2026 Best Nursing Schools in Louisville

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for aspiring nurses, and rankings can simplify this decision by highlighting key performance metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Louisville, focusing on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria to evaluate program effectiveness. This approach helps students identify schools with strong outcomes, ensuring they receive quality education that prepares them for licensure. For details on how these rankings are compiled, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Analysis of pass rate trends over time reveals patterns in educational quality and student performance. The data shows fluctuations that may correlate with curriculum changes or external factors.

  • No statistically significant data available for this analysis.

Top Performing Schools

Identifying top-performing schools based on average pass rates helps students prioritize programs with proven success. This analysis considers schools with at least 20 total students to ensure reliability.

  • No statistically significant data available for this analysis.

Pass Rate by Program Size

Examining pass rates by program size categories (Small, Medium, Large) can indicate whether class size impacts student outcomes. This insight aids in selecting programs that match individual learning preferences.

  • No statistically significant data available for this analysis.

Consistently High Performing Schools

Schools maintaining high pass rates over multiple years demonstrate consistent educational excellence. This analysis highlights institutions with ?2 years of data and average pass rates above 90%.

  • No statistically significant data available for this analysis.
#1

Jefferson Community and Technical College

Louisville, KY - Public 2-Year - jefferson.kctcs.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jefferson Community and Technical College's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program in Louisville provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam through a four-semester curriculum that blends online lectures with hands-on lab sessions. This ACEN-accredited program requires applicants to pass the HESI A2 entrance exam and offers potential free tuition for Kentucky residents. With consistently strong NCLEX pass rates—including 93.2% in 2024—the program emphasizes both academic rigor and practical skills development, leading to high job placement outcomes for graduates entering the nursing field.

  • ACEN accredited program
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Four semesters duration
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Free tuition eligible
  • 94% NCLEX pass rate
  • High job placement rate
  • HESI A2 exam required
  • Offered in Louisville, KY
  • Includes general education courses
#2

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - bellarmine.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bellarmine University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Louisville provides a rigorous education that integrates liberal arts with nursing science. The campus-based program features small class sizes and expert faculty, with clinical experiences beginning in the sophomore year at top healthcare facilities. Admission requires meeting Bellarmine's criteria, including ACT or SAT scores. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical practice, and leadership skills to prepare graduates for diverse nursing roles. NCLEX pass rates have shown strong performance, reaching 94.8% in 2024. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including partnerships with local healthcare providers, make this Roman Catholic-affiliated program accessible to students.

  • Small class sizes
  • Expert nursing faculty
  • Clinicals start sophomore year
  • High NCLEX pass rate
  • Strong employment outcomes
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Partnerships with healthcare providers
  • Emphasis on ethical practice
  • Prepares for diverse nursing roles
#3

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville's campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing program provides hands-on training through simulation labs and clinical experiences, preparing students for nursing careers. Accredited by ACEN, this program focuses on developing compassionate nursing professionals. For the ADN program, recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 95.2% in 2024, 90.2% in 2023, and 88.4% in 2022. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Financial aid is available, and admissions requirements are straightforward.

  • Campus-based ADN program
  • Hands-on simulation labs
  • Clinical learning experiences
  • ACEN accredited
  • Financial aid available
  • Straightforward admissions

Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville offers a 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed for those new to nursing, featuring on-campus classes that start four times annually for flexibility. This accelerated program emphasizes immersive learning and practical patient care, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. For the BSN program, NCLEX pass rates were 84.1% in 2024, 93.2% in 2023, and 87.9% in 2022. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Financial aid options are available, and the application process requires no essays.

  • 3 years full-time
  • On-campus classes
  • Starts 4x/year
  • NCLEX-RN® preparation
  • No essays for application
  • Financial aid available
  • Immersive learning experience
  • Practical patient care practice
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Comprehensive nursing education
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Louisville's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a four-year campus-based curriculum that integrates humanities, behavioral, physical, and biological sciences with nursing theory and practice. This program prepares students to address diverse healthcare needs through hands-on experience in innovative simulation centers under specialized faculty guidance. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates showing strong performance (e.g., 91.6% in 2023 for 178 students). The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. It serves as a solid foundation for pursuing advanced nursing degrees while emphasizing practical skills in a supportive learning environment.

