Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country are placing more emphasis on highly skilled, quality nursing care. With registered nurses (RNs) making crucial care decisions on a daily basis, it's no wonder why employers in Louisiana are interested in nurses with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. For RNs who only have an Associate's Degree in Nursing, one of the state's many RN to BSN programs can get them where they need to go.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Louisiana? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs that fit your needs. We focus on quality, flexibility, and support to help you succeed. Whether you're working or busy with life, these programs make advancing your career easier. Check out our picks to find the right fit for you. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College offers a distinguished online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement without sacrificing their current roles. This 14-month, 45-credit curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and professional growth, all delivered through a flexible online platform. At $325 per credit hour, it stands as an affordable option, especially with the possibility of transferring credits to lower costs. Applicants must hold an active RN license, an associate's degree in nursing, and maintain a minimum 2.25 GPA. Graduates emerge ready to tackle advanced nursing positions, equipped with expertise in informatics, research, and comprehensive patient care strategies. Highlights include its ACEN accreditation, acceptance of transfer credits, and the requirement of an active RN license for admission.
- Top-ranked online RN to BSN program
- 14-month program completion
- 45 total credit hours
- $325 per credit hour
- Fully online format
- Accredited by ACEN
- Transfer credits accepted
- 2.25 minimum GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- Career growth opportunities
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an RN to BSN online program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications without sacrificing their current roles. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments. It requires an unencumbered RN license and a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission, with no entrance exam needed, making it accessible to many. The curriculum is designed to build on existing nursing knowledge, offering a blend of healthcare sciences, nursing concepts, and practical experiences. With options for part-time or full-time enrollment, students can earn up to 39 credits from prior experience, culminating in a total of 120 credit hours. The program emphasizes leadership and public health, preparing graduates for advanced roles in nursing.
- Online flexible program
- 120 total credit hours
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.0 GPA prerequisite
- Part-time and full-time options
- No entrance exam needed
- 30 hours from ULM required
- Professional nursing practicums included
- Comprehensive nursing coursework
- Management and public health focus
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - Public 4-Year - mcneese.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
McNeese State University offers a distinguished online RN-to-BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers without stepping away from their current roles. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance work and study, and its rigorous curriculum that covers advanced clinical practices, ethical decision-making, and leadership in healthcare. Notably, the program boasts a 98% first-time NCLEX pass rate, underscoring its effectiveness in preparing graduates for the challenges of modern nursing. Accreditation by the CCNE and approval by the Louisiana Board of Nursing further validate its quality and relevance in the healthcare education landscape.
- 100% Online RN-to-BSN Option
- 98% NCLEX Passage Rate
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Leadership Skill Development
- Approved by Louisiana Board
- Credits for Existing Coursework
- Comprehensive Nursing Curriculum
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA - Public 4-Year - nicholls.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Articulation
Online Learning - Visit Website
Nicholls State University's online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and community health, preparing graduates for advanced roles in diverse healthcare environments. With a GPA requirement of just 2.0 and the need for an unencumbered RN license, it's accessible to many. The program stands out for its flexibility, allowing completion within seven years to accommodate working nurses' schedules. It's an excellent choice for those looking to build on their existing nursing knowledge without stepping away from their current roles.
- Online RN to BSN articulation
- CCNE accredited program
- Validates existing nursing knowledge
- GPA requirement of 2.0
- Unencumbered RN licensure required
- Completion within seven years
- Flexible for working nurses
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA - Public 4-Year - louisiana.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an RN to BSN Online program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. This 100% online program is perfect for those balancing work and study, featuring accelerated 8-week courses that allow for swift progression. It's designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of working RNs, focusing on professional development and career advancement without the need for campus attendance. The curriculum is structured to build upon existing nursing expertise, offering a seamless transition to a bachelor's level education. Affordable and flexible, it's an ideal choice for nurses aiming to expand their career opportunities.
