The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration.
T the number of unit hours required to complete a program will differ from place to place; however, BSN to DNP students are usually expected to complete between 65 and 95 unit hours with a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours. Most MSN to DNP programs will require students to complete between 28 and 39 unit hours.
Core competencies students are expected to master during DNP programs will likely include:
- Advanced nursing practice.
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care.
- Scientific underpinning for practice.
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
- Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care.
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Louisiana
Nurses seeking top-tier Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs in Louisiana will find a wealth of excellent options. At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully analyzed and ranked the state's best DNP programs based on academic rigor, faculty expertise, clinical opportunities, and student success rates. These programs prepare advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality healthcare, lead complex clinical teams, and drive innovative patient care strategies. Louisiana's nursing education landscape offers diverse pathways for professionals looking to elevate their clinical and leadership skills. Our comprehensive rankings provide clear insights into the most respected DNP programs across the state. View our comprehensive ranking methodology.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA - Public 4-Year - louisiana.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides a comprehensive professional pathway for nurses seeking advanced leadership roles in healthcare systems. This innovative hybrid program combines online coursework with strategic on-campus experiences, enabling working professionals to enhance their clinical expertise. With a curriculum centered on evidence-based practice, organizational leadership, and health policy, graduates gain sophisticated skills to transform healthcare delivery. The program's affordable $480 per credit hour tuition makes advanced nursing education accessible, while emphasizing personalized faculty mentoring and research-driven approaches to addressing complex healthcare challenges.
- Mostly online coursework
- $480 per credit hour
- On-campus synthesis project
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Personalized faculty mentoring
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UL Lafayette's Advanced Practice Nursing DNP track offers a dynamic educational experience designed to cultivate next-generation nurse practitioners. The program strategically prepares professionals to address nationwide healthcare needs through comprehensive training in evidence-based practices, interprofessional leadership, and advanced clinical methodologies. Students develop critical skills to implement innovative care models, leverage research insights, and effectively manage complex patient populations. With a flexible hybrid format and competitive $480 per credit hour tuition, the program enables working nurses to advance their careers while maintaining professional commitments, ultimately positioning graduates as transformative healthcare leaders.
- Majority online coursework
- Focuses on advanced practice nursing
- $480 per credit hour
- Interprofessional healthcare leadership
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Personalized faculty mentoring
- On-campus synthesis project
- Prepares healthcare leaders
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Executive DNP concentration at University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides a specialized pathway for nursing professionals aspiring to high-level healthcare leadership roles. This meticulously designed hybrid program equips students with advanced organizational management skills, strategic policy understanding, and comprehensive healthcare systems knowledge. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and innovative leadership techniques, the curriculum prepares nurses to drive systemic improvements across complex healthcare environments. With mostly online coursework, an affordable $480 per credit hour rate, and personalized faculty mentoring, graduates emerge as sophisticated healthcare executives capable of implementing transformative strategies and addressing critical industry challenges.
- Hybrid online/on-campus program
- $480 per credit hour
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership-oriented curriculum
- Personalized faculty mentoring
- Mostly online coursework
- Interprofessional care preparation
- DNP synthesis project required
- Advanced nursing leadership track
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA - Public 4-Year - nsula.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwestern State University's Nurse Anesthesia DNP concentration represents a comprehensive program tailored for experienced registered nurses aspiring to specialized anesthesia care roles. Through an innovative hybrid learning model, students receive advanced clinical training that integrates sophisticated patient assessment techniques with complex medical intervention strategies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on expertise in anesthesia administration, preparing practitioners to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare environments. Graduates emerge as highly skilled advanced practice nurses equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and leadership capabilities in anesthesia practice.
- Hybrid program format
- Specialized Nurse Anesthesia concentration
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Designed for experienced RNs
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern State University's Executive Leadership DNP concentration provides a transformative online program designed to cultivate advanced nursing professionals who can drive strategic healthcare innovations. The curriculum focuses on developing sophisticated leadership competencies, including organizational management, policy development, and systemic healthcare improvements. Students engage with complex healthcare technologies, evidence-based practices, and interprofessional collaboration strategies. By emphasizing strategic planning and financial management, the program prepares nurses to assume pivotal executive roles and implement meaningful changes within healthcare organizations.
- Online DNP Executive Leadership
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
- Designed for experienced nurses
- Strategic healthcare management
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Educational Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern State University's Educational Leadership DNP concentration offers an innovative online pathway for experienced nurses seeking to transform healthcare education. The program provides comprehensive leadership training that integrates advanced clinical knowledge with sophisticated educational strategies. Students develop critical skills in curriculum development, instructional design, and academic leadership, positioning themselves to influence future nursing generations. By combining flexible learning environments with rigorous academic preparation, the program empowers nurses to become influential educators and innovators in nursing education.