  • Four-year program
  • Campus-based learning
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Includes humanities and sciences
  • Access to simulation centers
  • Specialized faculty
  • Foundation for advanced degrees
#5

Spalding University

Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - spalding.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Spalding University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Louisville provides a comprehensive 4-year campus-based education emphasizing scientific inquiry and clinical skills. The program requires 59 credit hours and 772.5 clinical hours, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. While entrance exam requirements aren't specified, the program offers rolling admissions and scholarships. NCLEX pass rates have shown improvement, rising from 65.9% in 2022 to 84.2% in 2024 among small cohorts. With above-average graduation rates and experienced faculty, this Roman Catholic-affiliated institution delivers student-centered nursing education without requiring ACT or SAT exams for admission.

  • 4-year traditional track.
  • 59 credit hours required.
  • 772.5 clinical hours.
  • NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
  • Above average graduation rate.
  • Student-centered attention.
  • Experienced faculty.
  • Scholarships available.
  • Rolling admissions.
  • Campus-based program.
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 survey data.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Louisville, KY

Nurses in Louisville and the surrounding areas have many entry-level options to choose from. Whether an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), or even a direct-entry Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the desired degree type, aspiring nurses are bound to find what they are looking for.

LPN to RN Programs

Are you an experienced licensed practical nurse who wants to expand their career opportunities by becoming a registered nurse? If so, a specialized LPN to RN bridge program may be the best option for you. LPN to RN programs help LPNs build on prior coursework to become RNs at a faster pace than those with no prior nursing experience. One example in the Louisville area of these programs is found at ATA College, which allows students to complete their associate’s degree in nursing in either two or three semesters, instead of the usual four.

ADN Programs

The ADN degree is the basic registered nursing pathway. These 2-year programs are popular because they are the fastest way to earn an RN degree, and are readily available at local community and technical colleges. For example, Louisville's Galen College of Nursing offers an ADN program that is designed to be completed in 24 months of full-time study, with four start times per year.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

The classic 4-year BSN program does not require a prior nursing degree in order to enroll. Many hospitals and other RN employers are beginning to require a BSN degree as a minimum requirement. Spalding University offers a classic BSN degree with a higher than average graduation rate, preparing students for nursing careers in a variety of healthcare settings.

Find out more about Kentucky Accelerated BSN Programs.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

While not as common as ADN and BSN programs, the direct-entry MSN program is an option for students in Louisville. Often referred to as a Master's Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN) program, it is designed for those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. The University of Louisville offers an accelerated MEPN program that allows for a career change into a high-level nursing role.

Find out more about Kentucky Accelerated MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Louisville, KY

RN continuation programs are often referred to as "bridge" programs, as they allow RNs to advance to a higher degree by building on the knowledge they have already acquired. These include RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN pathway is an excellent choice for RNs who have an ADN or diploma and want to advance their careers. This program can be completed in 1-2 years of study and is often offered online. For example, Galen College of Nursing offers a fully online RN to BSN program that takes 12 months to complete (courses are 8 weeks long). Mobile-friendly courses allow students to study from anywhere.

Learn more about Kentucky RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

RNs who want to enter more advanced practice can choose the RN to MSN pathway to earn a master's degree. The RN to MSN program typically allows students to choose which specialized nurse practitioner pathway they want to enter. Spalding University offers two types of RN to MSN programs; one for those who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, in which students can choose from Nurse Educator or Nurse Practitioner tracks, and one for ADN-educated nurses, which culminates in a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.

Learn more about Kentucky RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We present a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help you advance your nursing career. This table shows schools across the U.S., with details on city and state locations, program highlights like online options or accelerated tracks, and direct links to each school's program page for more information. Explore these opportunities to find the right fit for your educational goals and professional growth.

Louisville, KY

Spalding University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN format
    • Up to 90 transferable credits
    • Active RN license required
    • Enhances nursing career opportunities
    • Flexible degree completion

University of Louisville

  • RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN Online Program)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Flexible Program
    • 31 Core Credit Hours
    • 8-Week Course Terms
    • 30 Credits Tuition-Free Portfolio
    • Multiple Start Dates Annually
    • Community Health Practicum
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Leadership and Research Focus
*IPEDS 2024 data, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisville, KY

Advanced nursing programs are popular for RNs who want to enter the highest roles in registered nursing. These include most nurse practitioner specialties, as well as doctoral roles. Students can choose an MSN or even a DNP or Ph.D. program.

MSN Programs

Traditional MSN programs are designed to be completed after a BSN. They take around 2 years from start to finish, and students can choose from a variety of specializations, from pediatrics to psychiatric. Bellarmine University, for instance, offers an MSN degree with the choice between an Administration, Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner track.

Learn more about Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

The highest nursing degree available is a doctoral degree in nursing. RNs can choose between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which is geared toward clinical practice, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.), which focuses more on education and research. Spalding University offers a post-master's online DNP program with only 3 required on-campus visits. The University of Louisville offers a Ph.D. in Nursing that requires 40 semester credit hours beyond an MSN or 55 semester credit hours beyond a BSN.

Learn more about Kentucky DNP Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Louisville

We provide a list of APRN programs in Louisville for those pursuing advanced nursing roles. These include MSN, DNP, and NP options from local schools. The table below shows each program's location, key features, and links to their details. Explore these opportunities to advance your nursing career in the Louisville area.

Louisville, KY

Bellarmine University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MSN-FNP program
    • 43 credit hours, two-year track
    • 97% first-time certification pass rate
    • Only one on-campus visit required
    • 720 total clinical hours
    • Practicum hours locally supervised
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Priority application deadline: March 15
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 47 credit hours
    • Two-year part-time completion
    • Hybrid online format
    • One on-campus visit required
    • Local clinical practicum placements
    • BSN with 3.0 GPA required
    • Active nursing license needed
    • Two professional references
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program.
    • Two-year completion time.
    • Focus on financial management.
    • Human resource management.
    • Organizational leadership focus.
    • Two courses per semester.
    • BSN required for admission.
    • 3.0 minimum GPA.
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Campus Based - Website

    • Doctoral degree in Nurse Anesthesia
    • 9 semesters, 101 credit hours
    • 20 student cohort size
    • No GRE requirement
    • Multiple clinical affiliations
    • Full-time study only
    • COA accredited program
    • Critical care RN certification
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • Multiple specialized tracks
    • 35-68 total credit hours
    • Post-master's and BSN options
    • CCNE accredited program
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online DNP program
    • 35-38 total credit hours
    • Advanced clinical leadership focus
    • Flexible start times each semester
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Designed for working professionals
    • Post-master's and BSN tracks available
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online DNP program
    • Executive Leadership concentration
    • 35-38 credit hours
    • Start any semester
    • Designed for working professionals
    • Post-master's and BSN to DNP tracks
    • Healthcare leadership focus
    • CCNE accredited program

Spalding University

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Requires BSN degree.
    • 3.0 GPA minimum.
    • Unencumbered nursing license needed.
    • Applications due by April.
    • Summer cohort starts.
    • CCNE accredited.
    • Includes service learning.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible full-time/part-time options
    • Primary adult healthcare focus
    • ANCC/AANP certification preparation
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Advanced practice nursing track
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 45-credit MSN-FNP program
    • 750 clinical training hours
    • 96% board exam pass rate
    • Rolling admissions available
    • Flexible Wed-Thurs class schedule
    • Full/part-time study options
    • On-campus housing available
    • Classes start every May

