Nursing Programs in New Orleans, LA
Many metropolitans across the nation are facing a nursing shortage, and this includes New Orleans, the Crescent City. Baby boomers will need nurses and other health care professionals in larger numbers. Registered nurses in Louisiana, specifically New Orleans, can earn a desirable wage of $70K to $80K per year according to Salary.com. Regional hospitals offer bonuses and other enticements to attract RNs with advanced degrees and certs. New Orleans-area universities are offering more accredited nursing programs in a working nurse-focused format to accommodate nurses' busy schedules.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
2026 Best Nursing Schools in New Orleans
When choosing the best nursing schools in New Orleans, rankings provide valuable guidance to prospective students. Registerednursing.org creates rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates, offering objective data to compare programs. This approach helps identify schools with strong outcomes, ensuring students invest in education that maximizes their chances of success on this critical exam. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
NCLEX pass rates in New Orleans have shown consistent strength in recent years.
- 2024: 96% average pass rate with 175 students
- 2023: 94.8% average pass rate with 173 students
Top Performing Schools
These New Orleans nursing schools demonstrate the highest average NCLEX pass rates.
- Southeastern Louisiana University - Destrahan High School: 98.28% average pass rate (291 students)
- Herzing University-New Orleans: 80.7% average pass rate (57 students)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Program size correlates with pass rate performance in the New Orleans area.
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 98.64% average pass rate (147 students)
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 82.14% average pass rate (28 students)
Geographic Trends
Location impacts nursing program outcomes within the New Orleans region.
- Destrehan: 98.64% average pass rate (147 students)
- Metairie: 82.14% average pass rate (28 students)
Consistently High Performing Schools
Some New Orleans nursing programs maintain exceptional pass rates over multiple years.
- Southeastern Louisiana University - Destrahan High School: 98.28% average pass rate over 2 years (291 students)
University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - uhcno.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Holy Cross offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that has maintained a 100% NCLEX pass rate for both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating exceptional graduate preparedness. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and is accredited by ACEN, with over 30 years of nursing education excellence. The curriculum integrates comprehensive clinical practice with a Christian perspective on holistic patient care, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical standards, and evidence-based approaches. Students develop leadership skills and learn quality improvement strategies through serial nursing courses that include practicum components, preparing them for diverse healthcare environments.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Over 30 years of excellence.
- Comprehensive clinical practice.
- Focus on critical thinking.
- Emphasizes ethical standards.
- Evidence-based care approach.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare.
- Holistic patient care focus.
- Leadership skills development.
- Technology integration in care.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhsc.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans offers a competitive Traditional BSN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. This three-year on-campus program admits students in both fall and spring semesters, requiring completion of pre-nursing courses before application. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance with a 94.64% pass rate in 2023 and 95.96% in 2024, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure. With limited class sizes and comprehensive curriculum, this program focuses on developing professional nursing skills for diverse healthcare settings.
- Three-year program duration
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Competitive admission process
- Fall and spring admissions
- Pre-nursing courses required
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- On-campus program
- Limited class size
- Professional nursing career focus
- Pre-nursing courses transferable
Bachelor's - Career Alternative RN Education (CARE)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) program at LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans provides a two-year BSN pathway for individuals holding bachelor's degrees in other fields. This accelerated program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and professional nursing practice, with campus locations in New Orleans (fall admission only) and Shreveport (fall and spring admissions). As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program's strong NCLEX performance - 94.64% pass rate in 2023 and 95.96% in 2024 - reflects its effectiveness in transforming diverse academic backgrounds into nursing expertise through competitive admission and focused curriculum.
- Two-year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- For degree holders
- Competitive admission
- New Orleans and Shreveport sites
- Fall admission in New Orleans
- Fall and spring in Shreveport
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Professional nursing career prep
- Limited class size
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA - Public 2-Year - dcc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Track (AD-RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Delgado Community College's Associate Degree Track in Registered Nursing is a five-semester campus program that prepares graduates for entry-level staff nurse positions. The curriculum integrates nursing, pharmacology, and special populations courses with essential sciences and humanities, emphasizing clinical experience across diverse New Orleans healthcare facilities. Admission requires a high school diploma, specific coursework prerequisites, a 2.5 GPA, and passing the Kaplan pre-nursing exam (no ACT/SAT mentioned). The program focuses on developing professional nurses with leadership skills, ethical responsibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent NCLEX pass rates show improvement from 84.33% in 2023 to 90.75% in 2024, indicating strong preparation for licensure.
- Five-semester program
- Campus-based learning
- Clinical experience in New Orleans
- 2.5 GPA requirement
- Kaplan pre-nursing exam
- Holistic healthcare focus
- Leadership skills development
- Ethical responsibility training
- Effective communication skills
- Information technology in clinical decisions
Dillard University
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - dillard.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dillard University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers a hybrid format combining online and on-campus learning for aspiring nurses. This comprehensive 120-credit curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and ethical nursing practices through state-of-the-art simulation labs and service learning opportunities. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program is accredited by ACEN and LSBN, with recent NCLEX pass rates showing 100% in 2023 (13 students) and 73.33% in 2024 (15 students). Dillard, an HBCU with United Methodist affiliation, provides flexible pathways including traditional BSN, LPN to BSN, and RN to BSN options.