- Online DNP program
- Educational Leadership focus
- Advanced nursing education
- Comprehensive leadership training
- Flexible learning environment
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - Public 4-Year - mcneese.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
McNeese State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing is a hybrid program designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to specialize in psychiatric mental health. Over three years, students engage in a curriculum that blends online and on-campus learning, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare improvement. The program includes 510 clinical practicum hours and prepares graduates for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification. With CCNE accreditation and approval by the Louisiana State Board, it offers a flexible, practice-based approach compatible with full-time work.
- 3-year continuous DNP program
- 50-99% online coursework
- Hybrid learning format
- 510 clinical practicum hours
- Board certification preparation
- Practice-based doctorate approach
- Louisiana State Board approved
- CCNE accredited program
- Psychiatric care focus
- Full-time work compatible
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at McNeese State University is a three-year hybrid program tailored for working nurses. It emphasizes online coursework with some on-campus requirements, facilitating a balance between education and professional commitments. The program aims to equip nurses with advanced clinical skills and leadership abilities to address mental health care gaps, especially in underserved areas. Graduates are prepared to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification, supported by 510 clinical practicum hours and expert faculty guidance.
- 3-year hybrid DNP program
- 50-99% online coursework
- 510 clinical practicum hours
- Louisiana State Board approved
- Practice-based doctorate approach
- Work with expert faculty
- Care for diverse patient populations
- Leadership skill development
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - loyno.edu
Doctorate - BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Loyola University New Orleans offers a BSN-DNP program specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, delivered entirely online. This 63-credit program is designed for BSN-prepared nurses, focusing on advanced clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice over 36 months. Graduates are well-prepared for national certification exams, enabling them to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. The program's highlights include its online format, comprehensive DNP core courses, and multiple clinical practicums, ensuring a robust educational experience.
- 63 total program credits
- Fully online format
- 36-month completion time
- Advanced clinical specialization
- Prepares for national certification
- Comprehensive DNP core courses
- Multiple clinical practicums
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Loyola University New Orleans is a hybrid program tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in acute care for adult and geriatric patients. It emphasizes advanced clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and patient management in acute settings. This program prepares nurses for doctoral-level practice, focusing on improving patient outcomes through specialized care. Highlights include its hybrid format, focus on acute care, and preparation for specialized practice, making it ideal for those seeking to advance in this critical healthcare area.
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced nursing specialization
- Focuses on acute care
- Doctoral level preparation
- Prepares specialized practitioners
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge, LA - Private 4-year - franu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) program, specifically designed for registered nurses aiming to specialize in nurse anesthesia. This hybrid program spans 36 months and requires 100 credit hours, blending online coursework with in-person clinical training. Students benefit from over 2,500 hours of clinical experience across more than 20 sites, ensuring comprehensive hands-on learning. The program boasts a 92% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam and a 100% employment rate within six months post-graduation. Admission highlights include a GRE optional policy and the availability of HRSA Grant funding. Requires GRE (optional).
- 36-month DNP program
- 2,500 hours clinical experience
- Blended online/in-person curriculum
- GRE optional admission
- State-of-the-art simulation equipment
- HRSA Grant funding available
- 92% first-time NCE pass rate
- 100% employment rate
- 20+ clinical site partners
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The state of Louisiana has five DNP programs. Before enrolling into one of these programs, there are a few crucial factors to consider.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of Louisiana will vary depending on factors like whether you are a resident of Louisiana, coming from out-of-state, or if you're pursing your degree online. For post-master's DNP students, residents of Louisiana can expect to pay anywhere from $666 to $1,184 per unit hour. On the other hand, non-residents can expect their tuition costs to range from $1,184 to $1,697 per unit hour. Students taking DNP courses online will generally pay around $818 per credit hour.
- Online Options— Three out of the five DNP programs in the state of Louisiana are delivered in an online or semi-online format. They include the following:
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette—Both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP tracks are offered to students. Both programs are designed as cohorts, with a majority of the coursework available online. Students are, however, required to attend on-campus activities prior to starting the program and again at the conclusion of the program, to present their DNP synthesis project.
- Southeastern Louisiana University—The post-master's program is offered almost entirely online with only two required on-campus visits – a one-day DNP orientation and another session for the defense of the DNP Project.
- Loyola University-New Orleans—Both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways are offered online and only require students to attend a one-week campus orientation each year, as well as a campus visit at the conclusion of the program to defend the capstone project.
