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Louisiana Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide

    The following guide is designed to provide prospective nursing students with important information on the many nursing programs, including profiles of specific programs, offered in Louisiana. Louisiana’s colleges and universities provide students with the opportunity to concentrate in such areas as psychiatric nurse practitioner, nursing educator, family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and clinical nurse specialist. Sometimes, however, students need more flexibility than a traditional degree program affords. Online programs can allow students flexibility in earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing with the ability to complete clinical rotations close to home.

    Quick Facts

    • 32 schools with nursing programs in Louisiana are in our database (see below).
    • 20 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
    • 15 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
    • 12 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
    • 1 school ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
    • No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
    • 3 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
    • 1 school ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4

    Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Louisiana

    Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*

    • Louisiana Tech University (#65 in-state, #52 out-of-state)

    *Institution-wide ranking.

    US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s

    • Loyola University New Orleans (#91 tie)
    • University of Louisiana-Lafayette (#173 tie)
    • Northwestern State University of Louisiana (#131 tie)

    US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

    • Loyola University New Orleans (#79 tie)

    Continue reading below where you will find more in-depth information about undergraduate and graduate nursing programs available in Louisiana.

    NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Louisiana

    The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Louisiana nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (https://www.lsbn.state.la.us/) or the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (https://www.lsbpne.com/).

    SchoolADN or LVN ProgramBSN ProgramGraduate Nursing ProgramACEN/CCNE Accred.*NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate**# TakingNCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^# TakingNet Price^^
    Baton Rouge Community CollegeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A97.37%38$8,280
    Baton Rouge Community College-AcadianYesNoNoNo88.89%9N/AN/A$8,280
    Bossier Parish Community CollegeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A90.38%52$7,710
    Central Louisiana Technical Community CollegeYesNoNoNo76.92%13N/AN/A$8,636
    Central Louisiana Technical Community College-FerridayYesNoNoNo88.24%17N/AN/A$8,636
    Central Louisiana Technical Community College-Huey LongYesNoNoNo100%18N/AN/A$8,636
    Central Louisiana Technical Community College-Lamar SalterYesNoNoNo80%15N/AN/A$8,636
    Central Louisiana Technical Community College-OakdaleYesNoNoNo81.82%11N/AN/A$8,636
    Central Louisiana Technical Community College-Ward H. Nash AvoyellesYesNoNoNo100%26N/AN/A$8,636
    Delgado Community CollegeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A82.73%278$7,870
    Dillard UniversityNoYesNoACENN/AN/A54.35%46$18,001
    Fletcher Technical Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN75%883.33%12$9,627
    Grambling State UniversityNoYesYesACENN/AN/A33.33%3$17,051
    Louisiana CollegeNoYesNoCCNEN/AN/A69.77%43$14,002
    Louisiana Delta Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN70.59%17100%29$9,173
    Louisiana Delta Community College-RustonYesNoNoACEN100%14N/AN/A$9,173
    Louisiana Delta Community College-TallulahYesNoNoACEN72.73%11N/AN/A$9,173
    Louisiana Delta Community College-West MonroeYesNoNoACEN100%16N/AN/A$9,173
    Louisiana Delta Community College-WinnsboroYesNoNoACEN100%14N/AN/A$9,173
    Louisiana State University-AlexandriaYesYesNoACENN/AN/A94.34%53$7,218
    Louisiana State University-EuniceYesNoNoACENN/AN/A86.36%44$7,446
    Louisiana State Univeristy-Health Science CenterNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A96.04%202N/A
    Louisiana Tech UniversityYesNoNoACENN/AN/A97.3%37$8,905
    Loyola UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/AN/AN/A$26,601
    McNeese State University (ADN)YesYesYesCCNEN/AN/A84.38%32$8,883
    McNeese State University (BSN)YesYesYesCCNEN/AN/A97.2%143$8,883
    Nicholls State UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A92.57%92$9,892
    North Shore Technical Community College-HammondYesNoNoNo97.74%19N/AN/A$7,242
    North Shore Technical Community College-SullivanYesNoNoNo93.33%15N/AN/A$7,242
    Northwest Louisiana Technical College-MansfieldYesNoNoNo100%16N/AN/A$9,840
    Northwest Louisiana Technical College-MindenYesNoNoNo80.95%21N/AN/A$9,840
    Northwestern State University (ADN)YesYesYesACEN/CCNEN/AN/A93.26%89$9,290
    Northwestern State University (BSN)YesYesYesACEN/CCNEN/AN/A96.32%136$9,290
    Our Lady of the Lake College (ADN)YesYesYesNoN/AN/A100%2$14,644
    Our Lady of the Lake College (BSN)YesYesYesNoN/AN/A73.05%167$14,644
    Southeastern Louisiana UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A94.33%141$9,611
    Southeastern Louisiana University-Baton RougeNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A93.22%59$9,611
    South Louisiana Community CollegeYesNoNoNo87.5%1691.30%23$7,404
    South Louisiana Community College-TH HarrisYesNoNoNo66.67%12N/AN/A$7,404
    Southern University-ShreveportYesYesYesACEN/CCNEN/AN/A71.74%46$8,844
    Sowela Technical Community CollegeYesNoNoNo94.12%17N/AN/A$7,887
    University of Holy CrossNoYesNoACENN/AN/A96.15%52$11,063
    University of Louisiana-LafayetteNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A96.18%131$9,065
    University of Louisiana-MonroeNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A98.59%71$7,912

    *The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
    **NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates who graduated from an LPN program in May 2016 and tested on or before December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
    ^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.8 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
    ^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).

    Schools in Louisiana with Nursing Degrees

    Associate’s in Nursing Programs

    Baton Rouge Community College
    Baton Rouge Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) that emphasizes professional care in a multicultural context. Applicants to the program must undergo a selective admissions process that is based on the student’s cumulative GPA and performance on the nursing admission exam, as well as other factors. After meeting general education requirements, the ASN requires five semesters to complete. Advanced standing for licensed practical nurses is available. Required courses to earn the ASN include Fundamentals of Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and General Microbiology. The associate degree nursing program at Baton Rouge Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

    Louisiana Delta Community College
    Louisiana Delta Community College’s Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses with an aptitude for continuous learning and improvement. Students in the program learn how to provide patient-centered care while working as a member of a collaborative healthcare team. Courses that support this goal include Pharmacology for Health Careers, Microbiology, and Mental Health Nursing. Students also complete laboratory and clinical hours to gain hands-on, real-world experience in nursing care. The program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

    Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

    Louisiana State University, New Orleans
    Students who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Louisiana State University, New Orleans, must first complete all required general college coursework and prerequisites before applying to the nursing major. Nursing majors typically begin the nursing curriculum in the spring semester of the sophomore year with coursework throughout the next two and a half years focusing on pharmacology, adult health nursing, child health nursing, critical care nursing, and gerontology. Students must complete 120 credits, typically over four years, to fulfill degree requirements. Graduates of the program are qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

    Southeastern Louisiana University
    Southeastern Louisiana University awards the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to students who successfully complete the four-year, 120 credit program. The first three semesters of the program are dedicated to completing general college coursework in English, math, science, and psychology with the remainder of the program dedicated to nursing core courses and electives. Clinical rotations are mandatory. Students generally complete clinical rotations at medical facilities within 60 miles of the college campus. Exceptional students may apply for the honors nursing program. Admission to the nursing major is extremely competitive and successful applicants typically have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for all prerequisite courses.

    Master’s in Nursing Programs

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    Graduate students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette may pursue the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) on a full-time or a part-time basis. The MSN requires the completion of between 34 and 49 credits depending on the concentration. Concentrations may be chosen from family nurse practitioner, family psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse executive. Each concentration includes a mandatory thesis or a scholarly project, and nursing students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain in the program. Successful applicants to the program must submit GRE scores, must hold a current registered nursing license, and must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

    Northwestern State University of Louisiana
    Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates for advanced roles in nursing. Graduate students may choose from both clinical and non-clinical specializations. Clinical specializations focus on the nurse practitioner (family, adult-gerontology, primary care, or women’s health). Non-clinical specializations – nurse educator, nurse administration, or clinical nurse specialist – allow students to concentrate in adult gerontology clinical care nursing or maternal child. Students must complete between 39 and 42 credits depending on the specialization with both full and part-time study permitted. In addition to coursework within the specialization, students must also complete five core courses to fulfill degree requirements.

