How To Become a Nurse in Louisiana 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) have important jobs: they care for patients, help them understand their conditions, and help their departments run smoothly. Working as an RN can be incredibly rewarding, but becoming an RN requires a few steps.

All states require RNs to have an RN license. If you're wondering how to become a nurse, note that education and licensure requirements vary by state. Keep reading to learn about the requirements to become a nurse in Louisiana.

What Does an RN Do?

Certified registered nurse are the standard nurses who care for patients in healthcare facilities. Their job duties may include:

• assessing patients and recording observations
• updating a patient's medical chart with new symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment plans
• administering medication and other types of treatment
• helping patients with basic tasks, like using the restroom or getting changed
• contributing to patient care plans
• educating patients and their families on their condition and treatment plans

The specific job duties of an RN depend primarily on where they work. Most nurses work in hospitals, but they can also work in places like nursing homes or clinics, or for home health agencies. Job duties can also vary depending on the department. For example, a public health nurse will have different job duties than an intensive care nurse or an oncology nurse.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Louisiana?

How long it takes to obtain an RN license in Louisiana depends on a few things, including what type of program you choose and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

If you've already earned a bachelor's degree in another field, some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online that allow you to become an RN in as fast as a year. Otherwise, most associate degree programs take about two to three years, although some offer accelerated pathways for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Louisiana

To qualify for RN licensure in Louisiana, you'll need to meet the educational requirements for nurses and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. We've highlighted the key steps to becoming a nurse in Louisiana below.

Step 1: Complete a Nursing Program

All nurses in Louisiana must complete a nursing degree program. There are a few different options available depending on your current level of education.

If you don't have a college degree yet, you can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degree programs are shorter, but BSN programs can lead to leadership roles and graduate study.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, consider a second bachelor's program in nursing. These are often accelerated BSN (ABSN) options that take one to two years. Some schools also offer entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

Whatever nursing school you choose must be accredited by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). A typical nursing program will include coursework on topics like patient care and public health and provide you with clinical experiences.

Step 2: Submit Licensure Application

Once you've completed your nursing education, you can submit an application for an RN license by examination. You'll need to submit documentation of your education, pay an application fee, and submit a background check.

You should submit this application before you register to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Louisiana offers temporary RN permits to students who have graduated but have not yet taken the NCLEX-RN or are waiting for their test results. This permit is good for 90 days.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

Before Louisiana will issue your nursing license, you must take and pass the NCLEX-RN. This exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is required by all states.

The NCLEX- RN tests you on client needs, fundamental processes in nursing, and your clinical judgment. The LSBN requires applicants to pass the exam within four attempts and within four years of graduation.

Step 4: Maintain Licensure and Consider Career Growth

Once you earn your RN license in Louisiana, you need to ensure you keep your license in good standing.

Louisiana requires license holders to renew their nursing license every two years. To qualify for renewal, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education or at least 900 practice hours during this time.

Some RNs choose to further their nursing education, giving them the opportunity for career advancement. If you have an associate degree, you can complete your bachelor's degree through a shortened RN to BSN program.

If you have your BSN, you may want to pursue a master's degree or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These lead to advanced nursing roles, like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Louisiana

Several colleges and universities in Louisiana offer accredited nursing programs that lead to RN licensure as well as online nursing programs for career advancement. We've highlighted some of the top programs in Louisiana below.

1. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research institution in Lafayette, LA. It offers a BSN that had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN in 2024.

The program prepares students to excel in their nursing careers through simulations, learning labs, and clinical experiences. UL Lafayette also offers an RN to BSN program online as well as MSN and DNP degree options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,418 per year (in-state); $24,146 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. University of Louisiana at Monroe

At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, students can earn a BSN through the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing. This program provides an education in all aspects of nursing care and prepares students to work in various healthcare environments.

ULM is a public university located in Monroe, LA. Its BSN had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent year. The school of nursing also offers an LPN to BSN, an online RN to BSN, and online graduate degrees in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,190 per year (in-state); $21,290 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

3. University of Holy Cross

University of Holy Cross offers a BSN program for students who have finished their pre-nursing courses. UHCNO is a private Catholic school in New Orleans.

The program includes courses on pharmacology, nursing leadership, and professional nursing practice. It had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN in 2024.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,576 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

4. Grambling State University

The BSN program at Grambling State University prepares students to succeed in their nursing path. Students take courses on adult health, nursing practice, community health, and more. The program had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent year.

Grambling State, located in Grambling, LA, is a public historically Black university (HBCU). It also offers an RN to BSN program as well as graduate nursing degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,683 per year (in-state); $16,706 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

5. Bossier Parish Community College

Bossier Parish Community College is a public community college in Bossier City, LA. It offers an ADN degree with a traditional track as well as an LPN to ADN track.

These programs start with a prerequisite course component, after which students will complete the three-semester clinical component. Students in the ADN program had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN in 2024.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,283 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and ACEN

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Louisiana

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nursing jobs are expected to increase by 6% across the nation by 2033. The outlook is slightly higher in Louisiana, with nursing jobs expected to increase by 8%.

The median annual salary for nurses in Louisiana is less than the national average � $78,880 compared to $93,600. Rates are pretty consistent across the state, although those in the New Orleans and Shreveport, LA areas earn a median of over $80,000 per year.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Louisiana

Becoming a nurse can be exciting, but a little scary too. We've answered some frequently asked questions below to help you out.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Louisiana?

The cost of a nursing degree in Louisiana can vary based on several factors, like:

• whether you're earning an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree
• the type of school you choose; public community colleges are a lot less expensive than private universities
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student

Public schools in the state typically charge between $5,000 to $10,000 per year before aid, but the cost is higher at private institutions.

Financial aid can reduce your cost quite a bit � and even completely cover your tuition. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they're eligible for. There are several online colleges that accept FAFSA in Louisiana.

Your total will also depend on extra costs, like textbooks, scrubs, and other nursing supplies. Your program will probably require a good laptop, and you'll want to consider the best laptop for nursing students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Nursing prerequisites can also vary by program. Most programs will require you to have already taken your general education courses as well as courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. Some schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

You may also need a minimum GPA and pass an entrance exam like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). You can usually find a full list of program requirements on the school website.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

If you don't already have a degree, the fastest way to become a nurse is by earning an ADN. These usually take about two years after you complete your prerequisites.

If you do have a bachelor's degree already, look at accelerated options for second bachelor's degrees or entry-level master's degrees, which usually take less than two years. Some accelerated BSNs take as little as 12 months.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

In general, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These are bachelor's completion programs designed for working nurses.

Because these programs are for nurses who already have their RN license and are working, they're often more flexible. Many of these programs are online and allow students to complete clinical hours where they work.

Find a Nursing Degree

Find the perfect nursing degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about how they can help you reach your nursing career goals.