University of Louisiana at Monroe Kitty DeGree School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & What to Expect (2026)
Northeast Louisiana’s public university nursing school: CCNE-accredited BSN pathways (Traditional, LPN-to-BSN, online RN-to-BSN) and MSN concentrations (FNP, Adult–Gerontology Primary Care NP, Gerontological Clinical Nurse Leader). This guide cites the Louisiana State Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN appendix for calendar year 2024 and ULM’s published undergraduate tuition snapshot from Student Account Services.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Founded in 1960, the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing anchors pre-licensure and graduate nursing on ULM’s Monroe campus with a single BSN major that branches into Traditional, LPN-to-BSN, and online RN-to-BSN plans—plus MSN tracks aligned to Louisiana APRN practice. Louisiana State Board of Nursing data show a strong 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN outcome for the baccalaureate program (see NCLEX section).
Overview & Why Students Choose the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing
Monroe sits at the center of northeast Louisiana’s healthcare corridor—home to St. Francis Medical Center, Glenwood Regional Medical Center (West Monroe), and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center, among other systems. That regional footprint supports diverse clinical experiences while students complete a structured BSN curriculum: three pre-nursing semesters (or equivalent) followed by five professional semesters, totaling 120 credit hours for the degree.
ULM’s catalog describes CCNE accreditation for both the baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs, preference for Louisiana residents when clinical capacity is limited, and an online RN-to-BSN completion option without a nursing entrance exam. The graduate catalog lists three MSN concentrations with clearly stated credit-hour and clinical-hour expectations.
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) annual report, Appendix B1 (first-time candidates, January 1–December 31, 2024), the University of LA Monroe baccalaureate row shows 80 first-time NCLEX-RN candidates and 80 passing, a reported 100.00% first-time pass rate. The same appendix reports a 94.60% first-time pass rate for all Louisiana baccalaureate programs combined—use only as a same-report benchmark. Confirm the latest year with LSBN and the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose ULM Kitty DeGree
Multiple BSN entry routes
The catalog publishes parallel curriculum plans for traditional pre-licensure students, Louisiana LPNs moving toward RN licensure, and licensed RNs completing the BSN online—letting applicants match an entry path to their background.
Documented LSBN NCLEX outcome
LSBN’s 2024 appendix shows 80 of 80 first-time baccalaureate testers passing—confirm newer cohorts with the Board; pass rates vary by year and class size.
MSN concentrations with defined clinical hours
Graduate nursing lists FNP and AGNP at 40 credits (640 clinical hours) and Gerontological CNL at 38 credits (400 clinical hours), supporting clear planning for APRN or leadership tracks.
Public tuition framework
ULM publishes full-time undergraduate tuition per semester on its Money Matters page and links to Student Account Services fee spreadsheets—see the cost section for the figures used on this guide.
Regional clinical ecosystem
Northeast Louisiana’s mix of community and tertiary hospitals offers exposure to varied patient populations within a manageable regional radius—exact sites vary by semester and affiliation agreements.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below follows the Nursing, B.S.N. undergraduate program, the Nursing, M.S.N. graduate program, and the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing homepage. ULM does not list a DNP in these catalog entries reviewed for this guide.
Pre-licensure
Traditional BSN
Pre-nursing coursework (about three semesters) plus five professional nursing semesters; 120 credit hours total. The catalog states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate program and describes nationally normed exams, dosage-calculation testing, and a comprehensive exit exam before graduation.
LPN-to-BSN
For Louisiana LPNs with an unencumbered license; includes challenge examinations, proficiency testing, and LPN-specific course sections (for example Adult Health Nursing 1 with paired practicum). The catalog awards up to nine credit hours through proficiency and recognized experience where applicable.
Post-licensure (RN)
RN-to-BSN
Delivered through ULM Online as described in the catalog: no entrance exam for the professional RN-to-BSN sequence; minimum 2.0 GPA in required pre-nursing courses; 39 semester hours may be awarded based on current RN licensure after prerequisites and professional admission; 30 hours must be earned through ULM instruction.