- Hybrid program options.
- 120 credit hours for graduation.
- State-of-the-art nursing labs.
- Flexible pathways for LPN and RN.
- Accredited by ACEN and LSBN.
- Service learning opportunities.
- Dedicated nursing advisors.
- Community service projects.
- Cutting-edge simulation labs.
- Financial aid available.
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dillard University's LPN to BSN hybrid program is designed specifically for licensed practical nurses seeking career advancement. This flexible program blends online coursework with on-campus components, allowing working professionals to complete 120 credit hours while maintaining employment. The curriculum emphasizes community engagement and service learning, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles. Admission requires an unencumbered LPN license in Louisiana. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. Dillard's College of Nursing features cutting-edge simulation labs and is accredited by ACEN and LSBN. Recent NCLEX pass rates show 100% in 2023 (13 students) and 73.33% in 2024 (15 students).
- Hybrid LPN to BSN program.
- 120 credit hours total.
- Flexible online and on-campus.
- Transfer credit opportunities.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Service learning integrated.
- Unencumbered LPN license required.
- Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
- Located in New Orleans, LA.
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Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in New Orleans, LA
Whether you like to jump in to the deep end of the pool or touch the shallow end with your toe, students interested in becoming working nurses will find a variety of entry-level nursing programs available to them to fit their comfort zones. From two-year Associate Degree in Nursing options to bachelor’s degree in nursing offerings, nurses in the New Orleans, Louisiana area can start their programs at their own pace.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses are often the ones who interact with patients the most. They talk to them about the health problems they’re having and relay this information to senior nurse. LPNs, however, can do more and earn more when they get their Registered Nurse (RN) credential. With many learning centers across New Orleans, Louisiana, Delgado Community College offers an LPN to RN option. The transition program offers four different avenues for LPNs to advance their careers, including a traditional and a credit examination option.
ADN Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) education paths generally require two years of study and are offered at junior or community colleges. With a focus on fundamentals, ADN programs teach students what they need to know to enter the ever-changing field of nursing. Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA offers the complete package for students entering their ADN program. Whether students are current LPNs or just starting out, the college provides them with both career and educational paths to complete their goals. Graduates of the accredited program are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Established Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs can ensure that students gain a strong foundation of nursing fundamentals in theory and practice. University of Holy Cross, a Catholic institute, offers a well-respected BSN program at its New Orleans, LA campus. In addition to teaching students nursing essentials, the program gives students a solid liberal arts background. It incorporates technology learnings so students are prepared to enter the modern healthcare workplace.
Find out more about Louisiana Accelerated BSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in New Orleans, LA
Created to skip the hassles of going back to college to earn your degree, bridge programs allow registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing at an accelerated rate. Focusing on coursework essentials, clinical experiences, and making the most of previously earned credit hours, these transitional education programs make it inviting for working nurses to go back to school and complete their degrees.
RN to BSN Programs
Working registered nurses can raise their career capabilities a peg when they complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing education. In addition to taking on higher level job duties and providing more services to patients, nurses with a BSN can negotiate a higher wage and have greater job security. Upper Iowa University, which has a Learning Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers expediency focused RN to BSN program in an online and on-ground mixed format. It teaches students theoretical understanding, evidence-based clinical practice, as well as current healthcare technologies so students can apply their education to their jobs right away.
Find out more about Louisiana RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
ADN-educated nurses looking to enter more advanced practice roles, such as the nurse practitioner role, may be interested in an RN to MSN bridge program. These programs may culminate in both a BSN and MSN degree, or an MSN degree only. Loyola University New Orleans offers an RN to MSN pathway designed for those with an ADN or nursing diploma and a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Find out more about Louisiana RN to MSN Programs
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
New Orleans, LA
Dillard University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Hybrid online and on-campus instruction
- Transfer up to 57 credit hours
- Service learning embedded in curriculum
- Louisiana's oldest HBCU
- Dedicated nursing advisors
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Based on principles of adult education
- Focused on skills RNs bring to education
- Offered in New Orleans and Shreveport
- Requires unencumbered Louisiana RN license
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Orleans, LA
In hospitals and medical facilities, Registered Nurses are stepping up and performing higher level roles in patient care. For instance, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are now developing long term treatment plans for patients with chronic conditions. Universities across the New Orleans, LA area are adding more APRN programs to train nurses quickly and improve patient care at the city and state level.
MSN Programs
Master's of Science in Nursing curriculums educate nurses on fundamentals, advanced theory, specializations and more. Typically offered in online, on-campus and hybrid formats, MSN programs can be a full or part-time undertaking. Most are designed to be completed during flexible timeframes so nurses can continue working while elevating their careers. LSU Health New Orleans, offers a deliberate, speed-focused program where the theoretical and clinical learnings are taught at the same time. This allows rapid absorption of learning for time-strapped students.
