Want to work as a nurse in New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and beyond? If so, there are many nursing schools in Louisiana available to help you reach your goals. With the help of knowing more about the best nursing schools in Louisiana, you can gather the skills you need to work with patients on a daily basis. You can choose to go to school online to earn an associates degree in nursing or on a college campus, depending on how you like to learn. The information below will help you decide if a nursing degree is right for you.
How to Become a Nurse in Louisiana
A highly searched phrase, “how to become a nurse,” is probably one of the searches that direct future students to our site, and you are probably desiring to know some of the best nursing schools. Most nurses in Louisiana have college educations and have attended one of the many Louisiana nursing schools. Getting a degree in nursing will teach you what life is like in the healthcare industry, and it will give you most of the credentials needed to apply for a job. The best educational opportunities out there are going to be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). These accreditation boards assess how applicable a school’s education is to the real world, so you know you will be prepared for work with them.
Here is an overview of the most common nursing degrees in Louisiana:
- Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years
After you have gone through your degree program, you will need to apply for a nursing license through the Louisiana Board of Nursing. This will allow you to work just about anywhere you want. Some employers may also ask you to obtain certifications for specific nursing skills. Keep that in mind as you begin applying for jobs.
Tuition for Louisiana Nursing Schools
The amount of money you pay for school will depend on many factors, like how long your degree program is and how your school receives its funding. The chart below shows average tuition rates for schools in Louisiana, courtesy of the College Board.
- Public Two Year College: $3,307 per year
- Public Four Year University: $6,546 per year
- Private Four Year University: $32,649 per year
Job Prospects for Louisiana Nurses
There is tremendous job growth in store for nurses in Louisiana. There are nursing jobs available throughout the state, especially for highly educated workers. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, and the like tend to be in demand the most because so few people are qualified to handle those positions. Here is a quick look nursing salaries for different types of nurses at what you might earn as a Louisiana nurse. (BLS)
- Nursing Assistant Salary: $20,590 per year
- Licensed Practical Nurse Salary: $37,630 per year
- Registered Nurse Salary: $61,710 per year
- Nurse Practitioner Salary: $92,570 per year
Consider the vast opportunities to come from nursing schools in Louisiana, and you could be on your way to a rewarding profession.
Top Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit and Catholic university that was charted in 1912. The university inspires its students to think critically, act justly, and to embody faith, truth, wisdom, and virtue. “Through teaching, research, creative activities, and service, the faculty, in cooperation with the staff, strives to educate the whole student and to benefit the larger community.” Their nursing school has been offering nursing programs for more than 30 years, and their students have not only received accolades during their school courses they receive accolades even after graduation.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Tuition: $36,938
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 4,500+
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Loyola University New Orleans Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BSN to DNP, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, MSN to DNP, DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- css.loyno.edu
University of Louisiana Lafayette
The University of Louisiana Lafayette has been providing nursing education to students for over 60 years. The university is well known within the state, and their nursing students have been highly sought after from the state and southern regions of the United States. This is in part due to their mission statement, “The mission of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions is to prepare graduates who are able to assume leadership roles in the advancement of the practice of nursing, health information management and dietetics. The faculty aims to prepare graduates who are responsive to the needs of culturally diverse consumers of healthcare. The College is committed to generating collaborative relationships with professional and technical colleagues and consumers to promote health and prevent disease. The College strives to articulate this mission through the provision of excellent undergraduate and graduate education and through active participation in community service, research and other scholarly activities.” (Source: https://nursing.louisiana.edu/about-us/our-mission)
- Location: Lafayette, LA
- Tuition: $5,301 / 18 credit hours
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 14,000+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- University of Louisiana Lafayette Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
- www.louisiana.edu
McNeese State University
In 1939 Lake Charles Junior College opened its doors to students, which eventually became McNeese State University located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Over the course of these years the university has stayed true to its core values: academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, student success, and university/community alliances. These core values are maintained through the mission of the university and its individual schools of learning. The mission of its nursing school, “is to prepare health care professionals to provide direct or indirect care to meet the health care needs of individuals, families, populations, or systems. The College supports the University core values of academic excellence, student success, university-community alliances, and fiscal responsibility.” (Source: https://www.mcneese.edu/nursing)
- Location: Lake Charles, LA
- Tuition: $3,605 / 12 credit hours
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 6,000+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: No
- Offers Online Programs: No
- McNeese State University Nursing Programs: Associate, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
- www.mcneese.edu
Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana and was established in 1948. The university offers student comprehensive academic learning. Faculty and students are expected to maintain the integrity of the University’s core values: civic responsibility, integrity, leadership, diversity, excellence, respectfulness, and professionalism. The nursing program fosters the same expectation as discovered from the colleges mission, “to prepare students to contribute to a global society and a diverse workforce as productive, responsible, and engaged citizens, and as well-educated healthcare professionals and culinarians to meet the healthcare and culinary needs of the service region and beyond. This is accomplished by continuously improving its teaching, research, and service in a student-centered, culturally rich and dynamic learning environment that fosters faculty, staff, and student engagement. The College extends its mission beyond instruction by offering continuing education activities for healthcare professionals. The College is dedicated to continuous quality improvement through systematic assessment and evaluation of program outcomes, processes, current and former students, and employers.” (Source: https://www.nicholls.edu/cona/mission/)
- Location: Thibodaux, LA
- Tuition: $2,461 / 12 credit hours
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 6,500+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Nicholls State University Nursing Programs: Associate, BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
- www.nicholls.edu
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University is located in the city of Natchitoches, and was founded in 1884. The university, in 1921 expanded its educational opportunities to a four-year university. The university’s mission statement is as follows, “Northwestern State University is a responsive, student-oriented institution that is committed to the creation, dissemination, and acquisition of knowledge through teaching, research, and service. The University maintains as its highest priority excellence in teaching in graduate and undergraduate programs. Northwestern State University prepares its students to become productive members of society and promotes economic development and improvements in the quality of life of the citizens in its region.” (Source: https://www.nsula.edu/about-us/)
- Location: Natchitoches, LA
- Tuition: $2,590 / 12 credit hours
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Northwestern State University Nursing Programs: Associate, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
- www.nsula.edu
Our Lady of the Lake College
Our Lady of the Lake College was first established in 1923 and is located in the city of Baton Rouge. The nursing originated with Our Lady of the Lake Sanitarium and had become an integral part of the hospital and within the community. Our Lady of the Lake College (OLOL College) is a smaller academic institution with an emphasis for future healthcare professionals. The college offers students the capability to earn degrees in health sciences, nursing, humanities, natural sciences, and behavioral sciences. The schools is owned by Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, and whose mission is to, “call forth all who serve in this healthcare ministry, to share their gifts and talents to create a spirit of healing with reverence and love for all of life, with joyfulness of spirit, and with humility and justice for all those entrusted to our care.” (Source: http://www.ololcollege.edu/about/our-mission-1)
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA
- Tuition: $476 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Our Lady of the Lake College Nursing Programs: Associate
Louisiana State University, Alexandria
Louisiana State University, Alexandria was first established in 1959 as a two-year commuter college. The university offers many degrees and courses that will allow students to obtain the necessary education and skills to become succesfull employees in their chosen professional career. One of these degrees students have the opportunity to enroll in is the university’s nursing program. Their nursing program “provides nursing education to meet community needs. The nursing program is committed to providing high quality nursing education to develop nurses who use critical thinking to solve problems; who appreciate diversity; who demonstrate high standards of professional practice; and who are caring, informed, accountable, creative and articulate decision-makers.” (Source: https://www.lsua.edu/academic/Departments/Nursing/)
- Location: Alexandria, LA
- Tuition: $3,004 / 12 credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Louisiana State University Alexandria Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN
- nursing.lsua.edu