Graduate (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
40 credit hours; minimum 640 clinical hours. ULM’s MSN information page states that nurse practitioner applicants must reside in Louisiana and hold a Louisiana RN license; FNP applications are due March 1 for annual enrollment (confirm current cycles).
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
40 credit hours; 640 clinical hours per the graduate catalog. Prepares adult/older-adult primary care practice with gerontology coursework.
Gerontological Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
38 credit hours; minimum 400 clinical hours; focuses on leadership and quality improvement for care of older adults.
MSN admission requires a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN (or equivalent), cumulative GPA ≥ 2.8, current RN license, and—per FNP/AGNP rules in the catalog—two years of RN experience. NP applicants must verify Louisiana residency and Louisiana RN licensure as stated on ULM’s MSN pages. Confirm every requirement with the Graduate School and Kitty DeGree School of Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing annual report, Appendix B1 — Performance of First Time Candidates of Nursing Education Programs in Louisiana on NCLEX-RN, regardless of where taking examination, January 1 – December 31, 2024, University of LA Monroe (baccalaureate row) had 80 first-time candidates, 80 passing, and a reported 100.00% first-time pass rate. The same appendix reports 1,427 baccalaureate first-time candidates statewide with 1,350 passing, a 94.60% aggregate baccalaureate rate—use only as a same-report benchmark.
ULM’s nursing homepage states that graduates “consistently score well above state and national averages on licensure exams”—treat that as qualitative marketing language; rely on LSBN tables for attributable percentages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ULM baccalaureate row) | Reported 100.00% (80 of 80 first-time testers, LSBN Appendix B1, Jan.–Dec. 2024) |
| Louisiana baccalaureate aggregate (same appendix) | 94.60% first-time pass rate (all schools combined, same reporting period) |
| Source | LSBN Annual Report 2024 (PDF); Kitty DeGree School of Nursing. Confirm current data with LSBN and the school. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and class size. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the University of Louisiana at Monroe Kitty DeGree School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
ULM maintains international-student services through its global engagement offices; exact English-proficiency scores, transcript evaluation rules, and visa support depend on your applicant type and program (pre-licensure BSN with in-person clinicals vs. online RN-to-BSN). Internationally educated nurses must also meet Louisiana State Board of Nursing requirements for licensure by examination or endorsement. This section is guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL/IELTS or other minimums with ULM Admissions and the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing for your pathway.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Use evaluators and document formats requested by ULM’s Graduate School (MSN) or undergraduate admissions (BSN).
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure and NCLEX eligibility, review LSBN applications for clinical enrollment and licensure by exam.
- Immigration & visa: Pre-licensure BSN requires on-campus labs and clinical rotations; online RN-to-BSN may still have residency or clinical rules—confirm with the international office.
Verify policies with ULM’s international programs office, the School of Nursing, and LSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the professional BSN program is separate from general university admission. The 2025–2026 Kitty DeGree School of Nursing catalog section states applications are due to the Director by the first Monday in February for Fall semester entry and the second Monday in September for Spring semester entry, with preference to Louisiana residents when clinical seats are limited. Meeting minimum GPA rules does not guarantee admission.
Application timeline (catalog)
| Entry | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall professional nursing | First Monday in February | Completed application and fee to the Director of the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing (per catalog). |
| Spring professional nursing | Second Monday in September | Same submission rules; confirm whether NursingCAS or a school-specific form is required for your cycle. |
| MSN (FNP example) | March 1 (annual) | Per ULM MSN program page for Family Nurse Practitioner—verify other concentrations with graduate nursing. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA — Traditional / LPN-to-BSN (pre-nursing) | 2.8 cumulative in required pre-nursing courses; no grade below C; excludes developmental, Fine Arts, University Seminar, and some humanities per catalog rules. |
| Minimum GPA — RN-to-BSN (pre-nursing) | 2.0 cumulative in required pre-nursing courses (per RN-to-BSN catalog section). |
| ATI TEAS / HESI | Not publicly disclosed in the catalog excerpts reviewed for this page for Traditional BSN; RN-to-BSN states no entrance exam. Confirm whether ULM requires a pre-admissions test for your pathway. |
| MSN graduate admission | BSN from accredited program; GPA ≥ 2.8; current RN license; GRE if GPA < 2.8 per formula in catalog; NP tracks require two years RN experience and Louisiana RN license for NP application. |
Honest tip: Download the current School of Nursing application and student handbook each year—criminal background checks, drug screening, health documentation, and CPR requirements are spelled out in the catalog and must be satisfied before clinical courses.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from ULM’s Money Matters page and Student Account Services — Tuition & Fee Information (fee spreadsheets). Graduate MSN totals depend on per-credit rates in the semester-specific Excel schedules—confirm nursing graduate fees with Student Account Services.
| Category | Published amount / note |
|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate tuition (base) | $2,893.76 per semester for full-time undergraduate students (Money Matters page) |
| Typical undergraduate fees (first-time freshman range) | About $1,700–$1,900 per semester on average (Money Matters); exact fees vary by course and student type |
| Estimated total cost of attendance (undergraduate, in-state) | Money Matters states roughly $5,500–$11,000 depending on on-campus housing—use the Fee Bill Worksheet to model your situation |
| Warhawk Bundle (course materials) | $25 per credit hour optional bundle (Money Matters) |
| Graduate / MSN | Not itemized on this page—use the semester fee XLSX files linked from Student Account Services for current per-credit graduate totals |
| Source | ULM Money Matters; Student Account Services; Financial Aid |
Louisiana residents should also explore TOPS eligibility through LOSFA. Non-residents should review out-of-state scholarship / waiver information referenced on Money Matters.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair Louisiana State Board licensure data with any school-reported employment figures only when the source, cohort, and methodology are explicit.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (baccalaureate row) | Reported 100.00% (80 of 80 testers, LSBN Appendix B1, Jan.–Dec. 2024) |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the ULM nursing pages reviewed for this guide—ask the school for the newest outcomes report. |
| Source | LSBN Annual Report 2024; Kitty DeGree School of Nursing. Confirm current outcomes with LSBN and the school. |
Is the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
ULM fits students who want a public university BSN in northeast Louisiana with multiple entry tracks, documented LSBN NCLEX data, and MSN concentrations that align with Louisiana APRN licensure rules. It may be less ideal if you need an accelerated second-degree (ABSN) track—verify whether ULM offers a separate accelerated option before planning.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Traditional, LPN-to-BSN, or online RN-to-BSN pathways within one CCNE-accredited school.
- Value LSBN-documented 2024 first-time NCLEX outcomes for the baccalaureate program.
- Plan to stay in Louisiana for graduate NP study (ULM states Louisiana RN licensure and residency rules for NP applicants).
- Can meet pre-nursing GPA thresholds and clinical health/background requirements.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a documented ABSN or out-of-state-friendly NP program without Louisiana licensure—confirm policies first.
- Cannot commute or travel within the region for clinical rotations.
- Expect guaranteed placement at one specific hospital every semester.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Monroe and West Monroe anchor Ouachita Parish’s healthcare market. Major hospitals and networks students commonly encounter in northeast Louisiana include St. Francis Medical Center (Monroe), Glenwood Regional Medical Center (West Monroe), and Ochsner LSU Health — Monroe Medical Center—plus community clinics, long-term care, and rural hospitals across the I-20 corridor. Clinical assignments vary by semester; ask the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing for the current affiliation list.
| Facility / region | Details |
|---|---|
| Monroe tertiary hospitals | St. Francis Medical Center and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center provide broad inpatient and emergency services for the region. |
| West Monroe | Glenwood Regional Medical Center serves Ouachita Parish from the west-bank community. |
| Rural & community Louisiana | Community health, primary care, and long-term settings support public-health and primary-care competencies emphasized in BSN and NP curricula. |
Next step: Request the official clinical agency list for your admission year from the Director’s office.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing instruction is centered in Kitty DeGree Hall on ULM’s 700 University Avenue campus. The catalog emphasizes simulation and community clinical experiences, dosage-calculation testing before patient care, nationally normed exams throughout the curriculum, and strict professional conduct standards in clinical settings.
