Although Louisiana’s nursing job market is expected to grow at a slightly slower rate than the national average, it is still on track for steady expansion, with a projected 2% increase over the next decade. The state is home to numerous nursing programs, providing ample opportunities for those looking to start or advance their careers in healthcare. Whether you’re just entering the field or aiming to further your education, Louisiana offers a variety of programs tailored to meet your unique needs and professional aspirations.
Jump to:
- Louisiana RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Louisiana
For RN bridge programs visit:
Best RN Programs in Louisiana
Selecting the best nursing school in Louisiana can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in Louisiana by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 25 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Louisiana Tech University
Score: 98.22
Nestled in the community of Ruston, Louisiana Tech University is home to an ADN pathway for aspiring nursing students. The program requires 70 total credit hours, and the curriculum includes courses in Adult Health Maintenance, Maternal/Newborn Health Maintenance, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and much more. LTU graduates leave the program well prepared to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (318) 257-3101
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Score: 97.34
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a pre-licensure BSN program to prepare the next generation of skilled registered nurses. This traditional 4-year program incorporates nursing theory, clinical practice, and leadership to give students a well-rounded foundation. The curriculum includes courses such as Clinical Pharmacology, Nutrition and Clinical Diet Therapy, Health Assessment Skills, and others.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (337) 482-5604
Louisiana Delta Community College
Score: 96.88
Louisiana Delta Community College is located in Monroe, Louisiana - midway between Shreveport and Jackson. With an excellent associate's degree in nursing program, LDCC produces competent and caring entry-level nurses. Graduates of the program have a staggering 100% job placement rate
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (318) 345-9000
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Score: 96.76
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans is located in the major metropolis of New Orleans, Louisiana. BSN pre-licensure students are taught to utilize technical and critical thinking skills to provide quality care to patients. The traditional BSN takes just 3 years to complete, and the curriculum covers concepts in nursing theory, research, health systems and policy, ethics in practice, and more.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (504) 568-4808
University of Holy Cross
Score: 96.26
The University of Holy Cross' home is the city of New Orleans. Nursing students from throughout the state work toward their BSN degree here, where they enjoy no wait lists for admission, multiple clinical affiliates, and a higher than average first-time NCLEX exam pass rate. Students can complete their coursework in just 6 semesters. UHC's graduates learn to evaluate and apply their experience to improve their practice.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (504) 394-7744
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Score: 96.03
Since 1960, the University of Louisiana at Monroe's Kitty DeGree School of Nursing has educated top nurses. With multiple ways to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree, including bridge programs and a traditional pre-licensure option, students can earn their degree in the way that works best for them. Determined to change the face of nursing, UoL graduates are a welcome addition to a variety of healthcare settings.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (318) 342-1640
South Louisiana Community College
Score: 96.00
The Lafayette campus of South Louisiana Community College is home to an exceptional ADN program pathway. Nursing students are given the knowledge, skills, competencies, and values to fulfill the Acadiana area's healthcare needs. Graduates are fully prepared for the NCLEX-RN examination and for future employment in the medical field.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (337) 521-9000
Southeastern Louisiana University
Score: 95.69
Hammond's Southeastern Louisiana University is home to a robust nursing department offering multiple degree pathways, including a four-year BSN option. The program requires 120 total credit hours, and the comprehensive curriculum includes didactic courses, labs, and clinical experiences at area healthcare facilities.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (985) 549-2156
Baton Rouge Community College
Score: 95.37
Baton Rouge Community College offers a 5-semester, 72-credit ADN program for interested students. The curriculum is based around diverse, patient-centered, evidence-based care, with an emphasis on safety. The application for the ADN program is available in the Spring semester only. BRCC also offers an LPN to RN track option for those who wish to break into registered nursing.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (225) 216-8450
McNeese State University
Score: 94.70
McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, is committed to nursing education excellence by providing quality nursing programs. Their 120 credit-hour traditional BSN program prepares students for complex clinical practice, combining liberal arts courses with core nursing courses. The curriculum includes classes such as Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health, Critical Thinking in Nursing, Wellness Promotion Across the Lifespan, and many others.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
- Phone: (337) 475-5048
Louisiana Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