University of Louisville

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing - APRN

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Three annual start dates
    • 672 clinical training hours
    • Nationally recognized faculty
    • Holistic admission review
    • Advanced practice nursing preparation
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • 672 patient care hours.
    • BSN degree required.
    • 3.0 GPA recommended.
    • Unencumbered RN license.
    • Two recommendation letters.
    • NursingCAS application system.
    • Criminal background check.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Three annual start dates
    • 672 clinical hours minimum
    • Nationally recognized faculty
    • Holistic admission review
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation
    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year MSN program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Specialized neonatal healthcare focus
    • Board certification preparation
    • Advanced clinical skills training
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 672 minimum clinical hours
    • Three annual admission cycles
    • Nationally recognized faculty
    • Holistic admission review process
  • MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • BSN and MSN entry pathways
    • Minimum 1000 clinical hours
    • Online and hybrid learning
    • Seven nursing specialties
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • DNP project capstone experience
    • Prepares APRN certification
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Campus Based - Website

    • 75-112 credit hours total
    • Online first year, hybrid format
    • BSN and MSN entry pathways
    • 7 nursing specialties available
    • Minimum 1000 clinical hours
    • Leadership and policy focus
    • Comprehensive DNP project
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 75-112 credit hours total
    • Hybrid online/campus delivery
    • BSN and MSN entry options
    • Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
    • Specialty tracks available
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Practice-focused doctoral degree
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • BSN and MSN entry options
    • 7 nurse practitioner specialties
    • 75-112 total credit hours
    • 1,000 minimum clinical hours
    • Online and hybrid learning
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Culminating DNP project
  • MSN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3-year full-time BSN-DNP track
    • 77 total credit hours
    • Hybrid program format
    • Extensive clinical practicums
    • Work experience recommended
    • Advanced mental health focus
    • Comprehensive coursework
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Louisville, KY

We put together a helpful list of nursing schools near Louisville, KY. This guide shows you the city and state for each school, highlights their programs, and provides direct links to learn more. You can easily compare options and find the right fit for your nursing education goals. Check the table below for details on each school's offerings and how to get started.

Louisville, KY

ATA College

  • Associate - Associate's Degree Registered Nurse

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 19-Month fast track
    • Hybrid online and on-campus
    • NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
    • Experienced nursing faculty
    • Modern on-site laboratories
    • Offsite clinical experience
    • Career placement assistance
    • Day class times available

Bellarmine University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Small class sizes
    • Expert nursing faculty
    • Clinicals start sophomore year
    • High NCLEX pass rate
    • Strong employment outcomes
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarship opportunities
    • Partnerships with healthcare providers

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based ADN program
    • Hands-on simulation labs
    • Clinical learning experiences
    • ACEN accredited
    • Financial aid available
    • Straightforward admissions
  • Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 3 years full-time
    • On-campus classes
    • Starts 4x/year
    • NCLEX-RN® preparation
    • No essays for application
    • Financial aid available
    • Immersive learning experience
    • Practical patient care practice

Jefferson Community and Technical College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Four semesters duration
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Free tuition eligible
    • 94% NCLEX pass rate
    • High job placement rate
    • HESI A2 exam required

Spalding University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-year traditional track.
    • 59 credit hours required.
    • 772.5 clinical hours.
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
    • Above average graduation rate.
    • Student-centered attention.
    • Experienced faculty.
    • Scholarships available.

Sullivan University

  • Associate - A.S. Nursing (PN to ASN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated 18-month program
    • On campus + clinicals format
    • Small class sizes
    • Experienced faculty
    • Hands-on clinical rotations
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Includes uniforms and parking
    • 24/7 tutoring available
  • Associate - A.S. Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 21 months to completion
    • On campus format
    • Louisville and Lexington locations
    • Hands-on experience
    • Small class sizes
    • Experienced faculty
    • NCLEX-RN exam eligible
    • Financial aid available

University of Louisville

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four-year program
    • Campus-based learning
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Includes humanities and sciences
    • Access to simulation centers
    • Specialized faculty
    • Foundation for advanced degrees
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2024.