- 100% Online Program
- Accelerated 8-week Courses
- Designed for Working RNs
- Builds on Existing Nursing Knowledge
- Professional Career Advancement
Fast & Affordable Program Options
RN to BSN programs are often sought out by nurses who have an associate’s degree and several years in the nursing field. These fast-paced bridge programs are particularly attractive for their speed and affordability as they allow students to graduate in not 4 years (as they would in a traditional BSN program) but in only two years, or even less. This not only saves students time in their busy schedules, but it also allows them to save money due to the time it takes to graduate.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
As mentioned, most RN to BSN programs allow students to graduate in half the time compared to a traditional BSN program, but it’s conceivable that you may be able to graduate even sooner depending on the program an how many credits you’ll be transferring into the program. Below are a few great options for the quickest RN to BSN programs in Louisiana that take less than two years:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Louisiana State University | RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| University of Louisiana | Online RN to BSN | 1 year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in Louisiana. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
For some students, the benefit of saving money on their education outweighs the benefit of the timeliness of an RN to BSN program. Spending less time in the classroom means that your financial obligation to your chosen program will be relatively small compared to a traditional 4-year BSN program. Furthermore, the affordability of an RN to BSN program may be further multiplied by residency status (depending on the school) or if you receive your education primarily online. Below are a few of the most affordable options in the state.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Southern University New Orleans | Online RN to BSN | $7,490 per year (Resident) $13,384 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Louisiana State University | RN to BSN | $11,954 per year (Resident) $28,631 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Advancing a nursing career via an RN to BSN program starts with gaining admission to a great school. While entrance requirements may differ from school to school, the following is a sample of some of the typical requirements that accredited schools in the state list:
- Must have earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university
- Must have completed all prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- Unencumbered RN license in the state of Louisiana
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Once prerequisite and general education courses are completed, RN to BSN students take specialized upper-division nursing courses as part of the curriculum. LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing provides the following nursing courses as part of their program:
- NURS 3375: Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
- NURS 4357: Population-Focused Nursing: Theory
- NURS 3370: Research in Nursing
- NURS 4379: Leadership in the Health Care System
- NURS 4346: Gerontology
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana
Looking for the best RN to BSN programs in your state? Check out our listings below:
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Alexandria, LA
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Delivery
- 120 Total Credit Hours
- Seven-Week Semester Format
- 12-18 Month Completion Time
- Personalized Nursing Advisor
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Graduate School Preparation
Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Top-ranked online RN to BSN program
- 14-month program completion
- 45 total credit hours
- $325 per credit hour
- Fully online format
- Accredited by ACEN
- Transfer credits accepted
- 2.25 minimum GPA required
Southern University and A & M College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online nursing program
- Designed for working RNs
- Leadership career advancement
- Nationally accredited program
- Flexible coursework schedule
- Multiple transfer agreements
- Experienced nursing instructors
Grambling, LA
Grambling State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester program completion
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- Credit for previous nursing courses
- Flexible learning option
- Louisiana State Board approved
Hammond, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Nursing Degree
- $9,500 Total Program Cost
- Dedicated Faculty Coach
- Multiple Semester Start Dates
- 2.5 GPA Admission Requirement
- 8-Week Term Formats
- Military Friendly University
- CCNE Accredited Program
Lafayette, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Accelerated 8-week Courses
- Designed for Working RNs
- Builds on Existing Nursing Knowledge
- Professional Career Advancement
Lake Charles, LA
McNeese State University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online RN-to-BSN Option
- 98% NCLEX Passage Rate
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Leadership Skill Development
- Approved by Louisiana Board
- Credits for Existing Coursework
- Comprehensive Nursing Curriculum
Monroe, LA
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- 120 total credit hours
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.0 GPA prerequisite
- Part-time and full-time options
- No entrance exam needed
- 30 hours from ULM required
- Professional nursing practicums included
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- $225 per credit hour
- Flexible 12-month completion
- No additional fees
- Career advancement opportunity
- Designed for working RNs
New Orleans, LA
Dillard University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Transfer up to 57 credits
- Service learning opportunities
- State-of-the-art nursing facilities
- Oldest LA nursing program
- Fully accredited program
- Multiple nursing pathways
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- One-year completion time
- Designed for RNs with associate degree
- Unencumbered nursing license required
- Admits fall and spring semesters
- Builds on existing nursing competencies
Ruston, LA
Louisiana Tech University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online Program
- $400 per credit hour
- Flexible Clinical Experiences
- Professional Leadership Focus
- No Additional Fees
- Aligns with AACN Essentials
- Supports Career Advancement
- Interprofessional Learning Approach
Shreveport, LA
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-month full-time completion option
- Hybrid learning format
- Designed for working RNs
- Multiple enrollment semesters
- Addresses nursing shortage
Thibodaux, LA
Nicholls State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Articulation
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN articulation
- CCNE accredited program
- Validates existing nursing knowledge
- GPA requirement of 2.0
- Unencumbered RN licensure required
- Completion within seven years
- Flexible for working nurses