I understand that by submitting this form I am agreeing to AACN's NursingCAS Exclusivity Requirement. AACN's NursingCAS Exclusivity Requirement is in effect starting with the 2023-2024 cycle, which launches August 10, 2023. This policy allows AACN to continue to deliver the robust services and features offered to participating schools through this no-cost platform.

As defined, the exclusivity requirement stipulates that for all programs included in NursingCAS, all initial applications to those programs must be submitted through NursingCAS. Schools may not offer the option to submit an institutional application for the same program-seeking applicants through NursingCAS. However, schools may choose to ask students to submit a second, supplemental application in addition to the NursingCAS application.

Example: If your DNP program is listed in NursingCAS, all DNP applications must come through NursingCAS. The same school, however, could opt to process all BSN applications through a separate application process.

To eliminate a second, supplemental application, schools can utilize Liaison’s integration resources to lessen the application burden for students. Integration into university systems is supported through data integration tools, which streamline the experience for students and programs. If additional IT support is needed on your campus for this project, the Liaison International integration team can provide professional services to complete this task. Email kjacobs@liaisonedu.com and swurth@aacnnursing.org for further information on these services or with questions about the Exclusivity Requirement.

AACN encourages all schools to utilize best admission practices, which includes collecting all applications through the same process for standardization, fairness, accreditation, and accurate data collection. The NursingCAS staff reserves the right to deactivate your listing on the application, restrict your access to the system, and withdraw your school from participation should we find that you are in violation of this Exclusivity Requirement.

Please check all that apply.

I understand that by submitting this form I am committing to have applicants apply through NursingCAS to my school’s nursing program(s) during the 2023-2024 cycle. I have read and I am agreeing to the terms outlined in the Participation Agreement.

I understand that by submitting this form I am agreeing to the NursingCAS Usage Policy. Full access to “In Progress” applicant data is viewable to users in WebAdMIT. It is permissible to export the NursingCAS applicant data into your internal university systems for the purpose of recruitment efforts and admissions workflow processes ONLY. NursingCAS prohibits any college or university from making an offer to an applicant before they have submitted their application through NursingCAS. Applicants generated to your program via NursingCAS are required to submit their application via NursingCAS should they wish to be considered for admission. The NursingCAS staff reserves the right to deactivate your listing on the application, restrict your access to the system, and withdraw your school from participation should we find that you are in violation of this usage agreement.

I understand that by submitting this form I confirm that my program(s) are accredited as outlined below. Programs that are eligible to participate are those that grant RN diplomas, 2nd degree, associate, certificate/non-degree, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in nursing. Programs must have or must be seeking accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), or the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Programs must notify the NursingCAS team of all accreditation status changes within 1 week via nursingcas@aacnnursing.org. NursingCAS programs which lose accreditation are responsible for notifying applicants immediately of the status change and refunding NursingCAS fees to applicants. NursingCAS will not be responsible for refunding fees to these applicants. If a program has new applicant status or is currently seeking accreditation from CCNE, ACEN, CNEA, COA, or ACME then AACN will decide whether or not and at what point that program will be eligible to participate in NursingCAS. Participation is open to non-AACN member schools.

I understand that schools reserve the right to withdraw participation from NursingCAS for any or all program(s) posted on NursingCAS. I understand if my school decides to voluntarily withdraw from NursingCAS, the primary contact from my school must sign and date a NursingCAS Voluntary Withdrawal Form and complete an exit survey. I understand that NursingCAS, Liaison International, and AACN are not responsible for refunding applicant fees. Schools should refund applicants their applicant fees in this scenario. You will need to notify AACN's Director of Application Services & Strategic Partnerships, Stephanie Wurth, at swurth@aacnnursing.org. of your decision. I understand that schools cannot officially withdraw from NursingCAS until they complete a posted program's application cycle, once the deadline arrives, schools can then deactivate their program listing should they choose to withdraw and will continue to have access to any submitted applications via WebAdMIT, the admissions software for NursingCAS.

I acknowledge that my program is responsible for the content collected within custom questions on the NursingCAS application. I understand it is the responsibility of each school to work with their internal legal counsel annually to determine if/how they should collect applicant background information (or other sensitive information) per individual state laws. I further understand that Liaison International and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing will not be responsible for ensuring the legality of any questions or content added by NursingCAS participating programs. Content within custom questions is the responsibility of each institution. Additional information is available at the 2021-2022: Critical Update to Background Questions page.