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When and How to Apply
Tools and Resources to Help Applicants Prepare and Apply
BSN Generic, 2nd Degree and RN to BSN Admission Cycle Dates
- The BSN(Generic) Program offers two admission cycles per year (Spring and Fall). Approximately 90-100 students are accepted each admission cycle.
- The Second-Degree BSN Program offers three admission cycles per year (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Approximately 30-40 students are accepted each admission cycle.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring the instructions and timeline due dates for official transcripts and submission of the application are followed to ensure the verification process can be completed by NursingCAS by the application closing deadline.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their complete and accurate application receives the Verified Status from NursingCAS by the application closing deadline (or within the 14-business days grace period after the closing deadline to resolve the verification issues and receive Verified status).
- Applicants are responsible for following the application instructions and requirements on the NursingCAS application and "How To Apply-Application Requirements" on this webpage below.
- Utilize both the Application Checklist and NursingCAS Checklist to guide you through the application process and requirements.
Important: The School of Nursing requires that applicant order all Official Transcripts directly from the NursingCAS application 5 weeks before the application closing deadline and applicants must ensure NursingCAS receives all Official Transcripts 2-3 weeks prior to the closing deadline. Official Transcripts are required for NursingCAS' Verification process to begin after submission of your application.
SUBMIT THE NURSINGCAS APPLICATION 2-4 weeks before the closing deadline below.
NursingCAS conducts a verification process for all applications. The School of Nursing requires that all applications receive the VERIFIED STATUS before the application closing deadline (or within the 14-business days grace period to resolve any remaining verification issues).
The Verification process takes NursingCAS 10 business days if all official transcripts were received and the application will complete and accurate. It could take up to 4 weeks if the application had transcript entry errors or official transcripts were missing after submission.
Application Closing Deadlines (submit 2-4 weeks before the cycle closing date):
Fall 2026
Application Opens: November 1, 2025
Application Closes: January 8, 2026
Spring 2027
Application Opens: April 1, 2026
Application Closes: May 31, 2026
Acceptance/Denial Letter Send Dates
Fall 2026: Last Week of May 2026
Spring 2027: Last Week of September 2026
Cycle open and closing dates are subject to change.
We have extended the application cycle from 30 days to at least 60 days. This is more than sufficient time to complete your application accurately, ensure all official transcripts are received by NursingCAS, for NursingCAS to complete the Verification process and to obtain the VERIFIED status by the application closing deadline.
CAN I APPLY IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE APPLICATION CYCLE CLOSES?
Yes, however, the Verified status must be received by the application closing deadline or within the 14-business days grace period. If applicant misses the deadline the application will not be processed or considered.
A grace period of 14-business days (final deadline) is available after the application closing deadline. It can be utilized to resolve Verification issues. It is NOT to submit an application or meant to be utilized to start ordering transcripts that were required before the closing deadline. Applicants may order transcripts in the last two weeks or during the grace period at their own risk if the timeline and application requirements were not followed before submission and the deadline. Applicant must monitor their status every business day and correct any issues if RECEIVED or UNDELIVERED status are received. Those status indicate issues must be resolved.
Applicant may reapply for the next cycle if the Verified status is not reached by the final deadline. No further extensions further will be provided.
Important: The School of Nursing requires that applicant order all Official Transcripts directly from the NursingCAS application 5 weeks before the application closing deadline and applicants must ensure NursingCAS receives all Official Transcripts 2-3 weeks prior to the closing deadline. Official Transcripts are required for NursingCAS' Verification process to begin after submission of your application.
SUBMIT THE NURSINGCAS APPLICATION 2-4 weeks before the closing deadline below.
NursingCAS conducts a verification process for all applications. The School of Nursing requires that all applications receive the VERIFIED STATUS before the application closing deadline (or within the 14-business days grace period to resolve any remaining verification issues).
The Verification process takes NursingCAS 10 business days if all official transcripts were received and the application will complete and accurate. It could take up to 4 weeks if the application had transcript entry errors or official transcripts were missing after submission.
Application Closing Deadlines (submit 2-4 weeks before the application closing deadline):
Summer 2026
Application Opens: September 1, 2025
Application Closes: October 31, 2025
Fall 2026
Application Opens: December 1, 2025
Application Closes: January 31, 2026
Spring 2027
Application Opens: May 1, 2026
Application Closes: June 30, 2026
Acceptance/Denial Letter Send Dates
Summer 2026: Third week of January 2026
Fall 2026: Last week of May 2026
Spring 2027: Last Week of September 2026
Cycle open and closing dates are subject to change.
We have extended the application cycle from 30 days to at least 60 days. This is more than sufficient time to complete your application accurately, ensure all official transcripts are received by NursingCAS, for NursingCAS to complete the Verification process and to obtain the VERIFIED status by the application closing deadline.
CAN I APPLY IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE APPLICATION CYCLE CLOSES?
Yes, however, the Verified status must be received by the application closing deadline or within the 14-business days grace period. If applicant misses the deadline the application will not be processed or considered.
A grace period of 14-business days (final deadline) is available after the application closing deadline. It can be utilized to resolve Verification issues. It is NOT to submit an application or meant to be utilized to start ordering transcripts that were required before the closing deadline. Applicants may order transcripts in the last two weeks or during the grace period at their own risk if the timeline and application requirements were not followed before submission and the deadline. Applicant must monitor their status every business day and correct any issues if RECEIVED or UNDELIVERED status are received. Those status indicate issues must be resolved.
Applicant may reapply for the next cycle if the Verified status is not reached by the final deadline. No further extensions further will be provided.
Spring 2026
Application Opens: August 14, 2025
Application Closes: January 2, 2026
Fall 2026
Application Opens: April 23, 2026
Application Closes: August 19, 2026
Cost of the program:
RN to BSN cost per credit hour (CH) is $277.78
The total Program is 30 Credit Hours and program cost is approximately $8,333.33
plus, a graduation fee of $50. The total estimated cost is $8,383.33
How to Apply-Application Requirements
Important: Before beginning the application process, applicants must ensure that have read the Application Eligibility and Admissions Requirements in the UTRGV Catalog and the HESI Requirements, including minimum required scores (this information can also be found on the School of Nursing's navigation bar).
Step 1:
All applicants must apply to UTRGV via www.ApplyTexas.org amd tp be accepted before the program application closing deadline.
All applicants must submit all official transcripts from all colleges and universities where any of the required program and core credits were earned to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions (complete this step six weeks before the cycle opens-or no later than the first week of the application cycle). This is important to ensure transcripts are evaluated to determine if course requirements have been met.
Program applications will be considered incomplete and not considered if applicants have not been accepted to UTRGV for the term and program you intend to apply for and all official transcripts have not been submitted to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions for evaluation.
Who Needs to Apply or Reapply to UTRGV?
- All BSN, 2nd degree BSN, and RN to BSN nursing applicants who are not currently enrolled in courses at UTRGV as a “first degree seeker”
- All those who have a bachelor’s degree and are seeking a second bachelor’s degree.
- All transfer students from other institutions.
- Applicants who are enrolled in courses at UTRGV and who will not have earned a bachelor’s degree and are not graduating soon, an ApplyTexas application is not necessary since you have an active application now.
ApplyTexas Tips:
- If you previously attended UTRGV or UTPA and are still seeking your first bachelor’s degree, select “readmit” on the ApplyTexas application.
- If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, review UTRGV’s Admissions’ “Second Degree Students” instructions and select BSN-Nursing (2nd Degree) on ApplyTexas application and admit term you are applying for.
- If you are graduating from UTRGV, reapply on ApplyTexas during your last term after applying for graduation—no need to wait until you graduate.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring they receive an UTRGV acceptance via their UTRGV email from UTRGV prior to the program's application closing deadline.