- Accreditation— Prior to enrollment in any university program it's important to consider accreditation. DNP programs in the state of Louisiana are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
- Clinical Residencies— Fellowships and clinical residencies are an important part of the DNP training process. Inquire with your school of choice to see what kind of clinical experience partnerships it has.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Standards for admission to DNP programs in the state of Louisiana will vary from university to university. Prospective nursing students who will be most successful will need to have fulfilled the following prerequisite requirements:
- Be in possession of an unencumbered RN license
- Possess a BSN or MSN degree
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either their undergraduate or graduate degree program (depending on the degree point from which they're entering from)
- Provide academic transcripts
- Pass a drug and background test
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Verification/documentation of clinical hours
- Provide GRE Scores
- Provide two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement of goals
- Complete an in-person interview with university program faculty
Certification
In the state of Louisiana, upon completion of their DNP degree nursing students are able to sit for the state certification exam. Once passed, if all else is in order, graduates can then become certified in advanced nursing specialties including, but not limited to the following:
- Executive Nurse Leader
- Integrated behavioral health
- Public/Community Health Nursing
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Licensing
Licensing requirements in the state of Louisiana for APRNs include:
- Complete an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Louisiana BSN to DNP Program Options
There are four universities that offers programs with BSN to DNP pathways in the state of Louisiana. They include:
- Louisiana State University, New Orleans—Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
- Loyola University, New Orleans—Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Baton Rouge—BSN-DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner
- University of Louisiana, Lafayette—Post MSN and BSN-DNP
Related Education Paths
- Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Louisiana FNP Programs
- Louisiana CRNA Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Louisiana
- Louisiana State Nurses Organization
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing
- Louisiana Organization for Nurse Executives
- Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Louisiana
Baton Rouge, LA
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 36-month DNP program
- 2,500 hours clinical experience
- Blended online/in-person curriculum
- GRE optional admission
- State-of-the-art simulation equipment
- HRSA Grant funding available
- 92% first-time NCE pass rate
- 100% employment rate
Southern University and A & M College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- Practice-focused doctorate program
- Advanced nurse practitioner preparation
- Leadership role development
- Research translation skills
- Clinical innovation focus
Lafayette, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Ranked #143 nursing school
- Hybrid online/on-campus program
- $480 per credit hour
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership-oriented curriculum
- Personalized faculty mentoring
- Mostly online coursework
- Interprofessional care preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally ranked DNP program
- Majority online coursework
- Focuses on advanced practice nursing
- $480 per credit hour
- Interprofessional healthcare leadership
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Personalized faculty mentoring
- On-campus synthesis project
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Ranked #143 Best Nursing Schools
- Mostly online coursework
- $480 per credit hour
- On-campus synthesis project
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Personalized faculty mentoring
Lake Charles, LA
McNeese State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid DNP program
- 50-99% online coursework
- 510 clinical practicum hours
- Louisiana State Board approved
- Practice-based doctorate approach
- Work with expert faculty
- Care for diverse patient populations
- Leadership skill development
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year continuous DNP program
- 50-99% online coursework
- Hybrid learning format
- 510 clinical practicum hours
- Board certification preparation
- Practice-based doctorate approach
- Louisiana State Board approved
- CCNE accredited program
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Educational Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Educational Leadership focus
- Advanced nursing education
- Comprehensive leadership training
- Flexible learning environment
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP Executive Leadership
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
- Designed for experienced nurses
- Strategic healthcare management
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Specialized Nurse Anesthesia concentration
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Designed for experienced RNs
New Orleans, LA
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Adult Gerontology - Campus Based - Website
- 83 credit hour DNP program
- Adult-Gerontology focused curriculum
- Patient-centered clinical training
- Advanced nursing practice preparation
- Evidence-based care approach
- Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
- 90 credit hour DNP program
- Pediatric care birth to adulthood
- Complex clinical management focus
- Seminar and practicum experiences
- Advanced nursing competency development
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Practice-focused doctoral nursing degree
- BSN to DNP and Post-Masters pathways
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Multiple advanced practice roles
- Research application in clinical settings
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- BSN and Post-Masters pathways
- Multiple clinical concentrations
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Research and leadership emphasis
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 50 total credit hours
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Comprehensive patient care training
- National certification preparation
- Diverse healthcare settings
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Clinical nursing experience needed
- Unencumbered nursing license required
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 45 total graduate credits
- Comprehensive adult healthcare focus
- National certification preparation
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Advanced pharmacology training
- Clinical practicum experiences
- Doctorate - Nurse-Midwife post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- 86 semester credit hours
- Multiple admission pathways
- Comprehensive clinical training
- ACNM competency based
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 94 total credit hours
- BSN to DNP pathway
- Culturally diverse population focus
- Practicum with direct supervision
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- Doctorate - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 52 total credit program
- Lifespan patient care focus
- Advanced practice nursing skills
- National certification preparation
- Community-based clinical training
- Advanced pharmacology courses
- Comprehensive health assessment
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- Two program pathways: BSN/Post-Masters
- Multiple clinical concentrations
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Advanced nursing leadership training
- Interdisciplinary team skills
- Advanced clinical practice roles
- Improve patient care outcomes
Loyola University New Orleans
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced nursing specialization
- Focuses on acute care
- Doctoral level preparation
- Prepares specialized practitioners
- Doctorate - BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 63 total program credits
- Fully online format
- 36-month completion time
- Advanced clinical specialization
- Prepares for national certification
- Comprehensive DNP core courses
- Multiple clinical practicums