NursingCAS is a centralized online application that lets you apply to several nursing programs with one set of transcripts and materials. About 40% of accredited CRNA programs use it, so you will likely need it for some schools and separate applications for others.
For the 2026-2027 cycle, graduate applications cost $90 for the first program and $60 for each additional one. Programs may add their own supplemental fee.
What NursingCAS is
NursingCAS stands for the Nursing Centralized Application Service. It is run for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. That group is also called AACN, and it is separate from the critical care nurses' association behind the CCRN.
The system runs on technology from Liaison, which also handles its help center and recommender portal.
You complete one application, choose your programs, add each program's extra materials and submit. Programs see your application and decide on admission themselves. NursingCAS only processes it.
How many CRNA programs use it
Everything CRNA's School Finder data (October 2026) shows 61 of the 154 accredited programs use NursingCAS and 91 do not. Status wasn't clear for 2.
The rest use the university's own graduate application or another portal. See our list of CRNA programs that use NursingCAS, and confirm on each program's admissions page.
Fees for 2026-2027
| Application type | First program | Each additional program |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate (includes CRNA programs) | $90 | $60 |
| Undergraduate | $70 | $55 |
NursingCAS fees are non-refundable. Some programs charge a separate supplemental fee that you pay to the school directly. NursingCAS offers a limited number of fee waivers on a first-come, first-served basis; a waiver covers the first program only.
Across all programs in our data, the median application fee is $85, and fees range from $0 to $235. Budget for both NursingCAS and school fees when you plan how many programs to apply to. Our cost calculator can help with the bigger picture.
Key dates
- The 2026-2027 cycle opened on August 6, 2026.
- The 2026-2027 cycle closes on January 28, 2028.
- Program deadlines are usually much earlier than the cycle close date.
Some CRNA programs list deadlines in the older 2025-2026 cycle during the overlap period. Check which cycle each program is in. See CRNA schools by deadline.
How the application works
1. Create an account and choose programs
Use the search tools to add your programs. Then open each program's Program Materials section and read its requirements carefully.
2. Enter your coursework
You type in every course from every college you attended, using your transcripts. This is slow and detailed, so start early.
3. Send official transcripts
Have each college send official transcripts to NursingCAS. Electronic transcripts from Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse are accepted. Paper transcripts need the NursingCAS Transcript ID Form.
4. Add experience, licenses and certifications
List your ICU jobs, hours, RN license and certifications such as CCRN, BLS, ACLS and PALS.
5. Request references
References receive an email from NursingCAS and submit directly through Liaison's recommender portal. Completed references can't be removed or replaced. Read our letters of recommendation guide first.
6. Complete program materials
Some programs add their own essay questions, documents or forms. Once you submit, you can't edit uploaded documents. See our personal statement guide.
7. Send test scores if needed
If a program wants GRE scores, send them from ETS using that program's NursingCAS GRE code. Scores post to your application in batches. See GRE for CRNA school.
8. Submit and wait for verification
Once all required materials arrive, your application is marked Complete and queued for verification. NursingCAS says verification can take up to 10 business days. Build that time into your plan before each program's deadline.
How NursingCAS calculates your GPA
During verification, NursingCAS standardizes your grades so programs can compare applicants. It calculates several GPAs, including by school, by year, cumulative undergraduate, graduate and by subject category such as science.
Two points matter for CRNA applicants:
- Repeated courses. NursingCAS does not apply your school's grade replacement or forgiveness policies. All grades for repeated courses count in its GPA.
- Quarter hours. Courses are converted to semester hours.
So your NursingCAS GPA can differ from your transcript GPA. Programs may also calculate their own GPA, such as your last 60 credits. See CRNA school with a low GPA.
Tips to avoid delays
- Start 6 to 8 weeks before your first deadline. NursingCAS's own countdown suggests requesting transcripts and references five weeks out. Give yourself more margin.
- Enter coursework exactly as on your transcript. Big errors can cause your application to be returned for correction.
- Add NursingCAS email addresses to your contacts and check your spam folder.
- Track every item in the status section. NursingCAS will not chase missing references for you.
- Pay attention to each program's extra steps. Some require a supplemental application or fee paid directly to the school.
- Save a PDF of your submitted application.
Reapplying through NursingCAS
The Re-Applicant feature carries your coursework data and processed transcripts into the next cycle. References and program materials do not carry over, so you'll need to request references and complete program sections again. See reapplying after a rejection.
FAQ
Do all CRNA programs use NursingCAS?
No. In our data, 61 of 154 programs use it. The rest use their own systems.
How much does NursingCAS cost for five CRNA programs?
For 2026-2027, it's $90 plus four times $60, or $330, before any supplemental school fees.
Who do I contact about admission requirements?
The program. NursingCAS handles application questions only. Admission criteria, interviews and decisions come from each school.
Can I apply before my ICU year is complete?
It depends on the program. Some allow you to apply if you'll meet the requirement by the start date. Check each program's rules.
Sources
- NursingCAS: What is NursingCAS
- NursingCAS: Before You Apply (fees and fee assistance)
- NursingCAS: Getting Started (cycle dates, re-applicant feature, transcripts)
- NursingCAS Applicant Help Center: What is Verification?
- NursingCAS Applicant Help Center: Calculating Your GPAs
- NursingCAS Applicant Help Center: Program Materials and References
- NursingCAS Applicant Help Center: Official GRE Scores
- Everything CRNA's School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices.