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 New Orleans offers a BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program delivered entirely online. This 63-credit program spans 36 months and prepares BSN-prepared nurses for advanced clinical practice through comprehensive coursework and multiple clinical practicums. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and specialized clinical training, culminating in eligibility for national certification through AANP or ANCC. The program requires an entrance exam for admission. As a Roman Catholic institution with military-friendly policies, it focuses on developing primary care experts capable of delivering 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 provides an online BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This program prepares nurses for career advancement by blending advanced clinical practice with leadership skills, covering primary care for patients of all ages. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology, preparing graduates for Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams. The program requires an entrance exam for admission. With its military-friendly approach and Roman Catholic affiliation, it offers a quality education designed to meet current healthcare industry standards and transform healthcare delivery.
- 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 (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers advanced primary care training through a hybrid format that combines online coursework with Louisiana-based clinical hours. This concentration focuses on developing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment skills for patients across the lifespan. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, expert faculty mentorship, and participation in a four-university collaborative consortium that enhances educational resources and networking opportunities within the state's healthcare system.
- 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 (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration at Southeastern Louisiana University prepares advanced practice nurses to address mental health needs through evidence-based psychiatric care. This hybrid MSN program emphasizes psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and mental health assessment across diverse populations. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam. The curriculum integrates online learning with required Louisiana clinical placements, offering flexibility through distance education technology while ensuring localized training. Students gain from faculty expertise and consortium resources that support specialized psychiatric nursing competencies.
- 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 (Nursing Education)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University's Nursing Education concentration within the MSN program develops nurse educators through a hybrid format combining online instruction with practical teaching experiences. This program focuses on curriculum design, instructional methods, and evaluation strategies for nursing education settings. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam. Students complete clinical hours in Louisiana, benefiting from web-based coursework flexibility and expert mentorship. Participation in a four-university consortium provides additional educational resources and networking opportunities for aspiring nursing faculty members.
- 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
The University of Louisiana at Monroe's hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program equips experienced RNs with advanced primary care skills for patients of all ages. This 40-credit curriculum requires 640 clinical hours and prepares graduates for national certification and prescriptive authority. With both full-time and part-time options, the program emphasizes hands-on training in diverse healthcare settings. Applicants need an RN license, two years of experience, and a minimum 2.8 GPA. The program requires an entrance exam for master's level admission. Applications are due March 1st.
- 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 offers a 21-month Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner program in a hybrid format. This 49-credit hour graduate pathway combines weekly on-campus classes with extensive clinical training exceeding 700 hours. The curriculum focuses on advanced assessment skills and primary care management, with a distinctive emphasis on rural and community health perspectives. Students gain specialized knowledge in family health dynamics through flexible clinical experiences under professional preceptors. The program prepares graduates for national certification and advanced practice licensure, with no entrance exam requirement explicitly mentioned for this post-master's level program.
- 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 (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nicholls State University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is a top-ranked hybrid program, recognized among America's top 50 nursing graduate programs. This CCNE-accredited program requires applicants to hold an RN license and have at least one year of nursing experience, with a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA. The program maintains a 95% FNP certification pass rate and offers both full-time and part-time options through a collaborative consortium model. While the description doesn't specify entrance exam requirements for this master's level program, applicants should verify current admission criteria directly with the university.
- 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
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University offers a Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program in a hybrid online/in-person format. This ACEN-accredited program requires 44 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, preparing BSN-prepared nurses for board certification with a 100% pass rate in 2023. The program emphasizes holistic care for underserved populations and offers three admission pathways. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least one year of RN experience, with a September 16 application deadline.
- 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 (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern University and A & M College's Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is nationally recognized for its impact on healthcare diversity. This campus-based program produces the largest number of minority FNPs in the country, with 75% of Louisiana's FNPs being graduates. The curriculum focuses on family health nursing, offering multiple role concentrations that prepare students to exceed national certification exam pass rates. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam. This HBCU program empowers diverse students with specialized skills to make significant contributions to advanced nursing practice.
- 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
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans offers a campus-based Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program that prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive lifespan care. This rigorous 52-credit curriculum develops expertise in advanced health assessment, disease prevention, and health management. The program emphasizes clinical competency through extensive practicum experiences, preparing graduates for national certification and community-based primary care roles. As a military-friendly institution, it requires an entrance exam for this doctoral-level program. Students benefit from advanced pharmacology courses and training focused on patient-centered care across all age groups.
- 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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