Online Nursing Schools in Louisiana: Inside Top Programs
If you want to become a registered nurse (RN) in Louisiana and need a flexible education, an online nursing program could be for you. Online nursing programs in Louisiana combine online coursework with in-person clinical training to help prepare students to succeed as real-world registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. Use EduMed’g guide to learn about program lengths, tuition, course formats, certifications, and more.
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NursingHealth ScienceThe Different Online Nursing Programs in Louisiana
Earning a nursing degree is a major step toward a rewarding and well-paying career. For busy professionals in Louisiana, online nursing programs offer the flexibility to balance education with work, often building on existing healthcare experience. Many programs, such as RN-to-BSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Direct-Entry MSN options, combine online coursework with in-person clinical training to provide a well-rounded education.
In hybrid programs, lectures and assignments are completed online, while hands-on training takes place in real-world healthcare settings. When choosing the right program, be sure to consider key factors such as:
- Accreditation and state licensure alignment
- Program duration and scheduling flexibility
- Tuition costs and financial aid options
- Clinical site locations and on-campus requirements
With thoughtful planning, an online or hybrid nursing program can help you advance your career while maintaining your professional and personal commitments. Let’s take a look at real programs available in Louisiana.
Expert Insight
When choosing a degree and a program, start with your long-term career goals in mind. Examine what options are available to help you reach that goal, and then work backwards from there.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Louisiana
Undergraduate nursing programs prepare students for entry-level nursing roles. These programs include the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). They are designed for those new to nursing who wish to become registered nurses (RNs), with BSN programs offering a broader scope of practice and leadership development.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Becoming a CNA requires learning essential skills such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. These programs equip graduates for success in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare settings.
Example: Fletcher Technical Community College Nursing Assistant Program
- Cost: $2,000, plus program-specific costs
- Length: 8 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Designed to prepare you to become a licensed practical nurse, these programs include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical activities. You’ll gain skills necessary for your nursing career and be eligible to take the National Council of State Boards Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses upon graduation.
Example: Sowela Technical Community College
- Cost: $4,265
- Length: 4 semesters (AAS) or 5 semesters (Technical Certificate)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs are available in hybrid and on-campus formats, giving you flexibility in your studies. Training provides the education required to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and usually takes two years of full-time study.
Example: Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Cost: $2,590
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Those with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in non-nursing majors can typically earn their BSNs in two years or less by completing an accelerated BSN program. By transferring lower-division credit hours earned in previous degree programs, students can quickly earn their bachelor’s. Accelerated BSN programs qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Loyola University New Orleans
- Cost: $51,664 annually
- Length: 17 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online RN-to-BSN programs help you advance your nursing career with a flexible format designed for working professionals. To excel in your field, you’ll develop leadership skills, explore evidence-based practice, and gain knowledge in nursing leadership theories, communication, and information systems.
Example: Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Cost: $325 per credit hour
- Length: 12-18 months
- Mode: Online
Advanced Nursing Degrees in Louisiana
You can advance your nursing career with graduate and post-graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) that prepare you for leadership roles in education, research, administration, and specialized patient care. Explore pathways to become nurse practitioners, clinical specialists, anesthetists, and more with these degrees and post-master’s certificates.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The traditional MSN program is for current RNs with a bachelor’s degree. Completion times vary from 18 months to three years or more based on factors like program track, full-time or part-time study, and specialization.
Example: Louisiana Christian University
- Cost: $350 per credit hour
- Length: 5 years
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
If you’re a working nurse looking for the highest level of professional training, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) might be for you. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the challenges facing nursing and healthcare today. If you’re more interested in research, a PhD could lead you to a career in teaching, administration, or healthcare leadership.
Example: Northwestern State University
- Cost: $475/credit (up to 9 credits; $100 per additional credit)
- Length: 9 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Looking to expand your nursing expertise? Enhance your career by completing post-graduate certificates in one of several specialized nursing fields. Common certificate specializations include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administration, Nurse Educator, Nurse Anesthesia, and Public Health. Completion times vary depending on specialization, previous field(s) of study, and level of professional experience.
Example: Southeastern Louisiana University
- Cost: $16,000
- Length: 4 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
LA Bridge Programs for Nurses
Advance your nursing career with bridge programs that offer flexible paths for LPNs to become RNs, BSNs to earn MSNs, and RNs to specialize as FNPs, all while working full-time. Gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles in diverse healthcare settings with these degree programs.
