Spalding University

Spalding University is a private university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Founded in 1814 in Louisville, Kentucky, the university offers both undergrad and graduate degree programs. The university started as Nazareth Academy and was renamed Spalding College in 1969. The college received university status in 1984. The small campus is located in the downtown Louisville area, providing students with access to the shopping and entertainment offered in the city. Louisville is also just a half-day drive from Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Nashville. Along with nursing programs, Spalding University offers degrees in natural sciences, social sciences, education, and humanities.

Several CCNE-accredited nursing programs are available at the Spalding University School of Nursing, including a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN program. The traditional BSN program gives students clinical training at local hospitals and clinics throughout the Louisville area. The graduation rate and NCLEX-RN pass rates exceed the national average. For those with a bachelor’s degree in another field of study, students may enroll in the accelerated BSN program. This program is designed to be completed in just 13-months and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The MSN program is offered on campus and includes 45 credit hours of classes.

Updated on: 26 Oct, 2025

Program Length & Format

13-month program
June start date
Hybrid online and in-person format
80 credit hours completed for BSN after accepting 40 transfer credits from a prior bachelor’s degree

Admission Requirements

Acceptance to Spalding University and separate School of Nursing application
Completion of an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR course
Completion of NURS 301; or completion of a CNA course within the last two years; or listing on the Nurse Aide Registry
Satisfactory completion of required criminal background and immunization documentation and a mandatory drug test
All prerequisite courses, including labs, must be completed prior to official acceptance

Entrance Exams

TEAS (Reading, Math, English, Science) required within two years of application
Minimum score: 60% on each TEAS section
Unlimited attempts allowed within the two-year window

Prerequisites

Anatomy & Physiology I and II with lab (4 credits each)
Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
Pathophysiology (3 credits)
Chemistry for the Allied Health Services (3 credits)
Research (3 credits)
Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
Science courses must have been completed within the last 10 years

Deadlines

Rolling admissions
Classes start every 6 to 8 weeks
Program cohort start noted in program details as June for the 13-month track

Application

Complete Spalding University application and School of Nursing supplemental application
Official college transcripts
Proof of BLS CPR completion
TEAS test results (within two years)
Criminal background, immunization documents, and drug test (required; CastleBranch account activation required for conditionally admitted students)

Selection Process

Admission decision by BSN Admission and Progression Committee
Program may request additional information or a personal interview
Conditional admission requires completion of specified immunizations, certifications, and screenings by set deadlines

Transfer Credit

Accepts 40 credit hours transferred from a prior bachelor’s degree toward the BSN
Second Degree/Accelerated students complete 80 additional BSN credit hours
Transfer students from other nursing programs reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Students dismissed from another nursing program or ineligible for re-admission to a prior program are not eligible for admission for five years

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Access to Bailen Heath Science Simulation Learning Center
Clinical placements based on a Clinical Homes Model
Clinical experiences obtained at health centers, acute care facilities, and community health agencies in the Louisville metropolitan area