Nursing in Louisiana

Schools, Licensure and Requirements

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.

Quick Stats about Louisiana

72
Nursing Schools
90.9 %
Avg NCLEX Rate
Not NLC
Compact State
$78,693
Avg RN Salary

Louisiana's NCLEX-RN Pass Rate vs. National Average

Compare Louisiana's NCLEX-RN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.

Louisiana's NCLEX-PN Pass Rate vs. National Average

Compare Louisiana's NCLEX-PN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.

Browse Programs by Type

Browse all nursing programs available in Louisiana, organized by degree type. Click any program to see schools offering that program with detailed information for easy comparison.

Masters Programs

Doctoral Programs

Nursing Scholarships for Louisiana Students

McKesson Scholarships
Offered by: McKesson Foundation

This scholarship provides financial support to the dependents of McKesson employees in the U.S. and Canada, based on academic achievement, community service, leadership, and financial need.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be a dependent of a current McKesson employee.
  • You need to demonstrate strong academic performance.
  • You should have a record of community service and leadership.
  • Financial need will be considered in the evaluation.

Application Process: Apply online during the annual application period, typically from February 1 through April 30.

Deadline: April 30

Additional Information:

  • The Foundation has awarded over $3.6 million to more than 770 students over 35 years.
  • Awards are based on a combination of merit and need.
  • Scholarships help students attend college without the heavy burden of student loans.
  • The program supports both undergraduate and graduate studies.
  • Funding decisions are announced by August each year.

This scholarship aims to help families of McKesson employees pursue higher education and improve their futures through academic and leadership support.

Louisiana State University - Alexandria Campus - National Merit Scholarship
Offered by: Louisiana State University -- Alexandria Campus
Applicant must be a National Merit Finalist who has designated Louisiana State University - Alexandria Campus as his or her first-choice institution when completing the scholarship application. Applicants may change their top-choice selection by logging onto the Online Scholarship Application (OSA) website. Applicant must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of the high school program and no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12. Applicant must also be a citizen of the United States or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
Dr. Ray P. Authement Valedictorian Scholarship
Offered by: University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Applicant must be an incoming freshman at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who graduated high school with the designation valedictorian.

Louisiana State Board of Nursing (RN)

17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Mailing Address

17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Phone: 225.755.7500

Fax: 225.755.7584

NLC Member
What is this?
Contact Person: Barbara Morvant, MN, RN, Executive Director

Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LPN/LVN)

131 Airline Drive
Ste. 301
Metairie, LA 70001

Mailing Address

131 Airline Drive
Ste. 301
Metairie, LA 70001

Phone: 504.838.5791

Fax: 504.838.5279

NLC Member
What is this?
Contact Person: Lynn Ansardi, RN, Interim Executive Director