Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana
- 2026 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana
- FNP Programs in Louisiana: The Big Picture
- Online, Hybrid, and Campus FNP Programs in Louisiana
- FNP Pathways Explained: MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificates
- Clinical Training in Louisiana
- What to Look for in Louisiana FNP Programs
- FNP Certification and Licensure in Louisiana
- FAQs
- Latest Articles & Guides
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) play a critical role in Louisiana's healthcare system, particularly in primary care, rural health, and underserved communities across the state. From metropolitan areas such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge to rural parishes across Acadiana and North Louisiana, demand for advanced practice nurses with broad, family-focused training continues to grow.
In this article, you'll learn:
- The differences between MSN vs. DNP vs. post-master's FNP pathways
- How online, hybrid, and on-campus FNP programs work in Louisiana
- Where Louisiana FNP students commonly complete clinical placements
- What to know about Louisiana APRN licensure and national certification
2026 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - loyno.edu
MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Loyola University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare delivery. This comprehensive 63-credit online program equips students with cutting-edge clinical skills, leadership expertise, and evidence-based practice knowledge. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, the 36-month curriculum combines advanced nursing theory, specialized clinical training, and scholarly project development. Graduates are prepared to take the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exams, positioning themselves as primary care experts capable of delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare across diverse populations.
- 63 total program credits
- Fully online format
- 36-month completion time
- Advanced clinical specialization
- Prepares for national certification
- Comprehensive DNP core courses
- Multiple clinical practicums
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Loyola University New Orleans offers a BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program, designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers. This online program blends advanced nursing practice with leadership skills, preparing graduates for high-level roles in healthcare. It covers primary care for all ages, with a curriculum that includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Graduates are ready to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a quality education that meets industry standards.
- Online program
- Accredited by CCNE
- Prepares for FNP certification
- Covers primary care for all ages
- Includes advanced health assessment
- Focuses on pharmacology and pathophysiology
- Designed for career advancement
- Blends practice with leadership skills
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA - Public 4-Year - southeastern.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers a comprehensive Family Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice skills. The innovative online curriculum provides flexible learning through web-based technology, enabling students to balance professional and academic commitments. Students benefit from expert faculty mentorship, engaging theory-based courses, and specialized clinical training. All clinical hours must be completed in Louisiana, ensuring localized healthcare expertise and networking opportunities.
- Online distance learning
- Web-based course technology
- Clinical hours in Louisiana
- Four-university collaborative program
- Faculty-mentored specialty concentrations
- Flexible course completion
- Transfer limit: One-third credits
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Family Nurse Practitioner offers a flexible, comprehensive online learning experience preparing healthcare professionals for advanced practice. The program leverages distance learning technology, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while maintaining high academic standards. Participants benefit from expert faculty mentorship, engaging theory-based courses, and specialized clinical training designed to enhance professional capabilities in primary care settings.
- Online distance learning format
- Collaborative university consortium program
- Clinical hours in Louisiana required
- Flexible course completion options
- Multiple nursing concentration tracks
- Maximum one-third transfer credits
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The innovative online program prepares advanced nursing professionals through flexible distance learning technologies. Students benefit from expert faculty mentorship, cutting-edge curriculum, and specialized clinical training. All clinical hours must be completed in Louisiana, ensuring localized healthcare experience. The program is part of a collaborative university consortium, providing robust educational opportunities for aspiring nurse practitioners seeking to advance their careers in healthcare.
- Online distance learning format
- Clinical hours in Louisiana
- Part of 4-university consortium
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Web-based technology courses
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu
BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Louisiana at Monroe's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN program provides comprehensive advanced nursing education. Students gain expertise in primary care across patient lifecycles, from infancy to geriatrics. The rigorous 40-credit program prepares graduates for national certification and advanced practice registered nurse licensure with prescriptive authority. Designed for experienced RNs, the program offers full-time and part-time tracks, emphasizing clinical skill development through extensive hands-on training in diverse healthcare settings.