If you're considering a career in nursing, you might be wondering where to begin. As a registered nurse, the degree you'll need will depend on your background and future goals. Many new nurses start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because these options offer an affordable and relatively quick path to entering the field. Explore the differences between these options, along with other nursing pathways, in the sections below.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the fastest route for those looking to become nurses at the entry level, typically taking just two years to complete. Alternatively, students can pursue an RN diploma, often available through specialized nursing schools and hospitals, which generally takes 1-2 years to finish. The key difference between an ADN and an RN diploma is that the ADN includes additional general education courses, while the diploma focuses solely on foundational nursing education. For current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), the LPN to RN bridge program is an excellent option, offering the chance to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Louisiana include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Louisiana.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
If you're setting your sights higher, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the best choice for entry-level nursing education. This four-year degree covers all the essential knowledge and skills needed for success as a registered nurse and can serve as a strong foundation if you decide to pursue a graduate degree, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, later on. Additionally, bridge options like the RN to BSN or an accelerated BSN program can be excellent pathways for those who qualify, providing flexibility and an expedited route to a BSN.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Louisiana typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
Louisiana RN to BSN programs are generally the best option for working nurses who want the fastest route to getting a BSN. If you have an associate degree in nursing and an RN license, you can get your BSN in as little as two years through this type of program.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Suppose you have a bachelor’s degree already but it’s not a nursing bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you can supplement your current education through a Louisiana ABSN program and get your BSN in as little as a year or two.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
If you're ready to take your nursing education to the next level, pursuing a graduate degree could be the ideal choice. Graduate nursing degrees come in several forms, including a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs typically require candidates to have at least a BSN or MSN, hold an active, unencumbered RN license, and meet the specific entry criteria for each program.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Louisiana:
- Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Louisiana MSN Program
- Louisiana RN to MSN Programs
- Louisiana Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Louisiana DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in Louisiana
If your goal is to serve as a professional nurse in Louisiana, you’ll need to get licensed. The licensure process begins with passing the NCLEX-RN exam followed by sending an application and fee to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Once you receive your license, it’s your responsibility to retain it by completing any necessary continuing education.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Louisiana
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Louisiana Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
RN program accreditation is also an important consideration. If an RN program is not accredited, it means that the state board has not approved the school’s curriculum, and thus, graduates from the program will not be allowed to get licensed. Accreditation in the US is conducted by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Continued List of All RN Programs in Louisiana
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | Northwestern State University Natchitoches, LA 71497 | Phone: (318) 357-6011 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 94.49 | nsula.edu |
| 12. | LSU of Alexandria Alexandria, LA 71302 | Phone: (888) 473-6417 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 94.37 | lsua.edu |
| 13. | Bossier Parish Community College Bossier City, LA 71111 | Phone: (318) 678-6000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 92.26 | bpcc.edu |
| 14. | Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LA 70310 | Phone: (877) 642-4655 | Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN | 92.26 | nicholls.edu |
| 15. | William Carey University at Baton Rouge General Baton Rouge, LA 70806 | Phone: (225) 387-7000 | Programs: BSN | 91.53 | brgeneral.org |
| 16. | Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | Phone: (225) 768-1750 | Programs: BSN | 91.04 | franu.edu |
| 17. | Delgado Community College New Orleans, LA 70119 | Phone: (504) 671-5000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 88.47 | dcc.edu |
| 18. | Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70807 | Phone: (225) 771-4500 | Programs: BSN | 87.39 | subr.edu |
| 19. | LSU Eunice Eunice, LA 70535 | Phone: (337) 550-1363 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.56 | lsue.edu |
| 20. | Fletcher Technical Community College Schriever, LA 70395 | Phone: (985) 448-7900 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.04 | fletcher.edu |
| 21. | Southern University at Shreveport Shreveport, LA 71107 | Phone: (318) 670-6000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 80.40 | susla.edu |
| 22. | Dillard University New Orleans, LA 70122 | Phone: (504) 283-8822 | Programs: BSN | 53.59 | dillard.edu |
| 23. | Grambling State University Grambling, LA 71245 | Phone: (800) 569-4714 | Programs: BSN | 32.28 | gram.edu |
| 24. | SOWELA Technical Community College Lake Charles, LA 70615 | Phone: (337) 421-6565 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | sowela.edu |
| 25. | Chamberlain University Jefferson, LA 70121 | Phone: (504) 565-7995 | Programs: BSN | - | chamberlain.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.