Bellarmine University Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences offers pre-licensure BSN pathways, online MSN and DNP programs, and nurse anesthesia—on a campus in Louisville’s Highlands with a large regional clinical network. This guide summarizes verified program scope, Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) NCLEX data, and published Bellarmine tuition for nursing-related programs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Bellarmine combines a direct-entry four-year BSN (with sophomore transition to the nursing major), a Nursing CAS–based Accelerated BSN with a published $905/credit rate, and CCNE-accredited online MSN/DNP tracks—backed by KBN-documented BSN NCLEX outcomes you can cross-check in the state’s Pass Rates PDF.
Overview & Why Students Choose Bellarmine
The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences sits on Bellarmine’s main campus on Newburg Road in Louisville, Kentucky. The school emphasizes interprofessional simulation, a large partner network for clinical learning, and progression policies that (per Bellarmine’s own Pride Points) tie undergraduate nursing admission to published criteria rather than a fixed seat count—so meeting benchmarks is central to your plan.
Bellarmine’s BSN pages note strong NCLEX performance relative to broader averages. On this page, the numeric pass rates come from the Kentucky Board of Nursing “NCLEX Pass Rates – Past 5 Years” publication so readers can verify the same tables. Confirm the latest calendar year with KBN and the school.
Reasons students choose Bellarmine
KBN-documented BSN outcomes
For calendar year 2024, KBN data show a 94.8% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Bellarmine’s BSN program (128 of 135 tested), with methodology defined in the state document.
Accelerated BSN options
Bellarmine advertises a 12-month ABSN alongside 24- and 36-month formats for second-degree students, with application through Nursing CAS.
Online MSN & DNP
Graduate nursing coursework is delivered online with specialty tracks (including NP roles) and DNP pathways including nurse anesthesia, per Bellarmine’s graduate pages.
Louisville clinical depth
The program cites 100+ healthcare and community partners and rotations spanning med-surg, critical care, OB, pediatrics, psych mental health, and community settings.
Nursing Programs Offered
Bellarmine’s nursing hub groups degrees by level. The list below reflects the Lansing School’s nursing offerings as published on bellarmine.edu/lansing/nursing and the undergraduate/graduate nursing pages (March 2026 review).
Pre-licensure (RN preparation)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Direct entry as a pre-nursing student; students apply to the nursing major in the second semester of the sophomore year after completing freshman/sophomore curriculum requirements. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—Bellarmine offers a 12-month intensive track plus 24- and 36-month options. Requires a prior bachelor’s degree, prerequisites, Nursing CAS application, and minimum 3.0 GPA (see admissions).
Post-licensure & graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN tracks listed by Bellarmine include Administration, Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Post-master’s DNP and BSN-to-DNP options; Bellarmine also offers a DNP Nurse Anesthesia track (separate program page).
Post-master’s certificates
Post-master’s certificates for select NP roles appear in the catalog and navigation (e.g., AGACNP, FNP, PMHNP)—confirm active tracks with the graduate nursing office.
Bellarmine’s Lansing School also houses non-nursing clinical programs (e.g., respiratory therapy). This page lists nursing degrees only. A separate Ph.D. in Health Professions Education lives under Health Professions—it is not a nursing Ph.D.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates – Past 5 Years PDF (Baccalaureate Degree Nursing section; methodology: first-time testers who completed the NCLEX between January 1 and December 31 of the listed year and tested within one year of program completion), Bellarmine University (program code US76500000) reported for calendar year 2024: 128 passed of 135 tested = 94.8%.
For broader context on the same table, Bellarmine’s three-year combined column (calendar years 2022–2024) shows 357 passed of 395 tested = 90.4%. Earlier single-year columns in the same row (2020–2023) are available in the PDF for trend review.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN, CY 2024) | 94.8% (128/135 tested), per KBN Pass Rates PDF |
| NCLEX-RN (BSN, 3-year aggregate 2022–2024) | 90.4% (357/395 tested), same source |
| Source | Kentucky Board of Nursing — NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF). Confirm current cohorts with KBN and Bellarmine. |
NCLEX percentages vary by cohort and reporting year. Always verify the latest KBN publication and Bellarmine disclosures.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Use the checklist below as orientation only; policies change. Confirm details with Bellarmine International Student and Scholar Services, the Lansing School, and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
- English proficiency: Bellarmine’s undergraduate and nursing pages list TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo expectations for applicants who need English verification; graduate nursing may differ.
- Credential evaluation: Accelerated BSN applicants with international coursework must submit WES or SpanTran evaluations to Nursing CAS.
- F-1 & ABSN: Bellarmine states the Accelerated BSN is generally not available to students who need a new F-1; some continuing F-1 students may qualify—confirm with ISSS.
- KBN licensure: Kentucky RN licensure steps, background reporting, and NCLEX eligibility must align with KBN rules.
This section is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission differs by pathway. Summaries below follow Bellarmine’s catalog (traditional BSN) and Accelerated BSN admission page (second degree).
Traditional BSN (four-year)
Students enter as pre-nursing, complete freshman/sophomore requirements, then submit a nursing-major application in the second semester of sophomore year. The catalog requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, minimum C grades in specified biology/chemistry courses, B- in nutrition, CNA/SNA documentation or approved alternatives, and CastleBranch compliance before clinical coursework.
Accelerated BSN
Applicants need a completed bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA, grades of B- or better in natural sciences and nutrition prerequisites, a personal statement, BLS CPR, background checks, immunizations, drug screening, and application through Nursing CAS. Repeat-course limits apply—see the official ABSN admission page.
Graduate (MSN/DNP)
Each track publishes prerequisites, RN licensure requirements for NP programs, and application materials on the corresponding Bellarmine graduate nursing pages. Contact the graduate coordinator listed on the nursing contact page for cohort starts.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing-specific acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; Bellarmine describes criteria-based progression for the traditional BSN major. |
| Minimum GPA (examples) | Traditional BSN major: 3.0 cumulative (catalog). ABSN: 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the reviewed catalog ABSN materials; ABSN uses Nursing CAS. Confirm for your pathway. |
| Entrance exam (university) | General Bellarmine first-year admission is test-optional for ACT/SAT; nursing major rules are separate—see catalog. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Bellarmine publishes per-credit tuition for graduate and second-degree programs on its Graduate Tuition Rates page. Figures below are taken from that page; full-time traditional BSN students pay undergraduate tuition and fees on a different schedule—use Bellarmine’s cost of attendance, net price calculator, and Student Accounts for the total bill.
| Program | Published tuition (Bellarmine) |
|---|---|
| Accelerated BSN | $905 per credit hour (second-degree programs; “course fees only, no comprehensive fee”) |
| MSN (most tracks) | $820 per credit hour; NP tracks add $85/hr for specialty courses (per published table) |
| MSN Administration & Education | $820 per credit hour |
| DNP | $900 per credit hour; DNP Nurse Anesthesia adds $100/hr for DNP specialty courses (per table) |
| Post-master’s NP certificates | $820 per credit hour for listed certificates (confirm track) |
| Source | Bellarmine Graduate Tuition Rates. All figures subject to change; confirm with the university. |
General financial aid information: bellarmine.edu/financial-aid (FAFSA school code 001954). Nursing-specific scholarships and employer partnerships are described on the BSN program pages.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN: See the NCLEX section and KBN PDF for calendar 2024 and multi-year data.
Employment: Bellarmine’s BSN materials include employment statements; outcomes depend on cohort definitions. Treat employment claims as school-reported and confirm methodology and timing on Bellarmine’s outcomes or program pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN, CY 2024) | 94.8% per Kentucky Board of Nursing Pass Rates PDF (see References). |
| Post-graduation employment | Bellarmine publishes strong placement statements on marketing pages; confirm current definitions with the school’s outcomes or career services office. |
| Source | KBN Pass Rates PDF; Bellarmine consumer/outcomes pages. |
Is Bellarmine the Right Fit for You?
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a private, liberal arts–based campus in Louisville with an emphasis on simulation and interprofessional learning.
- Seek a clearly published ABSN per-credit rate and second-degree timeline options (12/24/36 months).
- Plan to pursue online MSN or DNP (including NP or nurse anesthesia) after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest published sticker price without aid (private tuition; use net price tools).
- Require a fully online pre-licensure BSN (Bellarmine’s pre-licensure paths are campus-based).
