Today's Best Online Nursing Schools in Louisiana
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 2,770 annual openings through 2032.
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.
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Public
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Private
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Public
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Public
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Public
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, Louisiana
Public
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, Louisiana
Public
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
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
For those considering a nursing career in Louisiana, the state's job outlook is promising. The projected 7.5% growth in RN positions will add around 3,300 new jobs and offer 2,770 annual openings. This growth rate is higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand for nurses in Louisiana.
Salary figures vary across the state, with the median RN salary in Louisiana at $76,650. New nurses in the 10th percentile can expect to earn around $60,720, while experienced RNs in the 90th percentile can make up to $101,650 annually. Metropolitan areas like New Orleans-Metairie offer higher salaries, with a median of $81,400, while rural regions like Hammond and Lake Charles tend to have lower wages, closer to $71,200 and $68,550, respectively. This data can help prospective nurses make informed decisions about where to practice based on salary expectations and the area's job availability.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $60,720 | $76,650 | $101,650 |
| Alexandria, LA | $54,200 | $73,220 | $94,640 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $58,280 | $75,670 | $95,690 |
| Hammond, LA | $61,390 | $71,200 | $99,380 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | $53,080 | $69,180 | $93,970 |
| Lafayette, LA | $57,600 | $70,610 | $98,210 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $60,460 | $68,550 | $87,090 |
| Monroe, LA | $58,730 | $73,060 | $87,420 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $63,870 | $81,400 | $107,890 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $63,850 | $80,090 | $124,250 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
