Nicholls State University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, NCLEX & Requirements
The Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing at Nicholls State University offers Traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways, plus an MSN through the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN). This guide uses Nicholls’ published BSN NCLEX-RN table and Fall 2025–Spring 2026 mandatory tuition and fees.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Nicholls anchors the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing in Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall, with a named partnership reflecting deep ties to regional hospitals along Bayou Lafourche. The program publishes multi-year BSN NCLEX-RN outcomes beside Louisiana and national comparators, and routes MSN students through the ICMSN consortium shared with McNeese, Southeastern, and UL Lafayette.
Overview & Why Students Choose Nicholls State University Nursing
Along Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux, Nicholls State University’s nursing school serves south-central Louisiana’s coastal parishes—roughly an hour from New Orleans—with clinical education that emphasizes community and hospital experiences tied to the region’s major employers. The Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing is housed in Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall, named for a regional partnership that underscores local clinical connectivity.
Prospective students often choose Nicholls for transparent, published BSN NCLEX-RN outcomes (including Louisiana and national figures in the same table), multiple entry tracks (traditional, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN), and an MSN delivered through the ICMSN consortium for Family NP, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP, and Nursing Education roles.
According to Nicholls State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing NCLEX-RN licensure pass-rate disclosure, for report year 2024 the program pass rate was 95.90%, compared with 93.52% for Louisiana and 91.16% national in the same table. Confirm newer report years on the Nicholls nursing site and with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Nicholls
Published NCLEX context
Nicholls publishes multi-year BSN NCLEX-RN rates alongside Louisiana and national comparators—helpful for applicants comparing outcomes within the same reporting framework.
Regional clinical ecosystem
Thibodaux sits in the Houma–Thibodaux metro, with Thibodaux Regional Medical Center and other south Louisiana facilities supporting diverse acute and community rotations.
Multiple BSN entry routes
Traditional pre-licensure BSN sits beside LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN articulation options for licensed personnel, each governed by published progression rules.
ICMSN graduate nursing
The MSN leverages the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing, pooling resources across UL System partners for FNP, PMHNP, and Nursing Education tracks.
Simulation-rich Ayo Hall
The school describes multiple nursing labs with hospital-bed setups and simulation technology for skills from fundamentals through mental health—confirm lab access with a campus tour.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects Nicholls State University nursing, the BSN and MSN pages, and the 2025–2026 curriculum guides. Programs are grouped into pre-licensure, post-licensure (LPN/RN), and graduate (MSN).
Pre-licensure
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Pre-licensure BSN preparing for NCLEX-RN. Nicholls states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate program and Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval. Admission to the clinical major requires completing the first 35 hours of the BSN curriculum, meeting GPA thresholds, and attending a Nursing Information Session—see the BSN page for current TEAS rules.
First-year BSN curriculum
The published BSN curriculum guide lays out biology, chemistry, English, math, and nursing introduction courses before upper-division clinical nursing—download the current PDF from the BSN program page for your catalog year.
Licensed-entry pathways (BSN credential)
LPN to BSN Articulation
Licensed Practical Nurses may pursue the BSN with credit for prior learning consistent with generic BSN outcomes; yearly documentation of an unencumbered Louisiana LPN license is required. Contact the BSN program office for degree-plan details.
RN to BSN Articulation
Registered Nurses complete the BSN with validation of prior learning aligned with BSN outcomes. RN-to-BSN students follow dedicated seminar and capstone courses—contact the BSN office at (985) 448-4695 for advising.
Graduate (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
The MSN is offered through the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (McNeese, Nicholls, Southeastern, UL Lafayette). Nicholls lists FNP certification exam pass-rate data on its MSN page—confirm practicum sequencing with the graduate coordinator.
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PMHNP is one of the listed MSN concentrations; advanced practice applicants must meet additional practicum progression criteria after core courses, including nursing experience requirements.
Nursing Education
The Nursing Education concentration prepares nurse educators; degree-plan PDFs are posted on the MSN program page.
Consortium MSN courses may be delivered across partner institutions—confirm registration, campus visits, and concentration availability with the Nicholls graduate nursing office and ICMSN materials before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Nicholls State University’s published Bachelor of Science in Nursing NCLEX-RN table, for report year 2024 the program pass rate was 95.90%, with 93.52% for Louisiana and 91.16% national shown in the same display. Prior years on the same page include 2023 (93.06% program / 88.56% Louisiana / 92.91% national) and 2022 (92.54% / 86.58% / 79.91%).
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing publishes additional regulatory reports and school-level tables—cross-check cohort years and definitions in the LSBN annual materials when comparing programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (Nicholls BSN, report year 2024) | 95.90% (school-published table) |
| Louisiana & national comparators (same Nicholls table, report year 2024) | 93.52% Louisiana; 91.16% national |
| Source | Nicholls BSN program page; Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohort data with LSBN and Nicholls. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and Nicholls State University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Nicholls maintains International Student Services with document checklists for freshman, transfer, and graduate applicants. Nursing additionally requires clinical placements and Louisiana State Board of Nursing clearance before students may enroll in clinical courses—policies can affect visa holders. Requirements for internationally educated nurses seeking Louisiana licensure are governed by LSBN rules. This section is guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL/IELTS or other minimums with Nicholls admissions and the nursing program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Submit official records per International Student Services and any nursing-specific instructions.