- 40 credit hours required
- Minimum 640 clinical hours
- Applications due March 1st
- Full-time and part-time options
- National certification preparation
- RN license required
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Two years RN experience
- Primary care focus
- Advanced practice preparation
Grambling State University
Grambling, LA - Public 4-Year - gram.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post Master’s FNP
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Grambling State University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program provides a comprehensive graduate pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. This twenty-one month Master of Science in Nursing degree requires 49 credit hours, combining rigorous didactic learning with extensive clinical experiences. Students gain advanced assessment skills, primary care management techniques, and specialized knowledge in family health dynamics. The program uniquely emphasizes rural and community health perspectives, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments. Clinical training includes over 700 hours under professional preceptors, ensuring robust practical preparation for national certification and advanced practice licensure.
- 21-month graduate program
- 49 graduate credit hours
- 700+ clinical training hours
- On-campus weekly classes
- Advanced primary care focus
- National certification preparation
- Rural health emphasis
- Flexible clinical experiences
- Post-Master's options available
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA - Public 4-Year - nicholls.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with Nicholls State University's prestigious MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program. Ranked among the top 50 nursing graduate programs in America, this comprehensive degree prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver exceptional patient care. With a rigorous curriculum and high certification exam pass rates, students gain cutting-edge clinical skills and leadership training. The program offers flexible learning options and maintains high academic standards, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful healthcare contributions. Admission is competitive, with opportunities for full-time and part-time students seeking transformative professional development.
- Top 50 nursing graduate program
- 95% FNP certification pass rate
- Full and part-time options
- Fall 2025 deadline: April 14
- Minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA
- Requires RN license
- One year nursing experience
- CCNE accredited program
- Collaborative consortium model
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge, LA - Private 4-year - franu.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Advance your nursing career with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, this hybrid online/in-person degree equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to provide comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. Students complete 44 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, preparing for board certification. The program offers flexible pathways, including traditional, expedited, and post-master's certificate options. Graduates develop critical skills in holistic care, technology integration, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration.
- 44 credit hours total
- 750 clinical hours required
- Hybrid online/in-person format
- 3 admission pathways
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 1+ year RN experience needed
- Application deadline September 16
- 100% 2023 certification pass rate
- Focuses on underserved settings
- ACEN accredited program
Southern University and A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - subr.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers an exceptional Family Nurse Practitioner program that stands out nationally. With a remarkable reputation for producing the largest number of minority FNPs in the country, the program prepares advanced nursing professionals with specialized skills. Students benefit from comprehensive training that exceeds national certification exam pass rates, empowering them to make significant contributions to healthcare. The program provides specialized concentrations and supports diverse students in achieving their professional nursing goals.
- Family Health Nursing Specialty
- Nationally Recognized Program
- 75% Louisiana FNPs Graduates
- Exceeds National Certification Rates
- Multiple Role Concentrations
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhsc.edu
MSN to DNP - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP) DNP program at LSU Health Sciences Center prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan. Students gain expertise in advanced health assessment, disease prevention, and health management through a rigorous 52-credit curriculum. The program emphasizes clinical competency, with extensive practicum experiences enabling graduates to take national certification exams and excel in community-based primary care settings.
- 52 total credit program
- Lifespan patient care focus
- Advanced practice nursing skills
- National certification preparation
- Community-based clinical training
- Advanced pharmacology courses
- Comprehensive health assessment
FNP Programs in Louisiana: The Big Picture
Louisiana offers a mix of public and private universities with strong nursing traditions, many of which are connected to major academic medical centers and regional health systems. In recent years, programs have expanded online and hybrid delivery models, making it easier for working RNs across the state to advance without relocating.
Common program hubs and clinical ecosystems include:
- New Orleans metro area, anchored by institutions like Ochsner Health and LSU Health New Orleans
- Baton Rouge and Central Louisiana, with ties to state and community-based health networks
- Shreveport and North Louisiana, supported by academic health science centers and regional hospitals
These networks are especially important for FNP clinical training, since students must complete supervised, in-person hours regardless of program format.