RN to BSN
Online RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses like you. Programs help build leadership skills and offer advanced knowledge and can be completed while you manage your busy schedule.
Example: Southern University Baton Rouge
- Cost: $10,000
- Length: 5 semesters
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
With RN to MSN programs, you’ll receive specialized training to prepare you for in-demand roles in a rapidly growing field. Reach new career heights as you study online and gain skills to take on new roles.
Example: Loyola University New Orleans
- Cost: $885 per credit hour
- Length: 200 Practicum Hours
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
As an RN, you can achieve the highest level of nursing education by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This program empowers you to become a leader in healthcare, driving improvements in patient care and outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations. You gain advanced clinical skills, translate research into practice, and influence healthcare systems.
Example: Northwestern State University
- Cost: $475/credit (up to 9 credits; $100 per additional credit)
- Length: 24 months
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is for students with no previous nursing experience. They prepare you for post-graduation certification exams and equip you to provide evidence-based care in specialized roles.
Example: McNeese State University
- Cost: $7,000 ($233 per credit)
- Length: 35-46 credit hours
- Mode: Online
Licensing Requirements for Louisiana RNs
To become a licensed registered nurse (RN) in Louisiana, you must complete an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You’ll also need to apply for a license with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, authorize a background check, and then pay the required fees. Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows RNs licensed in one Compact state to practice in other Compact states. To maintain your license, you must complete continuing education or practice hours.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
- Get educated: Complete an accredited nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Make sure the program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and a national agency like the CCNE or ACEN.
- Pass the test: Ace the NCLEX-RN exam to demonstrate your nursing knowledge and skills.
- Get licensed: Apply for your RN license through the LSBN. This involves submitting an application, paying fees, and authorizing a background check.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
- Graduate: Complete an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN).
- Register and Pay: Sign up for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the fee. You’ll get an email confirmation.
- Take the Test: Sit for the NCLEX-RN exam within four years of graduating.
- Ace it: If you pass, expect your Louisiana RN license in the mail within a few weeks. If you don’t pass, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) to retake the exam.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
- Graduate: Earn your nursing degree from an accredited program.
- Pass the NCLEX: Take and pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
- Apply: Submit your state licensure application online to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), including transcripts and fees.
- Renew: Every two years, renew your license and complete 30 hours of continuing education.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
- Complete Continuing Competency: Choose 30 board-approved contact hours or 900 verified practice hours. You may have additional requirements if initially licensed by endorsement, in the previous year, or certified in a specialty area.
- Renew Online: Between October 1 and December 31, submit your renewal application through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing license renewal portal. Pay the $200 renewal fee ($250 if late after December 31).
- Check Status: Monitor your renewal progress in the message center of your online Nurse Portal Account. Verify your licensure on Nursys.com.
- Licenses expire on January 31 if not renewed.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
- CNM: Become a Certified Nurse Midwife specializing in pregnancy and childbirth.
- CRNA: Administer anesthesia as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
- CNS: Deepen your expertise as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
- Pediatric, Family, or Emergency Nurse Practitioner: Focus on specific patient populations.
- Trauma, Flight, or Emergency Nurse: Provide specialized care in critical situations.
Career Insights for Louisiana RNs
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $62,830 | $78,880 | $111,810 |
| Alexandria, LA | $59,980 | $78,740 | $105,410 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $63,450 | $78,210 | $99,520 |
| Hammond, LA | $63,610 | $75,210 | $103,370 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $55,180 | $72,690 | $95,590 |
| Lafayette, LA | $61,710 | $76,550 | $112,130 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $64,230 | $78,240 | $117,310 |
| Monroe, LA | $58,800 | $75,440 | $94,630 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $65,870 | $81,920 | $125,020 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $65,410 | $83,200 | $130,920 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA | $62,540 | $76,920 | $96,990 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Louisiana | 43,740 | 47,040 | 3,300 | 7.50% | 2,770 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Top Online Nursing Programs in Louisiana
EduMed’s rankings help you find the best online programs in your field. Schools are ranked based on various factors, including the number of online programs offered, the percentage of students enrolled in online courses, tuition rates, graduation rates, and financial aid. These factors are weighted to give the most emphasis to the number of online programs offered.
To learn more about our methodology, please click “About the Rankings.”
