Nursing offers multiple entry points from short CNA or LPN programs to ADN/BSN and graduate degrees (MSN/DNP). Licensure requires the NCLEX for RNs and LPNs; advanced roles need national certification and state credentialing. Programs in Louisiana span community colleges, universities and private schools; confirm accreditation (CCNE or ACEN) and Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval before applying.

Why choose nursing?

Nursing offers a direct way to help people across the lifespan - from newborns to older adults. The field includes many specialties and settings: hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care, public health and telehealth. You can tailor your training and career path to how much formal schooling you want and the level of responsibility you want to assume.

Training levels and credentials

Common entry points into nursing include:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - short training and state certification.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) - vocational programs plus NCLEX-PN in most states.
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - prepared by an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); both routes qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
  • Advanced practice and graduate roles - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or nurse practitioner (NP) tracks for higher clinical responsibility and independent practice in many states.
Licensure is state-regulated; RNs and LPNs/LVNs must pass the NCLEX exam for their level. Advanced practice nurses typically also need national certification in their specialty and state-level credentialing.

Program types and modern delivery options

You can find programs at community colleges, technical/vocational schools, public and private universities, and hospital-based schools. Many schools now offer:

  • Online or hybrid coursework for theory classes.
  • Accelerated BSN programs for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
  • RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN bridge programs for working clinicians.
Clinical practice hours still require in-person attendance at approved healthcare sites.

Finding programs in Louisiana

Louisiana offers nursing education across community colleges, four-year universities, private colleges and hospital-affiliated programs. Known local providers include state community colleges and health science centers; prospective students should verify program accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and current approval by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Specific institutions to check for current offerings include LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing , Delgado Community College (ADN) 1, and Our Lady of the Lake College 2.

How to choose and next steps

Pick a level that matches your timeline and career goals. Verify program accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement support and faculty credentials. Contact admissions for prerequisites, clinical hour requirements and start dates. If you already work in healthcare, ask about bridge or part-time options.

If you want help locating accredited programs in your region or understanding licensure steps in Louisiana, I can provide updated links and a checklist to get started.

  1. Confirm that LSU Health New Orleans currently operates a School of Nursing and list of programs offered.
  2. Verify Delgado Community College offers an accredited ADN program and current enrollment options.
  3. Confirm Our Lady of the Lake College nursing program offerings and accreditation status.
  4. Check any changes to Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval processes or recent regulatory updates affecting licensure requirements.

FAQs about Nursing Programs In Louisiana

How long does it take to become an RN?
An ADN typically takes about 2 years; a BSN usually takes 4 years. Accelerated BSN programs can take 12-18 months if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
Do I have to take an exam to become a nurse?
Yes. Graduates of approved RN and PN programs must pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, respectively, to obtain state licensure.
Can I complete nursing education online?
Many programs offer online or hybrid coursework for theory, but clinical skills and practicum hours require in-person attendance at approved clinical sites.
What should I check when choosing a nursing program in Louisiana?
Confirm program accreditation (CCNE or ACEN), Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval, current NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement support and faculty qualifications.
What are common career steps after becoming an RN?
Many RNs enter clinical practice, then pursue specialty certification or a BSN/MSN. Advanced practice roles (NP, CNS, nurse midwife) typically require an MSN or DNP and national certification.

News about Nursing Programs In Louisiana

University of Holy Cross Ranked #1 Nursing School - Biz New Orleans [Visit Site | Read More]

Louisiana experiencing a shortage of registered nurses. How is healthcare being affected? - Shreveport Times [Visit Site | Read More]

LSUA School of Nursing Launches New Evening Option for Associate Degree - lsua.edu [Visit Site | Read More]

Southeastern nursing program ranked in national top 10 list - The Advocate [Visit Site | Read More]

LSU to offer nursing program at Baton Rouge campus starting this fall - lsureveille.com [Visit Site | Read More]

SLU Nursing Program ranked in nat'l top 10 - hammondstar.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Southern University School of Nursing Named Best Nursing School by Nurse.org - Nurse.org [Visit Site | Read More]