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure routes, NCLEX eligibility, and student clinical approval, review LSBN student resources.
- Immigration & visa: Pre-licensure nursing requires in-person labs and clinical hours; confirm F-1 or other status supports required attendance.
Verify policies with Nicholls International Student Services, the School of Nursing, and LSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the BSN clinical major is separate from general university admission. Nicholls requires students to apply to the university first, complete the first 35 hours of the BSN curriculum, attend a mandatory Nursing Information Session (NIS), and submit a BSN program application by the deadline announced at the session. Applicants must also comply with Louisiana State Board of Nursing rules before enrolling in clinical courses.
Application timeline (BSN clinical major)
| Milestone | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Information Session | Required before applying | Students must sign up; application deadline is announced at the session. |
| S.E.A.T. (high school seniors) | University admission by April 30, 2026 (current announcement) | Requires GPA ≥ 3.6 and ACT ≥ 23; all other BSN criteria apply. |
| MSN (example) | Fall 2026 application deadline May 8, 2026 (per MSN page) | Separate graduate nursing application after Graduate School admission. |
Admissions snapshot (BSN clinical application — Nicholls BSN page)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (first 35 BSN hours) | At least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for required courses; no grade below C; only last attempts counted |
| Course repeats | Maximum of three repeats (including W grades) among the 35 prerequisite hours |
| ATI TEAS | Effective Spring 2026 admissions cycle: completion with recommended Proficient level; max two attempts per cycle with ≥ 30 days between attempts |
| Transfer from another nursing program | Requires good-standing letter from prior program plus Nicholls progression rules |
Honest tip: Register early for a Nursing Information Session—deadlines and document checklists are communicated there. If you are on probationary academic status, you cannot enroll in nursing courses with a clinical component.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Amounts below come from Nicholls’ Current Mandatory Tuition & Fees – Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 schedule. Totals bundle mandatory tuition and fees for the listed credit-hour band. Nursing is designated a high-cost differential program ($6.75 per credit hour up to 12 hours). After admission to the professional BSN program, undergraduates also pay a $300 per semester nursing program fee (not to exceed $300 per semester). MSN students admitted to the professional graduate nursing program pay up to $350 per semester.
| Category | Published amount (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate resident — 12 credit hours | $4,658.57 per semester (mandatory tuition & fees combined) |
| Undergraduate non-resident — 12 credit hours | $5,205.17 per semester |
| Undergraduate tuition basis | $205.10 per credit hour (per schedule narrative) |
| Graduate — 12 credit hours (example band) | $4,691.51 resident / $5,238.11 non-resident per semester on the published table |
| Nursing undergraduate program fee (after admission) | $300 per semester (max $300) |
| Nursing graduate program fee (after admission) | $350 per semester (max $350) |
| Source | Nicholls mandatory tuition & fees; Financial Aid |
Room, board, transportation, and personal expenses depend on housing status. Use Nicholls’ cost of attendance and catalog fees & expenses for planning.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair Nicholls’ published BSN NCLEX-RN table with graduate certification data when evaluating programs. The MSN page publishes annual FNP and PMHNP certification exam pass rates (for example, both concentrations listed 100% for 2024 in the school’s table)—confirm cohort sizes and exam definitions with the graduate office.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (BSN, report year 2024) | 95.90% program; 93.52% Louisiana; 91.16% national (Nicholls BSN page table) |
| NP certification exams (MSN, school table) | FNP and PMHNP rows show 100% for 2024 on the MSN page—confirm methodology with the school. |
| Employment / placement | Not publicly disclosed on this page beyond school marketing summaries—ask career services for current metrics. |
| Source | Nicholls BSN; Nicholls MSN; LSBN. Confirm current outcomes with the school and the Board. |
Is Nicholls State University Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Nicholls fits students who want a public Louisiana university in the Houma–Thibodaux region, multiple BSN entry points, and an MSN delivered through the ICMSN consortium. It may be less ideal if you require a fully online pre-licensure BSN or cannot travel for regional clinical rotations.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want transparent, published BSN NCLEX-RN outcomes with Louisiana and national comparators.
- Are LPNs or RNs seeking a BSN credential with articulated credit options.
- Plan to pursue FNP, PMHNP, or Nursing Education graduate study through ICMSN.
- Value simulation-heavy facilities in Ayo Hall and partnerships with regional health systems.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an accelerated second-degree (ABSN) track—verify whether Nicholls offers your preferred pathway.
- Cannot attend required Nursing Information Sessions or meet TEAS progression rules.