- Need a new F-1 visa for the Accelerated BSN (generally excluded per Bellarmine’s ABSN policy).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Louisville anchors one of the region’s largest health economies. Bellarmine nursing cites partnerships across acute, specialty, and community settings; major systems familiar to students include Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, UofL Health, and numerous community agencies—confirm current affiliation agreements with the school.
| Organization / type | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Norton Healthcare | Scholarship/tuition programs tied to workforce commitments appear on Bellarmine’s BSN funding page. |
| Baptist Health | Bellarmine advertises the Baptist Nursing Knowledge partnership for ABSN. |
| UofL Health | External nursing scholar programs may be available; verify eligibility independently. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Bellarmine describes an expanded healthcare simulation laboratory with high-fidelity manikins and VR tools shared across nursing and other health disciplines. Student groups include the Bellarmine Association of Nursing Students (BANS) and Sigma Theta Tau (for eligible members). Galileo Learning Community options support first-year students interested in health careers.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Louisville, KY
- Nursing department
- 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205
- Phone (nursing)
- 502-272-8215
- Admissions
- 502-272-8000 · admissions@bellarmine.edu
- Website
- bellarmine.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the KBN Pass Rates PDF and bookmark Bellarmine’s Program of Nursing Benchmark link required for Kentucky programs.
- Review the Traditional BSN catalog or ABSN admission page for your pathway.
- If applying ABSN, create a Nursing CAS account and gather transcripts and prerequisite proof.
- Attend an info session or schedule a campus visit through Bellarmine Admissions.
- File the FAFSA early if seeking need-based aid (school code 001954).
- Contact the Lansing School with questions on clinical compliance (CastleBranch) before nursing courses.
- Save Kentucky Board of Nursing contact information for future licensure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Bellarmine University’s BSN program?
According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates document (Baccalaureate Degree Nursing table; calendar year 2024), Bellarmine reported a 94.8% pass rate (128 passed of 135 tested). Confirm the next year’s publication on kbn.ky.gov.
Does Bellarmine require the TEAS for nursing admission?
Published traditional BSN catalog criteria and Accelerated BSN (Nursing CAS) materials reviewed here do not list the TEAS. Verify whether any exam applies to your cohort with the Lansing School.
How much is Accelerated BSN tuition at Bellarmine?
Per Bellarmine’s Graduate Tuition Rates page, the Accelerated BSN is $905 per credit hour (second-degree programs). MSN and DNP rates are listed separately on the same page.
Is Bellarmine’s nursing program accredited?
Bellarmine states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs (and post-master’s FNP certificate), and KBN approval for the BSN. Confirm on official disclosures.
What GPA is needed for Bellarmine’s traditional BSN major?
The catalog lists a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and specific course grades for progression; Accelerated BSN requires minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPAs.
Can international students enroll in Bellarmine’s Accelerated BSN?
Bellarmine states the ABSN is not eligible for applicants who need a new F-1 visa; some students with an active F-1 may qualify. Confirm with International Student and Scholar Services.
What nursing degrees does the Lansing School offer?
Pre-licensure: Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN. Graduate: MSN (multiple tracks), DNP (including nurse anesthesia), and post-master’s certificates. No separate RN-to-BSN emphasis appeared on the reviewed nursing hub.
Where do Bellarmine nursing students complete clinicals?
The school cites 100+ partners and multiple care settings; exact sites vary by semester—confirm with the clinical placement office.
How competitive is admission to Bellarmine’s undergraduate nursing major?
Bellarmine’s Pride Points describe criteria-based admission rather than a fixed seat limit for the traditional BSN, but you must meet all catalog requirements. Accelerated BSN is competitive in the sense of strict GPA and prerequisite rules.
References
- Bellarmine University — Lansing School nursing hubbellarmine.edu/lansing/nursing
- Bellarmine — Graduate Tuition Rates (MSN, DNP, ABSN per-credit)Graduate Tuition Rates
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF)Pass Rates.pdf
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — Program benchmarkskbn.ky.gov — Benchmarks
- Bellarmine — Traditional BSN catalog programUG.NURS.TRAD.BSN
- Bellarmine — Accelerated BSN admission requirementsABSN admission
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with Bellarmine’s published program lists, the Kentucky Board of Nursing Pass Rates PDF, and Bellarmine’s published tuition table.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute admissions, financial, or legal advice. Requirements and costs change; verify with Bellarmine and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy