University of Louisiana at Monroe, The

The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing at ULM provides a high-intensity, science-driven curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and clinical judgment. The traditional BSN is a 120-credit hour program that follows a "pre-nursing" to "professional" sequence; students typically spend three to four semesters completing foundational courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology before applying to the clinical major. For those with a prior degree, ULM offers a highly competitive Accelerated BSN starting each January. Graduate students can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentrations as a Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP).

A major highlight of the ULM experience is its partnership with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Louisiana), which is located on the ULM campus. This allows nursing students to participate in interprofessional education (IPE), training alongside medical students in high-fidelity simulation environments. On-campus labs feature advanced manikins that simulate complex physiological responses, providing students with a safe space to practice life-saving interventions. Clinical rotations are diverse, spanning major regional hubs such as St. Francis Medical Center, Glenwood Regional Medical Center, and various community clinics, ensuring students are well-versed in both acute and rural healthcare needs.

Compared to other public programs in Louisiana, ULM is distinguished by its small cohort sizes (approximately 30–60 students per semester) and its "Holistic Review" admission process, which looks beyond a 2.8 minimum GPA to consider the candidate's professional potential. The school’s reputation for excellence was further solidified in 2024 when its Medical Laboratory Science program—a close collaborator with Nursing—received a 10-year re-accreditation with zero deficiencies, reflecting the high standards of the entire College of Health Sciences.