Find out more about Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
For many experienced nurses, entering an area of specialization can enable them to achieve the peak of their profession. Advanced nursing professionals in the New Orleans, LA area can earn their post-graduate certification in a blend of online and clinical settings. For working nurses, this means they don’t have to take time off from their everyday jobs to earn a cert.
Find out more about Louisiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
Earning a terminal degree in nursing is a considerable undertaking for nurses who wish to attain the pinnacle of their profession. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs teach students to become leaders in the larger healthcare field. Loyola University New Orleans, offers DNP options, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Executive Leadership tracks in an online format. These offerings allow nurses to become leaders at the current hospital or place of work in less time.
Find out more about New Orleans DNP Programs
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Campus Based - Website
- Five-semester full-time program.
- Clinical Nurse Leader concentration.
- Master of Science in Nursing degree.
- Campus-based program format.
- Requires BSN degree.
- Prepares for CNL certification.
- Focuses on quality improvement.
- Teaches care coordination skills.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Starts fall/summer
- Prepares nurses to become nurse educators
- Curriculum based on adult learning theory
- Offered at two Louisiana locations
- Focuses on curriculum development and teaching strategies
- MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Adult Gerontology - Campus Based - Website
- 83 total credit hours
- Prepares for adult to older adult care
- Clinical practicums with approved preceptors
- Evidence-based care for improved outcomes
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 12 concentration options
- 50 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 45 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 1000 clinical hours
- Work experience required
- Capstone required
- Prepares for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Examination
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- 13 concentration options
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Practice-focused doctoral nursing degree
- BSN to DNP and Post-Masters pathways
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice integration
- Prepares for advanced clinical and executive roles
- Multiple advanced practice role concentrations
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 12 concentration options
- Advanced emergency nursing elective
- Advanced nephrology nursing elective
- Advanced oncology nursing elective
- Dual concentration options
- BSN to DNP pathway
- Post-Masters to DNP pathway
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 11 concentration options
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- BSN to DNP and Post-Masters pathways
- Dual concentrations available
- Advanced specialty elective courses
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- MSN to DNP - Nurse-Midwife post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- 86 total credit hours
- BSN to DNP pathway
- Simulation and practicum experiences
- Tailored plans of study
- Program Director Demetrice Smith
- ACNM competencies based
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
- 9-Semester program
- 91 total credit hours
- Clinical settings: hospitals and specialty clinics
- Focus on acute, critical, complex pediatric illness
- Prepares for stabilization and palliative care
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, case studies, simulation
- Not for well-child routine care
- Patient population: infancy to 21 years
- MSN to DNP - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 52 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 180 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for Family Nurse Practitioner Examination
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 9-Semester program
- 90 total credit hours
- Trauma-informed care approach
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Psychopharmacological treatment management
- Clinical settings: outpatient, residential, inpatient
- BSN to DNP pathway
- Post-Masters to DNP available
Loyola University New Orleans
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 50 credit hours required
- 910 supervised practicum hours
- Five-semester completion time
- Online synchronous courses
- In-person practicum work
- Eligible for national certification
- BSN degree required
- MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Hybrid delivery format
- MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (Online)
- Online and hybrid learning formats
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near New Orleans, LA
,
Louisiana
Lacombe, LA
Northshore Technical Community College
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN-RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Competitive enrollment program.
- Requires GPA of 2.8 or higher.
- TEAS test score of at least 65%.
- Campus-based program.
- Financial aid options available.
- Quality workforce training.
- Prepares for nursing career.
- Affordable education path.
New Orleans, LA
Delgado Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Track (AD-RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Five-semester program
- Campus-based learning
- Clinical experience in New Orleans
- 2.5 GPA requirement
- Kaplan pre-nursing exam
- Holistic healthcare focus
- Leadership skills development
- Ethical responsibility training
Dillard University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Louisiana State Board of Nursing accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- ACEN accredited through 2025
- Six nursing laboratories and simulation labs
- Service learning and community service
- Dedicated nursing advisor support
- Oldest accredited baccalaureate nursing program in LA
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Six nursing laboratories
- Cutting-edge simulation lab
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- ACEN accredited through 2025
- Oldest HBCU nursing program
- Service learning component
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- Bachelor's - Career Alternative RN Education (CARE)
Campus Based - Website
- 2-Year program
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Prior bachelor's degree required
- Two-year accelerated BSN program
- Campuses in New Orleans and Shreveport
- Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Year program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Very competitive admission
- Limited class size
Southern University at New Orleans
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Clinical partnerships with 7 health systems
- Focus on underrepresented minority nurses
- Traditional pre-licensed BSN program
Tulane University of Louisiana
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in four consecutive semesters
- 60 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- $93,600 median earnings
- 720 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Interprofessional education with medical students
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in four consecutive semesters
- 60 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 720 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Interprofessional simulations with medical students
- Clinical rotations across New Orleans
University of Holy Cross
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Over 30 years educating student nurses
- Practicum in each clinical course
- Prepares for registered nurse career
- Christian perspective in nursing
- Pre-nursing curriculum freshman year
- Clinical sequence starts sophomore year
- Focus on junior/senior courses