Broader campus life includes Warhawk athletics, student organizations, and regional community events. Schedule visits through campus tour resources and ask to include Kitty DeGree Hall on your itinerary.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School of Nursing
- University of Louisiana at Monroe Kitty DeGree School of Nursing
- Address
- Kitty DeGree Hall 131, 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209, US
- Telephone
- (318) 342-1733
- General campus
- Ace’s Place: (318) 342-7777 · askace@ulm.edu
- Website
- ulm.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Kitty DeGree catalog section for admission deadlines, GPA rules, and health/background requirements.
- Download the latest Nursing B.S.N. degree planner and map prerequisites to your transcripts.
- Model costs with the Fee Bill Worksheet and review Money Matters.
- Open the LSBN annual report Appendix B1 and locate the University of LA Monroe baccalaureate row.
- If you are an RN, review the RN-to-BSN catalog text and ULM Online requirements.
- Call (318) 342-1733 or email through contacts listed on ulm.edu/nursing for pathway-specific questions.
- Schedule a campus tour and request to see Kitty DeGree Hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the University of Louisiana at Monroe Kitty DeGree School of Nursing?
The school is in Kitty DeGree Hall at 700 University Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71209. Main nursing line: (318) 342-1733. Confirm current contacts on ulm.edu/nursing.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ULM’s baccalaureate program?
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing annual report (Appendix B1, Jan.–Dec. 2024), University of LA Monroe had 80 first-time testers and 80 passes (reported 100.00%). Confirm newer cohorts with LSBN and the school.
What BSN pathways does ULM offer?
The catalog lists curriculum plans for Traditional, LPN-to-BSN, and online RN-to-BSN under the Nursing B.S.N. major—each with different prerequisite and progression rules.
Does ULM’s RN-to-BSN require TEAS or HESI?
The undergraduate catalog states no entrance exam is required for the RN-to-BSN professional program. Confirm whether Traditional or LPN pathways use a standardized admissions test for your cycle.
What GPA does ULM require before the professional BSN sequence?
The catalog lists 2.8 cumulative GPA in required pre-nursing courses for Traditional/LPN applicants and 2.0 for RN-to-BSN pre-nursing courses, with additional grade rules for science courses.
When are professional BSN applications due at ULM?
The catalog states applications are due the first Monday in February (Fall entry) and second Monday in September (Spring entry) to the Director of the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing.
What MSN concentrations does Kitty DeGree offer?
The graduate catalog lists Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Gerontological Clinical Nurse Leader—with stated credit and clinical-hour totals.
How much is undergraduate tuition at ULM?
ULM’s Money Matters page lists about $2,893.76 per semester in full-time undergraduate tuition plus typical fees in the $1,700–$1,900 range for many first-time freshmen—see Student Account Services for your fee bill.
Is ULM’s nursing program accredited?
ULM states CCNE accreditation for both the baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs in the catalog. Confirm current status with CCNE, LSBN, and the school.
References
- University of Louisiana at Monroe — Kitty DeGree School of Nursinghttps://www.ulm.edu/nursing/index.html
- ULM — Undergraduate catalog, Kitty DeGree School of Nursing entitycatalog.ulm.edu (Kitty DeGree)
- ULM — Nursing, B.S.N. program (Traditional, LPN, RN-to-BSN)Nursing B.S.N. catalog page
- ULM — Nursing, M.S.N. graduate programNursing M.S.N. catalog page
- ULM — MSN program information (FNP)https://www.ulm.edu/nursing/msn.html
- ULM — Money Matters (tuition & costs)https://www.ulm.edu/money/index.html
- ULM — Student Account Services (tuition & fee spreadsheets)https://www.ulm.edu/controller/sas_tuition.html
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing — Annual Report 2024 (NCLEX Appendix B1)annualreport2024.pdf
- 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 the Louisiana State Board of Nursing annual report (Appendix B1, 2024), tuition language with ULM Money Matters and Student Account Services pages, and program listings with the ULM undergraduate and graduate catalogs.
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