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center set its stake back in 1876 with the establishment of a Charity Hospital in the city of Shreveport. The establishment of this hospital set the proper stage and momentum for it to become a full academic medical center. The health center is home to three schools: School of Allied Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Medicine. Mission Statement: “The primary mission of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) is to teach, heal, and discover, in order to advance the well being of the region and beyond. LSUHSC-S encompasses the Schools of Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Allied Health Professions in Shreveport.” (Source: http://www.lsuhscshreveport.edu/about/mission/index)
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Tuition: $3,004 / 12 credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, PhD (Doctoral)
- www.lsuhsc.edu
Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College offers student a two-year (Associate) degree programs. The school provides students with opportunities, in their chosen program, to become critical thinkers, to be able to demonstrate proper leadership, and to become responsible and productive citizens within their communities. The college is located in the city of New Orleans and its mission is to prepare “students of varied backgrounds in a learning centered environment to provide caring and competent nursing in entry level positions to meet the health care needs of a diverse community. Our graduates are renowned for their excellent patient care. Students obtain nursing experience in clinical agencies throughout the southeast Louisiana region.” (Source: http://www.dcc.edu/about/default.aspx)
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Tuition: $162 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Delgado Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University was established in 1925 when the surrounding community recognized the need for higher education with their community to increase the education and economic opportunities within southeast Louisiana, and has now become the state’s third largest university of higher educaiton. In 2008 Southeast Louisiana University began offering a bachelor’s degree in nursing that would be offered 100% online, and since then the university has been committed to providing an optimal learning atmosphere where students are able to progress and obtain essential skills for future employment. Their nursing school has become a recognized leader in the industry for preparing nurses.
- Location: Hammond, LA
- Tuition: $2,888 / 12 credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 15,000+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Southeastern Louisiana University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN
- www.selu.edu
University of Louisiana – Monroe
The University of Louisiana Monroe is an institution of higher learning that allows students to learn essential skills that will allow them to obtain profitable employment. One of these schools of learning is the Kitty Degree School of Nursing, which “has a long history of excellence. The School was founded in 1960 and graduated the first class of baccalaureate nurses in 1964. Baccalaureate nursing graduates at ULM receive a broad based general educational foundation inclusive of history, english, science, and arts. Graduates also receive education in all aspects of nursing care and are prepared to work in a variety of health care environments.” (Source: http://www.ulm.edu/nursing/)
- Location: Monroe, LA
- Tuition: $8,282 / 12 credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- University of Louisiana Monroe Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
- www.ulm.edu
Grambling State University
Grambling State University began enrolling its students in 1901, as a Colored Industrial and Agricultural School. Between the years of 1977 and 2000 the university greatly expanded its student resources and educational programs: school of nursing, student services building, business and computer science, and other facilities that benefitted the university and its students.
- Location: Grambling, LA
- Tuition: $3,685 / 12+ credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Grambling State University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
- www.gram.edu
Louisiana College
Louisiana College is a private, Baptist, institution established in 1906, which was built upon the fundamental principles of character and learning. The college currently offers three degrees/programs for students desiring to become a healthcare nursing professional: four-year BSN program, accelerated nursing program (ABSN), and a RN to BSN program.
- Location: Pineville, LA
- Tuition: $460 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Degree Programs: BS/BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN
- www.lacollege.edu
Louisiana State University — Eunice
Louisiana State University Eunice is a two-year university affiliated with the LSU system of schooling. The University at Eunice was established in May of 1966 as a two-year commuter college whose philosophy maintains that students/individuals are given appropriate opportunities to develop themselves through educational pursuits.
- Location: Eunice, LA
- Tuition: $177 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Louisiana State University Eunice Nursing Programs: Associate
- www.lsue.edu
Louisiana Technical University
Louisiana Technical University was founded in 1894, and is a four-year university meant to provide students with higher academic learning opportunities. This is the university’s highest priority, to foster a challenging environment that is safe and supportive.
- Location: Ruston, LA
- Tuition: $1,851 / 12+ credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Louisiana Technical University Nursing Programs: Associate
- www.latech.edu
William Carey University — New Orleans Campus
William Carey College was established in 1892 and was originally a college for women. In 1954, the college was renamed to William Carey College to honor the transition from a woman’s college to coeducational system. In 1968 the university merged with the Mather School of Nursing in New Orleans. The merger allowed the university to begin offering a RN to BSN program in 1969, and in 1971 “the National League for Nursing (NLN) granted initial accreditation,” and the school officially operates its School of Nursing (SON) in three states. This is the mission statement for students in undergraduate nursing courses,”At the undergraduate level, we seek to prepare individuals for self-directed practice and continuing growth in professional nursing; for formal graduate study; and for service to people as an expression of the Christian life and commitment.” (Source: http://www.wmcarey.edu/about-school-nursing)
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Tuition: $360 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- William Carey College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
- www.wmcarey.edu
Delta College
Delta College currently offers higher educational learning to students at four campuses: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Covington, and Slidell. Two of these campuses currently offer nursing program courses: Baton Rouge and Lafayette. The nursing courses prepare its student to be able to take and pass the Louisiana Practical Nursing Exam which will allow student to obtain their nursing license and gain employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA
- Tuition: $360 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: No
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Degree Programs: LPN
- www.deltacollege.com
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is definitely located in Baton Rouge and its School of Nursing is dedicated to graduating students who are highly skilled as nursing professionals — RN’s. This is accomplished by offering students up-to-date and current treatment techniques and technologies that make them valuable anywhere a nursing professional is needed in the world. Here is their mission statement, “Baton Rouge General School of Nursing’s mission is “Improving lives and strengthening our community by providing exceptional nursing education.” As a diploma nursing program, we prepare nurses for entry-level practice. Faculty members expect students to serve as positive role models in the practice setting by pursuing excellence, promoting service, demonstrating compassion and reflecting integrity. The program provides graduates with a foundation to accept responsibility to develop and maintain their expertise in practice and accountability to the public.” (Source: http://www.brgeneral.org/Medical-Education/school-of-nursing#tabs-3)
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA
- Total Tuition: $25.925
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 70
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Degree Programs: Diploma
- www.brgeneral.org
Southern University A&M College School of Nursing
In 1985, Southern University’s School of Nursing was approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and currently offers four degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD. “SUBR’s School of Nursing was recently named “Nursing School of the Year 2012″ for the second time in the past three years by the Louisiana State Nurses Association and Louisiana Nursing Foundation.” (Source: http://www.subr.edu/index.cfm/page/66/n/216)
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA
- Tuition: $360 / credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 8,290
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Degree Programs: BS/BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, PhD (Doctoral)
- web.subr.edu
University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross (UHC) was originally founded in 1916 as the Our Lady of Holy Cross College, which was organized to educate and prepare teachers for employment. The university offers more than 65 academic programs with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio allowing students to receive a specialized education.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Estimated Tuition: $10,912 / academic year
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Degree Programs: BS/BSN
- www.olhcc.edu
Dillard University
Dillard University is located in New Orleans, and has been offering students excellent higher educational opportunities since 1869. Dillard University is historically a black university, and it current mission is, “to produce graduates who excel, become world leaders, are broadly educated, culturally aware, and concerned with improving the human condition. Through a highly personalized and learning-centered approach, Dillard’s students are able to meet the competitive demands of a diverse, global and technologically advanced society.” (Source: http://www.dillard.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=70)
Dillard University School of Nursing offered was the first university to offer a baccalaureate in nursing in the state of Louisiana. Due to the schools committed staff and faculty they continually prepare graduates to gain the necessary knowledge to advance in their profession by learning essential skills that will help them to become excellent healthcare professionals.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Tuition: $13,172 / per semester
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Degree Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-RN, LPN-to-BSN
- www.dillard.edu