Today's Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana: Online & Campus
Whether online or on-campus, associate degree or doctorate, Louisiana’s top nursing schools offer quality, affordable programs to help you reach your goals.
A career in nursing offers both career and financial stability that’s underscored by a dedication to helping others. Like the rest of the country, RNs are in demand in Louisiana, and the state is expected to have over 2,800 annual openings through 2028.
If you’re ready to take the first or next step in your RN career in Louisiana, this guide is for you. It showcases the best on-campus and online nursing programs in Louisiana to help you find the one that’s right for you – whether you’re looking into your first RN degree program or want to move up in your RN career by earning your bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate. You’ll also find other helpful information on the types of nursing programs available, financial aid opportunities, salary potential, and licensing requirements for Louisiana student nurses. Launch your search by delving into our list of top programs for 2024.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McNeese State UniversityLake Charles, LA | Public | $ | 2 | McNeese State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program that is entirely online. Students can choose between three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. McNeese offers excellent networking opportunities in their nursing programs due to their partnership with schools such as Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Nicholls State University. Students may also participate in the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %86% |
|||
| 2 | Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches, LA | Public | $ | 2 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a Registered Nurse to Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program (RN to BSN), providing a chance for registered nurses to further their education. All 30 credits are offered online with in-person clinical requirements completed in the student's own community. To be accepted into this program, students must have an associate degree or a diploma in nursing with a current registered nurse license. Students may also transfer up to 38 credits toward this program. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %88% |
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bossier Parish Community CollegeBossier City, LA | Public | $ | 1 | At Bossier Parish Community College, nursing students choose between the Traditional Track or the LPN to RN Transition Track to earn their associate in nursing degree. The LPN to RN program is designed for working nurses and offers online prerequisite courses. Students can also take day or evening classes on campus. Once accepted into the program, they must attend an on-campus class one day a week. Practicum rotations are offered in 12-hour shifts every other weekend. Program Highlights: LPN to RN Transition Track
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio27/1 |
Online Student %76% |
Inside Popular Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Not all nursing programs are the same. The following section highlights the ins and outs of three popular nursing programs in Louisiana. Keep reading to learn more about each school’s nursing curriculum and details about what to expect in the program.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a four-year, pre-licensure BSN. During this program, students gain the theoretical, practical, and clinical expertise they need to deliver competent and compassionate medical care. They complete 120 credits that include both general education and major requirements.
Upper-division major requirements include clinical pharmacology, healthcare and diverse populations, and contemporary approaches to nursing leadership and management. Alongside traditional classroom work, degree-seekers also gain extensive hands-on experience in clinical settings. Before graduation, students also complete a bridge to professional practice class that prepares them to enter the nursing workforce. Students must maintain minimum 2.8 GPAs and receive a minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite and major coursework.
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge Community College offers an affordable pathway towards a nursing career. Its associate degree in nursing highlights the essential knowledge and competencies needed for effective nursing care and takes a holistic approach while emphasizing evidence-based best practices. Full-time students typically complete this program in five semesters through a mix of classroom and clinical-based classes.
Before enrolling in nursing coursework, students must complete six prerequisite courses that include college algebra, English composition, and introduction to psychology. As students progress through this curriculum, they encounter core nursing classes like adult nursing, maternal child nursing, and mental health nursing. Students also complete a degree-culminating senior capstone project.
Prospective students can apply to this program each spring and must complete criminal background checks, drug screens, and submit personal health histories and immunization documents.
