials so they can make admissions decisions. It’s important to note that NursingCAS is only processing the application, schools and programs have full control over admissions decisions.
Before you begin the application process you should complete a few initial steps to set yourself up for success.
- Use the search tool in NursingCAS to find programs of interest.
- Visit the Websites of the programs you are interested in to learn more.
- Check the Program Materials section of NursingCAS after selecting program(s) to learn more about the specific admissions criteria and requirements for each school you are interested in. It is important to note that nursing programs have varying admissions criteria and deadlines.
- Contact individuals that you would like to have for references (if required by your program).
- Obtain copies of your college transcripts to assist you in completing the course work section of the application.
- Request for official transcripts to be mailed with the Transcript Request Form or sent electronically via National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment or Credential Solutions
To avoid missing crucial emails for the duration of the application cycle, add the below email addresses to your contact list. nursingcas@aacnnursing.org | info@nursingcas.myliaison.com | nursingcasinfo@nursingcas.org | noreply@nursingcas.org | donotreply@webadmit.org | NursingCASemail@nursingcas.org | @sendgrid.me
As you prepare to apply to nursing schools with NursingCAS, you’ll want to begin by creating an account.
DNP (Post-Bachelor’s)
Admits nurses with a baccalaureate degree who want to pursue a doctoral degree that focuses on practice. This program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline and is a terminal degree. Also known as BSN to DNP.LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse)
A program that requires at least one year of full-time equivalent coursework and awards a diploma or certificate of completion as a LPN/LVN.LPN/LVN to BSN/BS (for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses)
Admits licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Admits students with baccalaureate nursing degrees and awards at completion, a certificate.Post-Graduate Certificate
Admits nurses with a graduate degree in nursing, and, at completion, awards either a certificate or other evidence of completion, such as a letter from the program director.RN Diploma
A program that is typically housed within a hospital based structural unit and awards a diploma or certificate of completion.Associate Degree in Nursing
A program that requires at least two to three academic years of full-time equivalent college academic work and awards an associate degree in nursing.BSN/BS (2nd Degree) for Non-Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree
An accelerated program that admits students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines and no previous nursing education and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.BSN/BS (for Non-Nurses)
Admits students with no previous nursing education and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.RN to BSN/BS (for Registered Nurses)
Admits RNs with associate degrees or diplomas in nursing and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.Master’s (Entry-Level) for Non-Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree
Admits students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines and no previous nursing education. Program prepares graduates for entry into the profession and awards a master’s degree in nursing. Although these programs generally require a baccalaureate degree, a few programs admit students without baccalaureate degrees.Master’s (MSN/MS/MN)
Admits students with baccalaureate nursing degrees and awards a master of nursing, master of science with a major in nursing, or a master of science in nursing.RN to MSN/MS/MN (for Nurses without a Bachelor’s degree)
Admits RNs without baccalaureate degrees in nursing and awards a master’s of science degree in nursing. Typically these programs require students have an associate degree to be admitted.DNP (Post-Master’s)
Admits nurses with a master’s degree who want to pursue a doctoral degree that focuses on practice. This program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline and is a terminal degree.DNS (Doctor of Nursing Science)
| Admits RNs with master’s degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge. |
DNAP (Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice)
Admits nurses with a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major who want to pursue a doctoral degree that focuses on practice specializing in anesthesia. This program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline and is a terminal degree (Source: The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs).PhD (Post-Bachelor’s)
Admits RNs with baccalaureate degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge.PhD (Post-Master’s)
Admits RNs with master’s degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge.NursingCAS Fees
Consult each program’s page to check if the programs you are applying to charge a supplemental fee in addition to the NursingCAS fee. You must submit any supplemental fees directly to the programs you are applying to; NursingCAS does not process supplemental fees. NursingCAS cannot give a refund if a selection was made in error or transfer the payment to another program. NursingCAS fees are subject to change.
FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
NursingCAS offers a limited number of fee waivers to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Each fee waiver covers only the initial application fee, so if you wish to apply to additional programs, you are responsible for the remaining balance. If you received a fee waiver during a previous cycle, you may apply for another in the next cycle.
You may request a fee waiver as soon as you create an application, but keep in mind that funds can be quickly depleted. Contact customer service before you submit a fee waiver request to determine if waivers are still available. You can find detailed information about the NursingCAS fee waiver system in the Applicant Help Center.