Transcripts required for UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions:
- All applicants must submit Official Transcripts from all other institutions where you earned any credits to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions. Do not request that your previous institution send your Official Transcript to the UTRGV School of Nursing.
- Order your official transcripts 6 weeks before the application cycle opens to allow time for evaluation, but if you have not done so, request them and ensure they are received by UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions during the first week that the application cycle opens.
- Once you complete any planned or courses in progress, at other institutions, you must send another official transcript after the cycle closing to Undergraduate Admissions for evaluation. This must be done as soon as your grades are posted by your other institution.
- All applicants must read and comply with Step 3 for the transcript requirements for NursingCAS and UTRGV.
Applicants must have an active UTRGV email address.
Applicants may proceed to Step 2 pending an acceptance to UTRGV after submitting the ApplyTexas application and ordering all your official transcripts to be sent to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions.
Important:
- The UTRGV School of Nursing will not process incomplete applications for the committee’s review.
- The School of Nursing cannot process applications or accept a student to the program without having been accepted to UTRGV first and all official transcripts evaluated by Undergraduate Admissions.
- If applicants have not been accepted to UTRGV and submitted all official transcripts to Undergraduate Admissions by the application closing deadline, those applications will be marked incomplete and not considered.
- Applicants must ensure they have an active UTRGV application for the term in which they are applying and that they have selected the correct intended nursing major. Applicants will receive a letter reflecting if you have been accepted to UTRGV.
- If you have any questions regarding apply to UTRGV, we highly recommend that you contact Undergraduate Admissions to ensure you have been accepted for the correct term and intended nursing program.
Need help with the Admissions to UTRGV?
- Transfer students or those seeking their 2nd bachelor's degree review: Undergraduate Admissions instructions on How to Apply to UTRGV.
- Returning undergraduate students review: Undergraduate Admissions instructions on How to Apply to UTRGV.
- Contact: Undergraduate Admissions if you need assistance with completing your application for UTRGV on Applytexas.org.
- Contact the schoolofnursing@utrgv.edu with your questions if you need further assistance after reviewing and completing the above steps and contacting the Undergraduate Admissions Office about your acceptance to UTRGV.
RN TO BSN: Apply to the School of Nursing via your TK20 Application (for those with an RN License)
1. Complete Your UTRGV Admission First
- You must first apply to UTRGV and be officially accepted before proceeding with the School of Nursing application.
2. Access TK20 for Nursing Application
- Once the application cycle opens, TK20 will be activated for the RN to BSN applicants.
- Visit the UTRGV TK20 portal above to begin your School of Nursing application.
3. Log In Using UTRGV Credentials
- You must use your UTRGV email and password to sign in.
- If your credentials don’t work:
- Click Admissions on the TK20 homepage.
- Then click “Click here to create your account” and register using your email.
4. Submit Your RN to BSN Application
- Follow the prompts in TK20 to complete and submit your application.
- Be sure to upload any required documents and verify all information before submitting.
5. Need Help with this step?
- View the TK20 guide and instructions to create a TK20 account.
- Contact the School of Nursing: schoolofnursing@utrgv.edu or 956-665-3491
Application Fees
- First application: $65 (Additional applications - same cycle): $55
- Fee waivers: Limited and offered only by NursingCAS, not UTRGV. Contact NursingCAS directly for eligibility. For more fee information, see NursingCAS.
Application Status Requirements for applications to be reviewed and processed by the School of Nursing
- All applicants (Generic BSN, 2nd Degree BSN and RN to BSN): Must obtain Verified status on their NursingCAS application before the application closing deadline (or within the 14-business days grace period). The grace period is NOT to submit your application after the closing deadline nor is it meant to start ordering official transcripts from any institution attended as those were due prior to application closing deadline as per the timeline and application required provided.
- Note: The Verified status is a requirement for the Generic BSN applicants starting in Spring 2027 and for RN to BSN applicants starting in Fall 2026.
- All Applicants: Must reach “Verified” status for an application to be processed and considered by the application closing deadline.
