Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Louisiana offers a wide array of nursing education programs across 72 institutions/campuses. Prospective nursing students can choose from various program types, including Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and advanced practice programs such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
The state's nursing education landscape caters to diverse needs. For instance, several schools offer LPN to ADN or BSN bridge programs, allowing individuals with existing LPN licenses to advance their education. Additionally, some institutions provide RN to BSN or MSN pathways for nurses seeking career advancement.
Louisiana's most well-known destinations for nursing education include Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. However, many other colleges and universities throughout the state provide quality nursing programs.
The cost of nursing education varies depending on the program type and the institution. Approximate tuition costs for LPN programs range from $6,000 to $15,000, while ADN programs typically cost between $12,000 and $25,000. BSN programs can be more expensive, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the program structure.
Louisiana faces a reported nursing shortage, creating a high demand for qualified nurses across the state. This demand translates into competitive salaries for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). According to 2023 BLS's data, the median annual salary for RNs in Louisiana is $80,760, while LPNs earn a median annual salary of $51,700.
To explore the diverse range of nursing programs available in Louisiana, please visit our comprehensive list of nursing schools. This list provides detailed information about each institution, including program offerings, tuition costs, and contact details.
Top RN Programs in Louisiana
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public university and part of the University of Louisiana System, along with nine other campuses throughout the state. It has the largest enrollment compared to the other campuses and the second largest student body in the state. The university was originally founded as an industrial school in 1898. The current name was adopted in 1999 after the school became a four-year university. It is now a national research university and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university offers more than 80 undergrad programs and 27 master’s degree programs, including two nursing programs.
There are only two nursing programs available at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Department of Nursing. Students may choose between the BSN and accelerated BSN program, which is accredited by the CCNE. The latest edition of the US News & World Report ranking of Best Colleges ranked the nursing department as one of the best in the country. Students must complete prerequisite courses, which are typically completed during the freshman year. While the university does not directly offer MSN or DNP programs, they do offer courses in these areas through an affiliation with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN).
