10 Best Online Nursing Programs in Louisiana 2026

<p>The following accredited institutions offer the best choices for earning a Louisiana online nursing degree, including traditional <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_rn_to_bsn_louisiana.html">online RN to BSN programs</a> as well as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/self_paced_rn_to_bsn.html">self-paced RN to BSN programs</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---1.NorthwesternStateUniversity">1. Northwestern State University</h3> <p>Northwestern State University in Natchitoches provides a top-ranked Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through its online global campus. </p> <p>This completion program is for registered nurses with associate degrees or individuals who have earned diplomas in nursing. It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). </p> <p>Students engage in essential clinical experiences and theories, and the cost is $225 per credit hour. </p> <h3 id="section---2.LouisianaStateUniversityAlexandria">2. Louisiana State University, Alexandria</h3> <p>Louisiana State University in Alexandria gives registered nurses the leadership skills they need as healthcare professionals with its online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. </p> <p>This RN-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and prepares students for careers as nurse managers or school nurses. It requires 120 credits and costs $325 per credit. </p> <p><b>Required courses include:</b> </p> <ul><li>community nursing </li><li>pathophysiology </li><li>informatics </li><li>health assessment </li><li>ethical dilemmas in nursing </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.McNeeseStateUniversity">3. McNeese State University</h3> <p>McNeese State University in Lake Charles has multiple opportunities for students to earn a valuable nursing education through distance learning. </p> <p>It offers an online bachelor's degree in nursing and an RN to BSN program, both requiring 120 credits to graduate. </p> <p><b>Its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program lets students choose from the following concentrations:</b> </p> <ul><li>family nurse practitioner </li><li>psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners </li><li>nursing education </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfLouisianaMonroe">4. University of Louisiana, Monroe</h3> <p>The University of Louisiana in Monroe teaches basic techniques and evidence-based healthcare through its accelerated Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. </p> <p>This fully online degree costs $291.67 per credit hour, and students can earn it in as little as 14 months. </p> <p><b>Coursework in this program covers essential topics such as:</b> </p> <ul><li>nursing management </li><li>professional nursing concepts </li><li>public health nursing </li><li>computing for nurses </li><li>principles of pharmacology </li><li>gerontology and genomics </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfLouisianaLafayette">5. University of Louisiana, Lafayette</h3> <p>The University of Louisiana in Lafayette provides an accelerated online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). </p> <p>The cost is $316.67 per credit hour, and it requires a total of 120 credits. Students can finish this program in about 12 months. </p> <p><b>It also offers master's level degrees focusing on the following areas:</b> </p> <ul><li>nursing education </li><li>family nurse practitioner </li><li>psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.SoutheasternLouisianaUniversity">6. Southeastern Louisiana University</h3> <p>Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond presents several ways for students to earn a nursing degree. </p> <p>It has a fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that is flexible for busy students. Core classes cover subjects such as healthcare informatics and research in nursing. </p> <p>Students can also enroll in an online Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program or Master of Science in Nursing degree. </p> <h3 id="section---7.LouisianaChristianUniversity">7. Louisiana Christian University</h3> <p>Louisiana Christian University in Pineville is a private Baptist institution that delivers a Christ-centered education. </p> <p>Its Master of Science in Nursing program is intended for individuals pursuing careers in clinical nurse leadership and provides convenience and flexibility for working adults. </p> <p>It also offers an online RN to BSN degree that can immediately transfer to the MSN program. They are taught by instructors who are experts in distance education with real-world nursing experience. </p> <h3 id="section---8.SouthernUniversity">8. Southern University</h3> <p>Southern University in Baton Rouge advances the careers of students through its online Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. </p> <p>This RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Its flexible online courses cover topics such as health assessment and nursing research and leadership. </p> <p>Students must have an associate degree and complete prerequisite coursework to apply. This Louisiana online nursing degree costs $395 per credit plus fees. </p> <h3 id="section---9.NichollsStateUniversity">9. Nicholls State University</h3> <p>Nicholls State University in Thibodaux has a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program recognized for its affordability. </p> <p>This degree is available through distance learning and helps registered nurses develop skills and knowledge in patient-centered care and nursing informatics. </p> <p>It prepares students for various healthcare careers in settings such as hospitals, medical offices, and private industries. The cost is $275 per credit hour plus applicable fees. </p> <h3 id="section---10.LoyolaUniversityNewOrleans">10. Loyola University, New Orleans</h3> <p>Loyola University in New Orleans is an excellent choice for earning a Louisiana online nursing degree. </p> <p>Its distance learning programs are geared toward working nurses who require flexibility and convenience. They are taught by experienced faculty and offer the same curriculum as those on campus. </p> <p><b>Students can choose from the following options:</b> </p> <ul><li>Master of Science in Nursing </li><li>Master of Science in healthcare management </li><li>Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate </li><li>Doctor of Nursing Practice </li></ul><h2 id="section---TypesOfNursingProgramsOfferedOnlineInLouisiana">Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Louisiana</h2> <p>Students seeking to earn an online nursing degree can choose from many options provided by leading accredited institutions in Louisiana. </p> <p>Depending on their experience level and career choice, working nurses in Louisiana will find ample flexibility and convenience for earning a degree according to their busy schedules. </p> <p><b>Examples of nursing degree programs in Louisiana include:</b> </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Nursing </li><li>Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing </li><li>Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing </li><li>Master of Science in Nursing </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalRequirementsForANursingDegree">What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?</h2> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> vary according to the type of program a student enrolls in and their school of choice. </p> <p>To obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students generally must complete a total of 120 credits from an accredited university. </p> <p>A Master of Science in Nursing requires students to have a bachelor's degree in nursing and earn at least 35 credits. </p> <h2 id="section---LicensingRequirementsForNursesInLouisiana">Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Louisiana</h2> <p>Aspiring nurses in Louisiana must first gain the education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse through an approved program, then apply for licensure through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. </p> <p>To be eligible for licensure, students need to meet specific requirements, such as passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). </p> <p>Other conditions include paying the necessary fees and passing a criminal background check. The time to become licensed will vary, depending on a student's chosen educational route. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourNursingDegreeOnline">Start Your Nursing Degree Online</h2> <p>Several institutions offer options to earn an online nursing degree in Louisiana, but these aren't your only options. Learn more about the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a> availble nationwide and how they can boost your career.</p>