- A grace period of 14 business days (final deadline) after the program's application cycle closes is provided for applicants to correct any issues and receive the Verified Status.
- The grace period is NOT for submitting an application after the closing deadline and is not intended to be utilized for order official transcripts that were required by the School of Nursing to be ordered and received by NursingCAS prior to the application closing deadline as per the timeline requirements and instructions.
- Applicants ordering transcripts during the grace period do so at their own risk as Verified status may not be received before the final deadline. All official transcripts are are required to be received by NursingCAS 2-3 weeks before the application closing deadline and if they were not received by the closing deadline, the application is incomplete. Applicant may reapply next cycle if they miss the final deadline to receive the Verified status.
- It takes NursingCAS approximately 10 business days after submitting a complete application and all official transcripts and completing course entries for Verification by NursingCAS (it will take longer if application has unreported institutions attended, transcript entry errors or if official transcripts are missing).
Applicant Responsibilities
- Read and follow the School of Nursing’s application instructions on the NursingCAS application.
- Read the Application Eligibility and Admission Requirements (including prerequisite course requirements and HESI requirements).
- Review the HESI Requirements, including minimum score requirements.
- Monitor your application status every business day on NursingCAS and immediately resolve any issues.
- RECEIVED AND UNDELIVERED status mean that the applicant is missing documents or information and must review instructions and contact NursingCAS immediately to correct any issues before the application closing deadline.
- The School of Nursing WILL NOT alert applicants if they receive the Undelivered or Received status that need immediate attention.
- Contact NursingCAS directly for any application issues or questions regarding the verification process (NOT the School of Nursing).
- Check your personal and UTRGV emails frequently for important messages.
- NursingCAS does NOT notify applicants about missing or invalid HESI scores or if you have an incomplete application that does not meet the program requirements.
- Verified status NursingCAS does not indicate that the applicant meets the application eligibility and admission requirements
- APPLICANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING THEIR APPLICATION STATUS EVERY BUSINESS DAY AND ENSURING THEY RECEIVE THE VERIFIED STATUS BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
Need Help with this step?
- Contact NursingCAS Customer Service to speak to a representative about your application.
- NursingCAS’ Applicant Help Center for video tutorials and instructions to complete each section of your application.
- Click “Chat” after logging into your NursingCAS Application to ask NursingCAS Questions.
- Review the BSN and 2nd degree Checklist.
- Review SON’s NursingCAS Checklist and How-To Videos.
- Contact the School of Nursing only after contacting NursingCAS about any application issues or questions as they administer the verification process: schoolofnursing@utrgv.edu or 956-665-3491
ENSURE RECEIPT OF ALL OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS BY BOTH UTRGV AND NURSINGCAS:
APPLICANTS MISSING ANY OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND NOT ENSURING RECEIPT WITHIN THE TIMELINE INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED, RISK THEIR APPLICATION BEING MARKED INCOMPLETE AND NOT CONSIDERED.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST RECEIVE THE VERIFIED STATUS BEFORE THE APPLICATION CLOSING DEADLINE (OR WITH the 14-BUSINESS DAYS GRACE PERIOD). NO FURTHER EXTENSIONS WILL BE PROVIDED AFTER THE GRACE PERIOD.
Step 3: Two sets of official transcripts are required (one for UTRGV and one for NursingCAS. Submit your official transcripts and Credit by Exam to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions and NursingCAS as follows:
Applicants must NOT wait to order because they have courses in progress. All official transcripts for both UTRGV and NURSINGCAS are due for all completed courses prior to the application closing date as per the timeline deadlines for receipt.
What Applicants Must Do
For UTRGV:
- Submit Official Transcripts from every college or university where you earned any of the 63 credit hours in required program prerequisites, including core credits to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions
- Complete this step six weeks before the cycle opens to avoid any delays or issues with retrieving transcript records from your previous institutions due to holds, etc. If not completed in advance, complete during the first week the cycle is open to ensure all official transcripts are evaluated. Do not wait to submit transcripts if you have courses in progress. Another set of transcripts are to be submitted to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions after the course(s) in progress is completed. if ordering your transcripts late, all official transcripts must be received by UTRGV before the application closing deadline.
- Applications will be marked incomplete and not considered if applicant has not been accepted to UTRGV for the term and the nursing program applying for and if all official transcripts were not received by UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions prior to the application closing deadline.
- Submit any credit by exam (IB, AP, CLEP, etc.) to Undergraduate Admissions as per their instructions on the link above by the application deadline. If your transcript from another institution indicates credit for IB, AP, CLEP, etc. for required course submit that official transcript to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions.
For NursingCAS:
After reporting institutions in the Colleges Attended tab under the Academic History section of the NursingCAS application, order all official transcripts.
NOT REPORTING ALL INSTITUTIONS YOU ATTENDED AND NOT ENSURING RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT BY NURSINGCAS (including UTRGV, STC, TSC, etc) WILL DELAY PROCESSING OF YOUR APPLICATION AND YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED UNDELIVERED BY NURSINGCAS AND CANNOT BE VERIFIED.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST:
- Order and submit all Official Transcripts from every institution attended, including UTRGV, to NursingCAS 5 weeks prior to the application closing deadline (and ensure receipt of those official transcripts two-three weeks prior to the application closing deadline to allow time for the verification process to be completed before the application closing deadline.
- Obtain the VERIFIED status on NursingCAS by the application closing deadline.
- Ordering and receiving transcripts in the last two weeks or during the grace period may cause the application not to be Verified by the final deadline so follow instructions and timeline for ordering and ensuring that the requirement for transcripts to be received 2-3 weeks before the application closing deadline are followed.
- The Verified status must be obtained within the 14 business days grace period (final deadline) to fix application issues. This grace period is NOT indented for applicant to submit the application or to start ordering any official transcripts that were required to be received before the closing deadline as per the application instructions.
Official transcripts must be ordered for NursingCAS directly from the portal on the “Colleges Attended” tab. After you add every college or university you attended, the “Order” button can be clicked. Ensure you know if you previous institution used Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or other service to transmit official transcripts electronically.
Applicants who do not receive Verified status by the application closing deadline will be marked INCOMPLETE and will not be considered (Or within the 14-business day grace period). NursingCAS can continue to verify your application, but applicant will need to apply for the next cycle regardless if the Verified status was received after the application closing deadline.
All Applicants:
Courses in Progress and Transcript Requirements for UTRGV and NursingCAS:
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- UTRGV must be updated if you complete course(s) at a different institution if it was in progress after you submitted your application:
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- All applicants must order and submit another new Official Transcript to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions once those courses are finalized at another institution (and send an Unofficial Transcript copy to the Schoolofnursing@utrgv.edu. This must be completed immediately after your grade(s) are posted to ensure your application information is updated for the committee.
- If you completed the course(s) at UTRGV you do not need to send us a copy, as we can see your academic record at UTRGV.
- Complete a NursingCAS Application Update after you complete a course in progress after submission of your application.
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What to do if you applied to the School of Nursing, but have a course(s) in progress:
Applicants must complete a “Application Update” in NursingCAS once the courses in progress are completed to maintain their Verified status. This must be done if you completed the course(s) at institution other than UTRGV. It is optional, if you completed the course in progress at UTRGV. The School of Nursing will check your UTRGV academic record again before the committee reviews applications.
Repeating Courses for Grade Improvement:
Applicants must provide an Unofficial Transcript via the emails above reflecting they are repeating a course at UTRGV or another institution (this must be received immediately after registering for the course and again immediately after completing the course).
- Alert the Schoolofnursing@utrgv.edu if you are retaking any courses for grade improvement at UTRGV or another institution. Otherwise, we will consider your current grade.
- Note in your email that you are sending your updated unofficial transcript for grade improvement.
