Spalding University School of Nursing Review (2026): Programs, NCLEX & Requirements
Spalding University’s School of Nursing sits on Fourth Street in downtown Louisville and lists pre-licensure BSN and Accelerated BSN pathways, online RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN bridges, MSN specialties, DNP, and a PMHNP certificate. This guide summarizes verified program scope, Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) NCLEX data for the BSN program, and published Spalding tuition from the university’s cost-of-attendance materials.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Spalding offers a downtown Louisville campus experience, a published 13-month second-degree Accelerated BSN (ABSN) with hybrid delivery, and CCNE-accredited graduate nursing—paired with KBN-documented BSN NCLEX outcomes and transparent undergraduate tuition on the Cost of Attendance page.
Overview & Why Students Choose Spalding
The Spalding University School of Nursing is part of the Kosair for Kids College of Health and Natural Sciences and is based at 901 South Fourth Street in downtown Louisville. Spalding describes Kentucky’s longest-established baccalaureate nursing program and an MSN program with deep roots in the city; students use the Bailen Health Sciences Simulation Learning Center (including the Bailen Simulation Laboratory on the BSN page) and work with nursing success coaches through completion.
On this page, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Spalding’s Baccalaureate (BSN) program come from the Kentucky Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF (March 2025 publication date on document). Pass rates vary by cohort; the table below includes multi-year context. Confirm the latest calendar year with KBN and Spalding.
Reasons students choose Spalding
KBN-documented BSN NCLEX (CY 2024)
For calendar year 2024, KBN data show a 84.2% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Spalding’s BSN program (16 of 19 tested), with methodology defined in the state document.
Second-degree Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Spalding advertises a 13-month, 56-credit hybrid Accelerated BSN with a June start and 750 clinical hours—aimed at career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Online completion & graduate tracks
RN-to-BSN and several MSN tracks (including FNP, Nurse Educator, Healthcare Leadership, PMHNP) support working nurses; DNP and a PMHNP certificate appear on the School of Nursing hub.
Downtown Louisville clinical access
Spalding ties learning to Louisville’s hospital and community network; Accelerated BSN materials reference clinical homes and regional agencies—confirm current contracts with the program.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects Spalding’s nursing offerings as published on the School of Nursing hub and linked program pages (March 2026 review).
Pre-licensure (RN preparation)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
On-campus pre-licensure BSN; Spalding cites 120 credit hours, about 59 nursing credits, 750 clinical hours, small cohorts, and use of the Bailen Simulation Laboratory. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—Spalding’s second-degree program runs 13 months (June start), 56 credits, hybrid online and on-campus format, and 750 clinical hours. Requires a prior bachelor’s degree and program-specific prerequisites (see admissions).
Post-licensure & graduate
RN to BSN
Online RN-to-BSN completion for licensed RNs; Spalding describes rolling starts and flexible pacing on the program hub.
RN to MSN
Bridge pathway from RN to MSN as listed on the School of Nursing program list—confirm track requirements with graduate admissions.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Tracks listed by Spalding include Family Nurse Practitioner (hybrid), Nurse Educator (online), Nursing & Healthcare Leadership (online), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP program page linked from the nursing hub; confirm entry options (post-BSN vs post-master’s) and specialty focus with the school.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Post-graduate certificate as listed on Spalding’s nursing program list—for licensed NPs seeking PMHNP preparation (verify prerequisites).
Spalding’s college also offers non-nursing health programs (e.g., occupational therapy). This page lists nursing credentials only. Always confirm active tracks, start terms, and delivery mode on the official program page or catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF (Baccalaureate Degree Nursing table; publication dated March 2025; 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), Spalding University (program code US76509600) reported for calendar year 2024: 16 passed of 19 tested = 84.2%.
The same KBN table reports a three-year aggregate for calendar years 2022–2024 of 69 passed of 94 tested = 73.4%. Earlier single-year columns in Spalding’s row (2020–2023) show variable performance; review the PDF for full trend context. For comparison on the same document, the Kentucky BSN average first-time pass rate for calendar year 2024 was 94.0% (state aggregate row).
NCLEX outcomes apply to pre-licensure BSN graduates seeking RN licensure; they do not describe RN-to-BSN or graduate nursing students, who already hold (or are working toward) advanced credentials separately from this table.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN, CY 2024) | 84.2% (16/19 tested), per KBN Pass Rates PDF |
| NCLEX-RN (BSN, 3-year aggregate 2022–2024) | 73.4% (69/94 tested), same source |
| Kentucky BSN average (CY 2024, same PDF) | 94.0% (state aggregate row) |
| Source | Kentucky Board of Nursing — NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF). Confirm current cohorts with KBN and Spalding. |
NCLEX percentages vary by cohort and reporting year. Always verify the latest KBN publication and Spalding disclosures. Pass rates from different years are not directly comparable to job-placement or graduation metrics without source context.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Use the checklist below as orientation only; policies change. Confirm details with Spalding’s admissions and international student offices (as applicable), the School of Nursing, and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
- English proficiency: Spalding publishes English-proficiency requirements for degree-seeking students; graduate and online programs may specify different minimum scores.