Learn more about nurse practitioner schools in Louisiana.
Online, Hybrid, and Campus FNP Programs in Louisiana
Online FNP Programs
Online FNP programs typically deliver coursework asynchronously or in scheduled virtual sessions. Clinical hours are completed locally in Louisiana, often in primary care clinics, family practices, or community health centers.
Best for:
- Working RNs in rural or underserved parishes
- Nurses balancing shift work or family responsibilities
Hybrid FNP Programs
Hybrid models blend online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives, such as skills labs or simulations.
Best for:
- Students who want flexibility but still value some face-to-face learning
- Nurses within driving distance of campus sessions
Campus FNP Programs
Traditional campus programs offer structured schedules and direct access to faculty and simulation facilities.
Best for:
- Students seeking an immersive academic environment
- RNs transitioning full-time into graduate study
Choosing an FNP Program Format
| Format | Key advantages | Potential drawbacks |
| Online | Maximum flexibility; statewide access | Requires proactive clinical planning |
| Hybrid | Balance of flexibility and hands-on learning | Travel for intensives |
| Campus | Structured support and immersion | Less flexible for working RNs |
FNP Pathways Explained: MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificates
| Pathway | Who it's for | Typical outcome |
| MSN – FNP | RNs entering advanced practice | Eligibility for FNP national certification |
| DNP – FNP | Nurses seeking doctoral-level practice & leadership | Clinical doctorate + FNP role preparation |
| Post-master's FNP certificate | Existing APRNs adding family practice | Accelerated pathway to FNP certification |
Choosing Between MSN and DNP in Louisiana
While both pathways lead to FNP practice, DNP programs often include advanced coursework in leadership, population health, and systems-level care – skills especially valuable in Louisiana's complex healthcare landscape.
Clinical Training in Louisiana
Even in fully online programs, clinical experiences must be completed in person. Louisiana FNP students commonly train in:
- Family medicine and internal medicine practices
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving rural and urban populations
- Health system–affiliated clinics, including those connected to Ochsner Health and regional hospitals
- Parish health units and community clinics areparticularly valuable for population health exposure
Why this matters:
When comparing programs, ask how clinical placement support works. Some schools assist with preceptor placement, while others require students to secure their own sites within Louisiana.
What to Look for in Louisiana FNP Programs
Use this checklist when reviewing the programs you'll later add:
Program evaluation checklist
- Accredited graduate nursing program
- Clear family practice focus (lifespan primary care)
- Flexible scheduling (part-time and full-time tracks)
- Strong Louisiana clinical placement support
- Preparation for national FNP certification
FNP Certification and Licensure in Louisiana
After graduating from an FNP program, Louisiana nurses typically pursue national FNP certification (commonly through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners) and then apply for APRN licensure in Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) oversees APRN licensure and requires:
- An active Louisiana RN license
- Graduation from an approved graduate program
- National certification in the FNP role
Because Louisiana is a restricted practice state, FNPs must practice in collaboration with a physician, which is an important factor to understand when planning clinical training and employment.
Questions to Ask Before Applying
- Does the program support clinical placements in Louisiana?
- Are courses offered asynchronously, synchronously, or both?
- How many on-campus visits are required (if hybrid)?
- What is the program's certification pass rate, if available?
- Can I complete the program part-time while working?
FAQs
Q: Can I complete an FNP program online while living in Louisiana?
A: Yes. Many programs offer online or hybrid coursework, but all require in-person clinical hours completed at approved Louisiana sites.
Q: Are there FNP programs that work well for rural Louisiana students?
A: Yes. Online and hybrid programs are often well suited for nurses in rural parishes, especially when paired with clinical placements at local health clinics or FQHCs.
Q: Is a DNP required to practice as an FNP in Louisiana?
A: No. Both MSN and DNP graduates can practice as FNPs. A DNP is optional but may offer advantages for leadership, policy, and academic roles.
Q: When should I start planning clinical placements?
A: As early as possible, ideally before or during your first year. Clinical site availability can be competitive in some regions of Louisiana.
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