Louisiana’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. The Louisiana Healthcare Workforce Landscape Report estimated that by 2030, nursing shortages will continue. Data showed that there will be a shortage of 6,182 registered nurses (RNs) by 2030, which is 42% of the total demand for nurses. If you are considering nursing, Louisiana has many opportunities for RNs wanting to start and advance their careers.
Louisiana offers a warm climate, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. It is home to a rich and diverse culture unlike anywhere else in the United States. Louisiana is known for its Cajun and Creole food and jazz and blues music and has a unique history found in its architecture, museums, and landmarks.
Natural beauty can be found in Louisiana, from vast swamps, picturesque bayous, and beaches along the Gulf Coast. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, there will be plenty for you to do. Louisiana is home to several state parks and recreation areas where people can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Louisiana has a thriving economy that is growing with a strong sector in healthcare and manufacturing. It is also known for having a low cost of living. Housing, groceries, and other necessities are more affordable when compared to other states. Its low cost of living combined with ample job opportunities for RNs make Louisiana an attractive place to become an RN.
The Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Louisiana to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Louisiana based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Louisiana Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Louisiana ADN Nursing Program
Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program and a military medic-paramedic to RN program. Their ASN degree program is designed to provide education to prepare students for practice as RNs in various healthcare settings. Students can complete their general education courses and nursing courses in a two-year sequence or can choose to complete some of their general education courses before entering the nursing program. The curriculum was created to promote career mobility to the baccalaureate nursing education level.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,672
Out-of-State: $19,460
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,672 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,460 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.36% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
77% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
10,735 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
55% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Louisiana ADN Nursing Program
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, offers an award-winning ASN program based on its commitment to selecting, retaining, and educating future nurses; its innovation in nursing education; and its encouragement of faculty and student involvement in professional organizations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,065
Out-of-State: $16,806
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,065 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$16,806 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.31% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020-2021 |
49% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
11,603 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Louisiana ADN Nursing Program
SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers an ASN program with a mission to serve and improve the health of individuals entrusted in their care by providing excellence in education and preparing graduates to pursue higher education to become globally competitive citizens. Its program emphasizes the skills and knowledge necessary to promote human flourishing within the registered nurse’s legal, ethical, and professional scope.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,265
Out-of-State: $4,265
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,265 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4,265 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.74% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2022 |
94.5% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,068 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Louisiana BSN Nursing Program
Grambling State University
Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, offers a BSN program that is growing the best in healthcare providers through cutting-edge education. Its 120-credit nursing program can be completed in four years and prepares students for various entry-level nursing careers in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,683
Out-of-State: $16,706
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,683 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$16,706 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
42% |
| Retention Rate |
69% |
| Students Enrolled |
5,438 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Louisiana BSN Nursing Program
University of Louisiana Lafayette
The University of Louisiana Lafayette in Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a BSN program that provides a world-class education with hands-on experience and the support students need to be successful. Its program prepares students for a career in nursing in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,346
Out-of-State: $24,074
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,346 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,074 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.6% |
| Admission Rate |
78.35% |
| Retention Rate |
75% |
| Students Enrolled |
16,225 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
35% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Louisiana BSN Nursing Program
McNeese State University
McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers a BSN program with state-of-the-art technology, hands-on learning opportunities, and highly dedicated faculty.
They offer a BSN, RN to BSN, or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN track. Its programs prepare students to provide excellent care to their communities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,380
Out-of-State: $16,418
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,380 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$16,418 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.4% |
| Admission Rate |
70.99% |
| Retention Rate |
69% |
| Students Enrolled |
5,882 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
19% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Louisiana
When choosing a nursing program in Louisiana, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN. Some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 12 ADN programs and 18 BSN programs in Louisiana are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Louisiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Louisiana predicts a shortage of 6,182 registered nurses (RNs) by 2030, which is 42% of the total demand for nurses.
Louisiana achieved an 86.58% NCLEX-RN exam on the first attempt in 2022, which exceeds the national average of 79.9%. Health strengths in Louisiana include:
- Low Black/white residential segregation
- High prevalence of having a dedicated health care provider
- High adolescent HPV vaccination rate
- 57% decrease in uninsured from 17.5% to 7.6% of the population between 2011 and 2021
- 21% decrease in food insecurity from 18.3% to 14.5% of households between 2014-2016 and 2019-2021
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $75,920. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living and housing is also lower than the national average, making Louisiana a more affordable state to live in.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Louisiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Louisiana is $75,920, and it employs 43,790 nurses. Louisiana also employs 4,280 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $118,210.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Cities in Louisiana for RNs |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA |
$79,420 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA |
$77,590 |
| Hammond, LA |
$74,760 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Louisiana
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Louisiana Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Louisiana, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Louisiana:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your Louisiana RN license, you must renew it every two years. RNs must complete a minimum of 30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education every two years OR work a minimum of 900 practice hours during the licensing period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Louisiana:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Louisiana.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs with prescriptive authority must obtain six contact hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics every year that is provided by a board-approved national certifying organization or by a provider approved by the board. License renewal occurs every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Louisiana
Is Louisiana a good place for nurses to work?
Louisiana has strong healthcare sectors and an NCLEX-RN pass rate higher than the national average, making this a great place for nurses to work. With an increased nursing shortage predicted by 2030, there will be plenty of nursing jobs to choose from in Louisiana.
Is Louisiana a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Louisiana is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact nursing license for Louisiana, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Louisiana?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years and complete 30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education OR work a minimum of 900 practice hours during the licensing period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board.
How much does a Louisiana RN license cost?
Louisiana RN license renewal costs $100. An application by exam is $200, and by endorsement is $185.