- Credential evaluation: International transcripts often require a NACES-member or school-approved evaluation—confirm which service Spalding accepts for nursing prerequisites.
- Clinical placements & visas: Clinical courses can have additional eligibility rules for non–U.S. citizens; verify F-1 or other status with the university and the program before enrolling.
- 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 requirements differ by pathway. Summaries below follow Spalding’s published BSN admission requirements and the School of Nursing hub (March 2026 review).
Traditional BSN
Spalding lists a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for BSN consideration. Required science courses include anatomy & physiology (with labs), microbiology (with lab), pathophysiology, and chemistry for allied health; sciences must have been completed within the last ten years from the program start. Transfer students from other nursing programs are evaluated case-by-case, with restrictions after prior nursing course failure or dismissal.
Accelerated BSN (second degree)
See Spalding’s Accelerated BSN admission requirements for prerequisite coursework, any minimum GPA rules, and compliance steps (e.g., CastleBranch for conditionally admitted students on the BSN page).
Graduate (MSN/DNP)
Each track publishes RN licensure requirements (for NP programs), prerequisites, and application steps on the corresponding Spalding graduate nursing pages. Contact the School of Nursing at 502-873-4285 or nursing@spalding.edu for cohort starts.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing-specific acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage on the pages reviewed for this guide. |
| Minimum GPA (BSN page) | 2.75 cumulative (published BSN admission requirements). |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the reviewed Spalding BSN admission requirements page; confirm with the School of Nursing whether any pathway requires an entrance exam. |
| Entrance exam (university) | General Spalding undergraduate policies may apply separately from nursing; see admissions for ACT/SAT or test-optional rules. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Spalding publishes 2026–2027 undergraduate tuition and a 2025–2026 graduate tuition table on its Cost of Attendance page. Figures below are taken from that page; fees, housing, and indirect costs add to the sticker price—use Spalding’s net price calculator and financial aid office for personalized estimates.
| Program / category | Published amount (Spalding) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate full-time (12–18 credits/semester, 2026–27) | $15,450 per semester |
| Undergraduate part-time (≤11 credits, 2026–27) | $1,030 per credit hour |
| Traditional & Accelerated BSN program fee | $72 per credit hour (in addition to tuition; per Cost of Attendance page) |
| MSN – FNP | $825 per credit (45 credits listed on 2025–26 graduate table) |
| MSN – PMHNP | $825 per credit (45 credits); $15/ credit nursing technology fee per page |
| MSN – Leadership & Educator (online) | $610 per credit (36 credits) |
| DNP | $810 per credit (36 credits) |
| Source | Spalding University — Cost of Attendance. All figures subject to change; confirm with Student Accounts. |
Financial aid: spalding.edu/financial-aid. Spalding’s nursing hub describes employer partnerships, nursing scholarships for select MSN tracks, and a hospital scholars program for qualifying BSN students—verify eligibility with the School of Nursing.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN: See the NCLEX section and KBN PDF for calendar 2024 and multi-year BSN data.
Employment / placement: Not publicly disclosed on this page as a single nursing-specific placement percentage with cohort year. For employment context, regional workforce data (e.g., Kentucky Hospital Association reports) describe broad nursing demand; confirm any school-reported outcomes on Spalding’s consumer information or career pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN, CY 2024) | 84.2% (16/19 tested) per Kentucky Board of Nursing Pass Rates PDF (see References). |
| NCLEX-RN (BSN, 3-year aggregate 2022–2024) | 73.4% (69/94 tested), same KBN source. |
| Post-graduation employment (nursing-specific %) | Not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide; confirm with Spalding. |
| Source | KBN Pass Rates PDF; Spalding program pages. |
Is Spalding the Right Fit for You?
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a private Catholic university in urban Louisville with small cohorts and a dedicated nursing success coach model.
- Seek a published 13-month Accelerated BSN (second degree) with hybrid delivery and June start.
- Plan to stack online RN-to-BSN or MSN credentials while working in regional health systems.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect the lowest sticker tuition without aid (private rates; use net price tools and scholarships).
- Require a fully online pre-licensure BSN (Spalding’s traditional BSN is on-campus; ABSN is hybrid).