    Student Reviews

    Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

    McNeese State University
    4205 Ryan St
    Lake Charles, LA 70605
    (337) 475-5000
    https://www.mcneese.edu

    Student Review: Getting my nursing degree was challenging yet very do-able. It has also proved extremely rewarding as I had no problems finding a job after graduating. I felt fortunate to be able to go right into a job feeling competent and ready to tackle problems at hand. I also was a division 1 athlete during college so it was a little more stressful than a few other’s experience but with good time management I stayed on top of my studies. We were held at a higher standard than other schools at the college and our grading curve was a bit more steep but it made me feel even more confident knowing I wasn’t just getting by, I was actively learning and felt on top of everything they were teaching in the classroom because of this.” – Student at McNeese State University
    stars-5

    Our Lady of the Lake College
    5414 Brittany Dr
    Baton Rouge, LA 70808
    (225) 768-1700
    https://franu.edu

    Student Review: Our lady of the lake nursing school gave me the foundations to becoming a wonderful nurse. Nursing school was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, however; I think that overcoming challenges in life make a wonderful nurse. My nursing program was two years/4 semesters. now our Lady of the lake nursing programs offer a variety of times to complete the nursing program to meet the end of the individual needs of that person. For example you have the choice to finish in a year or take two years or take three years. I know that in my nursing school class, which was 15 years ago, we had all types of people. Single, married, children, no children, Rich, poor, and everything in between. If I would’ve had my choice at that time I would have paid the extra money to finish nursing school in a quicker timeframe with less breaks. In addition, clinical experience was not offered in the emergency room as part of the requirement. I think the emergency department would have been very beneficial clinical rotation to have in nursing school. No doubt the first semester was the worst semester however that’s when we had to learn the not so fun stuff. But as we progressed or knowledge and clinical skills over the years each class topics clinical skills became more interesting more intricate and more advanced. Our lady of the lake college did an amazing job at teaching me how to become a critical thinker. I remember having a tough time with the test they gave us trying to figure out the answer. But the school taught us how to become a critical thinker. No one can know everything about everything and there is no way that all the medical knowledge I have now could be squeezed into four semesters of nursing school that four semesters of nursing school. Our lady the lake gave me those tools and taught me the fundamentals and now I use that knowledge to apply to my current job. But now I have learned how to solve problems deductive reasoning to come up with the best solution is to generate the best outcomes.” – Student at Our Lady of the Lake College
    stars-3

    University of Louisiana at Monroe
    700 University Ave
    Monroe, LA 71209
    (318) 342-1000
    https://www.ulm.edu

    Student Review: I chose the online degree from University of Louisiana at Monroe so that I continue working and get my BSN at the same time. I felt like I received a lot of support from my adviser. She helped me to identify the missing prerequisites that I did not take when I got my ASN from the local community college. Instead of having to incur the extra expense of taking those classes in order to qualify for the online program, I was able to test out of those courses. Overall I found the experience more enjoyable than going to traditional campus classes. Even though the classes were online, my instructors were always quick to get back to me when I had questions or concerns. Many of the classes included mandatory participation in group discussion about that week’s lesson and I feel that I was able to comprehend more of the lesson materials and express myself better in writing. Many of the instructors worked in nursing and were able to provide legitimate experiences that related to the core content of the courses. I am very satisfied with my choice of the RN to BSN online program from ULM. They were affordable and knowledgeable.” – Student at University of Louisiana at Monroe
    stars-5

    References:
    1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
    2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
    3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
    4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
    5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
    6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
    7. Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners: https://www.lsbpne.com/education/nclex-pn-pass-rates/
    8. Louisiana State Board of Nursing: https://www.lsbn.state.la.us/