- Reminder: All applicants only must complete an Academic Update in NursingCAS and submit another official transcript to NursingCAS after completing a course in progress.
Important
- Applicants must follow all the application instructions on NursingCAS, including the instructions to submit and ensure receipt of all official transcripts 2-3 weeks prior to the application closing deadline. Applications will be incomplete and not considered if the official transcripts are not received as per the application requirements and deadline and if the verified status is not received by the application closing deadline (or within the 14-business days grace period). Applicant may reapply for the next cycle if they miss the Verified status deadline.
- Applicants should use the Applicant Checklist and NursingCAS checklist on this webpage above to help them prepare and apply.
- Applicants must order and submit Official Transcripts to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions from each institution where any college credits were earned (that includes STC, TSC, etc.) and they should be received as per the timeline requirements and instructions above. Applications will be incomplete and not considered if all official transcripts are not submitted to UTRGV Undergraduate Admissions before the program's application closing deadline.
- “Transferred from…” notations on transcripts are not accepted for credit evaluation. Thus, submit your official transcripts from the institution where any credits where earned to Undergraduate Admissions.
- UTRGV does not accept credit from Study.com.
Why It Matters
- Your application will be incomplete and not considered if you have not submitted the required transcripts to both NursingCAS and UTRGV according to the instructions and timeline provided.
- If official transcripts are not received as per the instructions and timeline requirements above by both NursingCAS and UTRGV undergraduate Admissions the application will be marked incomplete and not considered.
- The deadline to receive official transcripts is an application requirement set by the School of Nursing and is required to process applications.
- The School of Nursing uses your NursingCAS application and official transcript evaluations to:
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- Confirm if applicants meet the application eligibility and admission requirements.
- Identify missing coursework or potential substitutions.
- To make admission decisions.
Need Help with this step?
Contact
Admissions about transcript evaluations and submitting Official Transcripts to UTRGV.
NursingCAS Customer Service if you have issues with uploading transcripts or your transcript entries to NursingCAS. NursingCAS can answer any questions regarding the verification process. Please do not contact the School of Nursing as we do no administer that process.
Contact the schoolofnursing@utrgv.edu with your questions if you need further assistance.
Step 4: Submit Valid HESI Scores Before the Cycle Closes (late scores are not accepted).
Who Must Submit
- BSN Generic and 2nd BSN Degree applicants.
Required HESI Sections
Applicants must upload all valid HESI score sheets that you want SON to consider. Submit all scores for the sections listed below (including any valid HESI retests). We will take the highest scores from the valid exams you upload to NursingCAS:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Math
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Critical Thinking (submitted on a separate score sheet)
- Cumulative Score (this score is derived from the score sheet where all all HESI sections above where taken or retaken in one sitting). Critical Thinking can be taken in separate sitting as it is not part of the Cumulative Score
- Applicants must achieve a score of 75% or higher on the required components of the HESI A2 Exam (Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Math, Anatomy and Physiology, and a minimum of 750 score for Critical Thinking). Applicants must review "HESI Requirements and Information" and FAQs below for more details and instructions.
HESI Scores:
- Upload all valid HESI score sheets under Documents tab in NursingCAS including any retests you took that you want SON to consider before the cycle closes.
- Enter HESI valid attempts you want us to consider by date under the Academic History --Standardized Test Scores tab.
- Enter your highest valid HESI score achieved from any of your attempts under the Program Materials tab --Questions tab.
- Late or invalid submissions will not be accepted—your application will be considered incomplete and not considered.
HESI Retesting:
- Applicants must wait 3 weeks between HESI attempts.
- Plan ahead if you need to retest while the cycle is still open.
- Applicants may take the HESI exam no more than twice each academic year (September 1 – August 31).
- Applicants must retake all sections of HESI again (except Critical Thinking) during their next sitting if seeking to improve a cumulative score.
Applicants Must Review the following for further details and instructions:
Need Help after reviewing the above information and resources?
- Contact the School of Nursing: schoolofnurisng@utrgv.edu or 956-665-3491