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. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list considers key factors like quality, flexibility, and support. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that suits your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
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's RN to BSN online program provides registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed for working professionals, this comprehensive program allows nurses with diplomas or associate degrees to complete their bachelor's degree. Students can leverage their existing nursing experience, earning up to 39 semester credit hours based on current licensure. The curriculum combines essential healthcare sciences, professional nursing concepts, and practical experiences, preparing nurses for expanded roles in healthcare delivery and leadership.
- 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
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
LSU's online RN to BSN program provides registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for working professionals, the 45-credit program can be completed in just 14 months. Students gain critical leadership skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and professional development opportunities. The affordable program costs $325 per credit hour, with potential transfer credits reducing overall expenses. Admission requires an active RN license, an associate's degree in nursing, and a minimum 2.25 GPA. Graduates are prepared for diverse nursing roles with enhanced skills in informatics, research, and complex patient care management.
- 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
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - Public 4-Year - mcneese.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
McNeese State University's RN-to-BSN program provides registered nurses an exceptional pathway to advance their professional credentials entirely online. Designed for working nurses seeking leadership opportunities, this comprehensive program builds upon existing nursing knowledge while expanding career potential. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes advanced clinical skills, healthcare ethics, and professional development. With a remarkable 98% first-time NCLEX passage rate, the program prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community health centers.
- 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 RN to BSN online program offers registered nurses an opportunity to advance their education and professional credentials. This flexible pathway allows working nurses to complete their bachelor's degree, enhancing their clinical knowledge and career opportunities. The program validates existing nursing expertise while providing comprehensive coursework in professional nursing practice, leadership, research, and community health. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice and critical thinking, graduates gain advanced skills to deliver high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings.
- 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 RN to BSN Online program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides registered nurses an accelerated pathway to complete their bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals with associate degrees or diplomas, this flexible online program allows students to advance their nursing career without interrupting their current employment. Students benefit from 8-week courses that offer comprehensive skills development and professional growth opportunities. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences and academic advancement while maintaining an affordable tuition structure.
- 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, LA 71302
(888) 473-6417
Baton Rouge, LA
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
William Carey University at Baton Rouge General
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 387-7000
Hammond, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA 70402
(985) 549-3772
Lafayette, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA 70504
(337) 482-6808
Lake Charles, LA
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 475-5822
Monroe, LA
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA 71209
(318) 342-1739
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 677-3100
New Orleans, LA
Dillard University
New Orleans, LA 70122
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 865-2795
Thibodaux, LA
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 448-4685
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