- Want to compare programs only on the most recent NCLEX year without reviewing multi-year KBN context.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Louisville is a major regional referral center. Spalding’s nursing materials emphasize clinical learning in hospitals, community agencies, and ambulatory settings across the metro area. Major systems that employ large nursing workforces include U of L Health, Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, and Jewish Hospital / University of Louisville Hospital—confirm current clinical contracts with Spalding. Spalding’s nursing hub lists employer partners for tuition benefits (e.g., Baptist Health, U of L Health, Humana, Appalachian Regional Healthcare).
| Organization / type | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Acute-care systems | Large hospitals and specialty centers in Louisville provide med-surg, critical care, OB, behavioral health, and community rotations—sites vary by semester. |
| Community & public health | Urban Louisville includes FQHCs, home health, and population-health placements aligned with Spalding’s mission-focused nursing vision. |
| State workforce context | The Kentucky Hospital Association 2024 Workforce Survey (cited by Spalding) describes ongoing RN demand—use for labor-market context, not as a guarantee of placement. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Spalding emphasizes the Bailen Health Sciences Simulation Learning Center and hands-on labs for undergraduate nursing. The downtown campus sits near Louisville’s medical corridor; nursing students can access student wellness, campus ministry, and student organizations through the main university. Ask the School of Nursing about nursing student groups and honor society eligibility.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Louisville, KY
- Address
- 901 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203
- Phone (main)
- 502-585-9911
- School of Nursing
- 502-873-4285 · nursing@spalding.edu
- Undergraduate admissions
- 502-585-7111 · admissions@spalding.edu
- Website
- spalding.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the KBN NCLEX Pass Rates PDF and save Spalding’s program code US76509600 for future reference.
- Review BSN admission requirements or Accelerated BSN admission for your pathway.
- Compare total cost using Spalding’s net price calculator and note the BSN $72/credit program fee.
- Email nursing@spalding.edu with questions on prerequisite timelines and science recency rules.
- File the FAFSA early if seeking need-based aid (confirm Spalding’s federal school code on the financial aid site).
- If conditionally admitted, complete CastleBranch and immunization steps per Spalding’s BSN materials.
- Bookmark the Kentucky Board of Nursing for future licensure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Spalding University’s BSN program?
According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF (Baccalaureate Degree Nursing table; calendar year 2024), Spalding (US76509600) reported an 84.2% pass rate (16 passed of 19 tested). The three-year aggregate for 2022–2024 was 73.4% (69 passed of 94 tested). Confirm the next year’s publication on kbn.ky.gov.
Does Spalding require the TEAS for BSN admission?
Spalding’s published BSN admission requirements page reviewed for this guide does not list the TEAS. Verify whether any exam applies to your cohort with the School of Nursing.
How much is tuition for Spalding’s nursing programs?
Per Spalding’s Cost of Attendance page, 2026–2027 full-time undergraduate tuition is $15,450 per semester (12–18 credits), with an additional $72 per credit program fee for Traditional and Accelerated BSN. Graduate nursing per-credit rates appear on the 2025–2026 table (e.g., MSN FNP/PMHNP $825/credit, DNP $810/credit). Confirm current amounts with Student Accounts.
Is Spalding’s nursing program accredited?
Spalding states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs. Confirm current CCNE and KBN status on official disclosures.
What is the Accelerated BSN timeline at Spalding?
Spalding describes a 13-month Second-Degree Accelerated BSN with a June start, hybrid delivery, and 750 clinical hours. Confirm the next cohort with the program.
What GPA does Spalding’s BSN page list?
Spalding’s BSN admission requirements specify a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and science courses within ten years of program start. Accelerated BSN may add requirements—see the accelerated admission page.
What nursing programs does Spalding list on its hub?
Pre-licensure: Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN. Post-licensure: RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN. Graduate: MSN (FNP, Nurse Educator, Healthcare Leadership, PMHNP), DNP, and PMHNP certificate.
Where do Spalding nursing students complete clinicals?
Spalding places students in Louisville-area hospitals and community agencies; Accelerated BSN materials reference a clinical home model. Exact sites vary—confirm with the program.
References
- Spalding University — School of Nursing hubspalding.edu/nursing
- Spalding — BSN admission requirementsBSN admission requirements
- Spalding — BSN program overviewBachelor of Science in Nursing
- Spalding — Accelerated Second-Degree BSNAccelerated BSN
- Spalding — Cost of AttendanceCost of Attendance
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF)Pass Rates.pdf
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — Program benchmarkskbn.ky.gov — Benchmarks
- 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 Spalding’s published nursing program list, the Kentucky Board of Nursing Pass Rates PDF, and Spalding’s Cost of Attendance tuition tables.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute admissions, financial, or legal advice. Requirements and costs change; verify with Spalding University and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy