Applicant Newsletter

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The NursingCAS Applicant Newsletter is a monthly newsletter intended to keep you informed about programs with available space, deadline extensions, and new programs added to NursingCAS. The newsletter features:

  • Open Seats: One of the benefits of NursingCAS is to provide notifications to applicants about programs that have available space. Review the listing below to determine if you would like to apply to one of these programs.
  • Deadline Extensions: Programs often extend their deadlines in order to allow applicants more time to complete the admissions process. Review the list below to see if any programs you are interested in have extended their deadline.
  • New Programs: New programs are added to NursingCAS on a continual basis. Discover and learn about new program offerings available to you by reviewing the listings below.

Applicants can also view the NursingCAS Events Calendar, where NursingCAS schools provide prospective students with information on events like upcoming webinars and information sessions throughout the application cycle.

Apply Now


The 2025-2026 NursingCAS Application Cycle Opened on August 7

The 2025-2026 NursingCAS Application Cycle opened on August 7, 2025 and includes programs that begin in the following semesters: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, and Spring 2027.

The last date to submit to the 2024-2025 cycle is January 29, 2026. You will need to submit your application for the 2024-2025 cycle by 11:59 PM EST on January 29, 2026 for it to be considered by your program of interest (note that you must abide by your selected program’s deadline).

You are able to create a new account or log back into an existing account using the “Re-Applicant” feature. The Re-Applicant Feature allows you to carry over your data and transcripts from your previous NursingCAS application to the 2025-2026 application. The “Re-Applicant” feature is available to all users who had an active NursingCAS account during the previous application cycle regardless of whether your application was verified or even submitted to a program during that time. Additional details are available on this webpage.

To simplify the transition to the new cycle, please reference the New Application Cycle FAQs page.


Preparing and Strengthening Your NursingCAS Application Webinar

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) invites you to attend the Preparing and Strengthening Your NursingCAS Application webinar on Tuesday, September 30, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET. Gain answers to your NursingCAS questions and discover what you need to know regarding the nursing school application process. The webinar provides current and future applicants the opportunity to hear from NursingCAS and AACN representatives. Save your spot and register today!

Webinar content includes:

  • A detailed overview of the NursingCAS application
  • Guidance on requesting fee waivers, transcripts, and submitting coursework entry
  • Answers to FAQs (application statuses, references, etc.)
  • Tips to avoid common mistakes
  • Recommendations to ensure quick application processing times
  • Resources available for NursingCAS applicants

For more information on how NursingCAS can support you in the application process, please visit our website.


Register Now: Discover Nursing School Virtual Fair – Tues., October 14

Register to attend the free Discover Nursing School Virtual Fair taking place Tuesday, October 14, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET! This event is a unique opportunity to connect with a growing list of nursing schools and explore programs that fit your career goals.

During the Discover Nursing School Virtual Fair, you’ll be able to speak with deans, faculty, admissions reps, and current students to:

  • Learn about all types of nursing degrees (e.g., 2nd degree, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs)
  • Discover what makes nursing one of the top health professions
  • Explore which nursing school is the right fit for you
  • Hear from faculty about their areas of research
  • Get tips from current nursing students
  • Gain insight into writing personal statements and completing your application
  • Ask questions about the nursing profession, admission requirements, prerequisites, and elements of a successful application

Don’t miss out on the chance to get to know different nursing programs and let them know you’re interested!


OPEN SEATS


Carroll College – Montana

Carroll College in Helena, Montana is still accepting applications for our fifteen-month program in Accelerated Nursing, beginning May 2026. Students applying now can still be considered for our twenty-seat cohort. Apply by October 1, 2025 to receive your admission decision in October!

Our Nursing students are sought after by some of the nation’s best hospitals and clinics because our students are exceptionally well-prepared for a nursing career. Our Accelerated Nursing students’ NCLEX first-time pass rates are 100%, and our students are socially and technically skilled to handle whatever an adventure in nursing throws at them. For more information, please visit our website.

If you have any questions, please contact Christine Stout at cstout@carroll.edu.


Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin still has openings for the RN to BSN Completion program for Fall 2025! Classes start August 25, but it’s not too late to still apply! This is an ideal program for RNs with their associate’s degree in nursing who are looking to complete their bachelor’s online! Classes are every eight weeks and offered year-round.

Learn more about these opportunities by connecting with Karena Monson, Admissions Counselor at karena.monson@cuw.edu or by phone at (262) 243-4313.


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), master’s (MSN) and doctoral (DNP) degree levels. We also offer a variety of post-graduate APRN certificates.

We are now accepting applications for a Spring 2026 start date for the following programs:

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN):

  • Priority deadline- September 1
  • Secondary deadline- October 15

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

  • Deadline- October 1

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):

  • Deadline- October 1

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.


Florida International University

Florida International University is accepting applications for Fall 2026!

FIU Nursing’s Accelerated Option BSN program at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is uniquely designed for people who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The AO BSN is comprised of four (4) semesters of full-time coursework. Students are admitted into the AO BSN program once a year in the Fall semester.

The rolling admissions deadline to apply to the AO BSN program is May 1, 2026.

FIU Nursing’s Traditional BSN program at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a five (5) semester, full-time, upper-level program comprised of didactic coursework and clinical practice enriched with simulation education activities in our S.T.A.R. Center and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. Students are admitted into the Traditional BSN program twice a year in the Spring and Fall semesters.

The rolling admissions deadline to apply to the Traditional BSN program for Fall 2026 admission is May 1, 2026.

FIU Nursing’s Combined BSN/MSN Track for Foreign-Educated Physicians (FEP) program at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a pathway for foreign educated physicians (FEPs) from culturally diverse backgrounds to obtain the BSN degree, become Registered Nurses (RNs), obtain the MSN degree and become eligible to take the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) national certification exam. Students are admitted into the Combined BSN/MSN Track for Foreign-Educated Physicians (FEP) once a year in the Fall semester.

The rolling admissions deadline to apply to the Combined BSN/MSN Track for Foreign-Educated Physicians (FEP) program is May 1, 2026.

Apply now!


Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s local to global mission means we partner with people in Baltimore and around the world to improve health. As a top ranked graduate school of nursing, we serve as leaders both in the acute setting and in the community to improve health equity and advocate for people, their families, and entire populations. We hope you’ll consider becoming a Hopkins nurse.

Still Accepting Spring 2026 Applications for the Following Program:

MSN Entry into Nursing

Questions? Contact the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Office of Admissions at 410-955-7548 or jhuson@jhu.edu.

https://nursing.jhu.edu/


Kettering College

Accepting students for January 2026 entry!

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 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 healthcare 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 December 1 deadline for January admission and July 1 deadline for August admission.

Have questions? Contact Mary Kay Cobb, Graduate Admissions Counselor, at mary.cobb@kc.edu.


Oregon Health & Science University

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program

Join our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program and become dually certified in both primary care and acute care. View admissions requirements and apply by Sept. 1 to start this fall!

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 and helping you become a PNP!


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 have the following application deadlines:

  • Priority: December 15th
  • Preferred: March 15th
  • Rolling admission following the deadlines based on space availability

Please contact David Dinwiddie at david.dinwiddie@regiscollege.edu with any questions.


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) and February 15th (all degrees) every year. Graduate Certificate program only admits for Fall. 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
  • Leadership & Innovations in Healthcare (MS or DNP)
  • Graduate Certificate Care Management Online
  • MS Nurse Educator
  • MS Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Systems

Hear more about our program from one of our students.

Christine Harris, Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care DNP


DEADLINE EXTENSIONS


No Deadline Extensions to share this month – check the 2025-2026 NursingCAS Application for plenty of newly launched programs to explore!


NEW PROGRAMS


Baylor University

Thinking about accelerating your path to nursing? The wait is almost over! Applications for FastBacc program at Baylor University Louise Herington School of Nursing will open this month—on August 15.

FastBacc is Baylor University’s 12-month accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and are ready to transition into nursing with confidence and excellence.

This intensive, full-time program combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences at top healthcare facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth, preparing you to step into the field as a compassionate, well-equipped nurse—fast.

Important Reminders: Applications open on August 15th and close on January 15th. Admission is rolling, so early applications are strongly encouraged!

If nursing is your calling, FastBacc is your next step. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t miss the chance to begin your journey at one of the top nursing programs in the country.

Have questions? We’re here to help—reach out to our admissions team anytime at FastBacc@baylor.edu.


University of California Berkeley – Extension

UC Berkeley Extension is proud to announce our new Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program, designed to help you fulfill essential prerequisites and transfer into a BSN or entry-level undergraduate nursing program with confidence.

  • Complete in 1–2 years
  • Online and in-person courses during evenings and weekends
  • Earn a certificate
  • UC Berkeley academic quality
  • Eligibility for the Pre-Nursing Excelerator Scholarship
  • Dedicated advising to create customized pathways

Whether you’re starting your academic journey, changing careers or building on your current education, our pathway program provides all courses to make you a competitive nursing school applicant.

If admitted, you can also take advantage of an exclusive linkage pathway to Samuel Merritt University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Each fall, 10 guaranteed seats are reserved for high-achieving students who complete the program and meet the eligibility requirements. We will help you build a customized, structured path to meet the requirements to successfully transfer.

Current community college students on pre-nursing/health-related tracks or high school graduates who have completed little to no college courses but with some healthcare experience are eligible to apply. Must be a U.S. or permanent resident.

Apply through NursingCAS and include:

  • Minimum college GPA of 3.0 (if applicable)
  • Current C.V. or résumé
  • Two professional/experiential or academic letters of recommendation. All letters should be submitted on official letterhead.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
  • Personal statement/essay
  • Response to all questions on the “Questions” tab of the application.

The deadline for Spring 2026 admissions is October 31. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Attend an upcoming information session!

For more information about the program, visit our webpage or email extension-prehealth@berkeley.edu.


ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?