Types of Nursing Programs in Louisiana
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or an experienced nurse pursuing expanded career options, Louisiana offers a sizeable list of online, on-campus, and hybrid nursing programs. Various academic paths exist if you’re interested in a nursing career, and you can enter this professional field in just a couple of years. Below we highlight the various academic options available to nursing students in Louisiana.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Louisiana
ADN Programs
An ADN is an accessible option for individuals interested in beginning a nursing career. Often completed via community colleges, an ADN provides a path towards RN licensure and highlights the theoretical, practical, and clinical skills needed for success in the field. It also situates you to move toward a bachelor’s degree.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
A BSN offers a path towards RN licensure in addition to an extensive curriculum of both general education, elective, and nursing requirements. Usually completed in four years, BSN students tackle a rigorous list of nursing classes and hands-on clinical experiences. Compared to an ADN degree, BSN graduates have expanded career options and earning potential.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Whether you’re a working RN with an associate degree or a graduate from an unrelated bachelor’s program, an accelerated BSN program offers a practical and relatively swift path to earning a nursing degree and licensure. These programs are accelerated because students typically begin with a host of general education and elective courses under their belts and can graduate in 18-24 months.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Louisiana for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
An LPN is a typical entry into the nursing field but lacks the academic and clinical training required for RN licensure. LPNs can expand their career options and earning potential by securing RN licensure and/or earning BSNs through LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs they can complete in 12 to 36 months.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
For working RNs with ADN degrees, RN to BSN bridge programs supply a relatively quick path to a bachelor’s degree. These bridge programs give working nurses the flexibility needed to enhance their academic and clinical knowledge while keeping up with personal and professional obligations. Full-time students can complete RN to BSN programs in just one year.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
For dedicated RNs interested in expanding career opportunities and tackling leadership roles, an RN to MSN track offers a clear academic path towards earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Typically taking full-time students 30-36 months to graduate, RN to MSN graduates gain a working knowledge of healthcare leadership and nursing administration. Students can also select academic specializations in areas like nursing administration and family nurse practitioner.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Louisiana
MSN Programs
For working RNs with bachelor’s degrees, earning an MSN takes only 18 months. Many MSN programs are also available to students with unrelated undergraduate degrees and take about three years to complete. MSN students have access to various certifications and can tackle academic and clinical concentrations in nursing education and nursing administration.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A doctor of DNP offers the highest level of academic training for working nurses. DNP students develop a deep knowledge of the organizational, clinical, and economic issues facing professional nursing and healthcare. For individuals interested in high-level nursing research, PhD graduates tackle careers in teaching, administration, and healthcare leadership.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates allow for targeted professional development in health policy, nursing leadership, and women’s health. Often a practical way to enhance leadership and clinical skills, post-graduate certificates typically require 20-30 credits.
Examples of Louisiana Nursing Schools with This Program
Deep Dive: Online Nursing Programs in Louisiana
From bridge programs to online graduate degrees, online nursing programs help students complete coursework while managing personal and professional obligations. With didactic coursework online, many nursing tracks still require in-person clinical components. Read the school profiles below to learn more about what to expect from online/hybrid nursing programs in Louisiana.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a 100% online MSN for working nurses. Students pursuing this online MSN choose either a nursing education or family nurse practitioner concentration. During this 42-credit graduate program, students tackle core coursework like theoretical foundations of advanced nursing, applied statistics for the health sciences, and generating evidence for nursing practice. Students also either complete a focused scholarly project or a formal thesis project before graduation. This master’s track usually takes five semesters.
Applicants need bachelor’s degrees from accredited colleges or universities with minimum undergraduate GPAs of 2.75. Prospective students should also have completed an undergraduate class in introductory statistics and hold an unencumbered Louisiana nursing license.
Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans offers an entirely online DNP both as a BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP program. Students choose from three, career-focused specializations in family nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner, or executive leadership. This program is 39 credits of coursework plus a 540-hour supervised practicum.
Regardless of concentration, core academic requirements include classes in philosophy of science, epidemiology, and ethics and social justice. Students also complete DNP scholarly projects as a degree-culminating experience.
Prospective DNP students need BSNs from accredited nursing schools with cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0. Applicants must also submit copies of their active nursing licenses, three letters of recommendation, and two-page essays outlining goals for their doctoral study and career objectives.
Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Louisiana
Whether you’re tackling an ADN or a PhD, higher education comes with a significant price tag. While tuition costs and academic fees can pile up, financial aid is widely available for nursing students. From scholarships and loans to work-study programs and tuition reimbursement initiatives, it’s not impossible to graduate with your nursing degree debt-free.
When beginning your search for financial aid opportunities, reach out to your school’s financial aid department and consider state-based professional organizations as a scholarship resource. In addition, the Louisiana State Loan Repayment Program offers tuition reimbursement for students interested in providing healthcare services to areas in Louisiana with inadequate medical services.
How to Become an RN in Louisiana: Licensing and Education Requirements
While the steps to become a nurse are similar from state to state, understanding Louisiana’s unique licensing requirements is vital for a smooth path to licensure. Review the licensing guidelines set by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and develop a clear plan to mitigate any unforeseen challenges. We’ve highlighted some of the standard requirements you can expect when becoming a first-time RN in Louisiana.
Complete a State-Approved Nursing Program
Whether you’re completing an ADN or BSN program, be sure it is approved by Louisiana’s Board of Nursing. These programs include the major nursing requirements that provide essential, foundational knowledge. They also give hands-on experience through clinical coursework and ensure you’re ready for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Submit an Application and Corresponding Materials
As your nursing program winds down, you’ll want to prep your licensure application. This critical step comes before taking the NCLEX-RN exam since taking the exam before submitting your application can lead to delays. Be sure to complete the application fully and completely since omissions can delay securing your RN license.
Prepare and Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Many nursing programs include test prep for the NCLEX-RN exam. Having to retake the exam is both costly and time-consuming, and, in Louisiana, you only get four attempts to pass in the four years following graduation. Be sure to set aside ample time to study, review tips to hone your test-taking skills, and take time to fully understand the format of the exam.
Complete a Background Check
Every individual applying for a Louisiana nursing license must complete a criminal background check successfully. After you’ve submitted your licensure application, your criminal background check packet must be submitted by mail or in-person and includes authorization forms and two FBI fingerprint cards.
Renew Your License
Once you’ve obtained your Louisiana nursing license, you’ll need to undergo the renewal process every two years. The state’s board of nursing renews licenses every year from October 1st to January 31st. Renewal requirements include at least 300 hours in advanced practice nursing. You must also complete at least two colleges credits per year or a minimum of 30 continuing education credit hours.
Employment Outlook for RNs in Louisiana
Workforce statistics reveal that nursing jobs in Louisiana are on the rise and projected to grow by 12% by 2028. This translates to nearly 5,000 jobs added in the state. These statistics place Louisiana nursing jobs squarely alongside national averages.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) gives registered nursing jobs in the state a five-star rating. The LWC currently also shows over 7,500 job openings related to registered nursing.
You can review both state and national employment statistics for registered nurses below.
Employment Projections for RNs in Louisiana
| New Jobs (2018-2028) |
Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) |
Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 4,980 | 12% | 2,876 |
| United States | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Source: Projections Central
Nursing Salaries in Louisiana: How Much You Could Make as an RN
While median salaries for RNs working in Louisiana fall below national numbers, wages are influenced by various factors like housing and general cost of living. Not surprisingly, the top median earners in the state work in the state’s largest metropolitan area of New Orleans. When seeking to boost career options and earning potential, enhancing experience, earning additional degrees, and adding various nursing credentials to your toolbox can significantly impact competitiveness. Review the graphic below to see how much RNs make in various areas throughout the state.
Annual Earnings for Registered Nurses in Louisiana
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $50,510 | $66,240 | $87,420 |
| United States | $53,410 | $75,330 | $116,230 |
| Alexandria, LA | $52,860 | $65,860 | $85,520 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $47,840 | $63,900 | $83,070 |
| Hammond, LA | $53,620 | $65,480 | $92,860 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | $46,370 | $63,990 | $91,170 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $46,690 | $60,930 | $80,250 |
| Monroe, LA | $49,710 | $65,130 | $82,570 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $53,550 | $69,870 | $93,890 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