- Expect every clinical rotation within walking distance of campus—south Louisiana placements may require travel.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Thibodaux anchors the Bayou Region health economy, where major employers include Thibodaux Regional Medical Center (reflected in the nursing school’s naming) and a network of hospitals, clinics, and community agencies serving Lafourche and surrounding parishes. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are within driving distance for select specialty experiences, while local placements emphasize community care along Bayou Lafourche.
| Region / setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Thibodaux / Houma | Regional medical centers and community hospitals provide med-surg, ED, perioperative, and specialty exposure—exact sites vary by semester contracts. |
| Coastal Louisiana | Public health, home health, and rural clinics support community-health rotations aligned with BSN curriculum objectives. |
| Workforce demand | South Louisiana’s healthcare employers continue to recruit nurses across inpatient and ambulatory settings—confirm regional demand with Louisiana Workforce Commission data and local hospital systems. |
Next step: Ask the Department of Nursing for the current clinical agency list for your entry term.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses are taught in Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall, where the school describes eight nursing laboratories with dozens of beds, simulation equipment, and dedicated computer labs. The Nicholls Association of Student Nurses (NASN) connects students with NSNA and Louisiana Association of Student Nurses activities, service projects, and leadership opportunities.
Prospective students can schedule visits through Campus Tours and explore Thibodaux’s downtown and festival culture highlighted on Nicholls admissions pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Thibodaux Regional School of Nursing
- Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
- Department of Nursing (example)
- 161 Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall, P.O. Box 2143, Thibodaux, LA 70310
- Admissions
- (985) 448-4507 · nicholls@nicholls.edu
- BSN program office
- (985) 448-4695 (per BSN articulation pages)
- MSN coordinator
- Melissa Clay, DNP — melissa.clay@nicholls.edu, (985) 448-4690
- Website
- nicholls.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the BSN Curriculum Guide (2025–2026) and compare your transcripts to the first 35 hours.
- Register for a Nursing Information Session and add the TEAS (Proficient target) to your timeline with spacing for two attempts if needed.
- Review the mandatory tuition & fee schedule plus nursing high-cost differential and $300/semester BSN program fee.
- Bookmark the NCLEX-RN table and LSBN for independent verification.
- If you are an RN, skim the MSN application checklist and ICMSN degree plans.
- Email amanda.lejeune@nicholls.edu or call (985) 448-4696 with undergraduate nursing questions.
- Schedule a campus tour and request to see Ayo Hall’s nursing labs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Thibodaux Regional School of Nursing at Nicholls?
Undergraduate nursing offices are in Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall on the Thibodaux campus (example: Department of Nursing, 161 Ayo Hall; mailing P.O. Box 2143, Thibodaux, LA 70310). Main admissions: (985) 448-4507.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Nicholls’ BSN program?
Per Nicholls’ BSN NCLEX-RN table, the report year 2024 program rate was 95.90% (Louisiana 93.52%, national 91.16% in the same display). Confirm newer years with Nicholls and LSBN.
What GPA and TEAS rules does Nicholls use for BSN clinical admission?
Nicholls lists at least 2.75 GPA on the first 35 BSN curriculum hours with no grade below C, plus ATI TEAS completion at recommended Proficient level (Spring 2026 cycle onward), with two attempts per cycle spaced ≥ 30 days.
Does Nicholls offer an accelerated BSN?
This guide does not list a separate ABSN—Nicholls emphasizes Traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN, and RN-to-BSN pathways. Confirm any new accelerated options directly with the Department of Nursing.
How much is full-time undergraduate tuition at Nicholls?
The Fall 2025–Spring 2026 schedule shows about $4,658.57 per semester for Louisiana residents at 12 credit hours and $5,205.17 for non-residents, before nursing differential fees and the $300/semester BSN program fee after admission.
What MSN concentrations does Nicholls offer?
Through ICMSN, Nicholls lists Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education on its MSN page.
Is Nicholls nursing accredited?
Nicholls states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate program and for the ICMSN master’s program, with LSBN approval for both levels. Confirm with CCNE, LSBN, and the school.
What is S.E.A.T. for high school seniors?
S.E.A.T. offers qualifying seniors (≥3.6 GPA and ACT 23) a secured clinical seat if admitted to the university by the published deadline (April 30, 2026 in the current notice), subject to all BSN criteria.
When are applications due for the BSN clinical major?
Deadlines are announced at the mandatory Nursing Information Session—there is not a single static date on the public BSN page. Attend an NIS for the official timeline.
References
- Nicholls State University — Thibodaux Regional School of Nursinghttps://www.nicholls.edu/nursing/
- Nicholls — Bachelor of Science in Nursing (NCLEX & admission criteria)https://www.nicholls.edu/nursing/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
- Nicholls — Master of Science in Nursinghttps://www.nicholls.edu/nursing/master-of-science-in-nursing/
- Nicholls — Current Mandatory Tuition & Fees (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026)https://www.nicholls.edu/fees/current-mandatory-tuition-fees-fall-2025/
- Nicholls — Undergraduate Admissionshttps://www.nicholls.edu/admissions/
- Louisiana State Board of Nursinghttps://www.lsbn.state.la.us/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
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 of NCLEX figures with Nicholls’ published BSN disclosures, tuition tables with Nicholls’ Fall 2025–Spring 2026 mandatory fee schedule, and program listings with official Nicholls BSN and MSN pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy