The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration.

T the number of unit hours required to complete a program will differ from place to place; however, BSN to DNP students are usually expected to complete between 65 and 95 unit hours with a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours. Most MSN to DNP programs will require students to complete between 28 and 39 unit hours.

Core competencies students are expected to master during DNP programs will likely include:

  • Advanced nursing practice.
  • Health care policy for advocacy in health care.
  • Scientific underpinning for practice.
  • Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
  • Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
  • Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care.
  • Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
  • Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health.

2025 Best DNP Programs in Louisiana

Looking for the best DNP programs in Louisiana? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our rankings consider key factors like program quality, student success, and more. Find a program that fits your goals and start advancing your nursing career today. Check out our detailed rankings and see why we're trusted by nursing students across the state. Learn more about our rankings methodology.

#1

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA - Public 4-Year - nsula.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Nurse Anesthesia concentration, tailored for RNs aiming to specialize in anesthesia care. This hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, focusing on patient assessment, anesthesia administration, and leadership in healthcare settings. Ideal for those seeking advanced roles, it emphasizes clinical excellence and innovative anesthesia practices. Program highlights include a hybrid format, specialized anesthesia training, and a curriculum designed for experienced nurses.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Specialized Nurse Anesthesia concentration
  • Advanced clinical training
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Designed for experienced RNs

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, with an Executive Leadership concentration, is an online pathway for nurses aspiring to top-tier healthcare leadership. It focuses on strategic management, policy development, and evidence-based practice to foster healthcare innovation. Tailored for experienced professionals, the program prepares graduates to lead organizations, implement systemic improvements, and navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. Highlights include an online format, executive leadership focus, and a curriculum centered on strategic healthcare management.

  • Online DNP Executive Leadership
  • Advanced nursing leadership focus
  • Designed for experienced nurses
  • Strategic healthcare management
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Educational Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Doctor of Nursing Practice program features an Educational Leadership concentration, offered online for nurses dedicated to shaping the future of nursing education. This program equips educators with advanced teaching methodologies, leadership skills, and clinical knowledge to excel in academic and clinical education settings. Designed for experienced nurses, it offers flexibility and a focus on transforming healthcare education. Key aspects include online delivery, educational leadership emphasis, and comprehensive training for nursing educators.

  • Online DNP program
  • Educational Leadership focus
  • Advanced nursing education
  • Comprehensive leadership training
  • Flexible learning environment
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#2

McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA - Public 4-Year - mcneese.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

McNeese State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to specialize in psychiatric care. This hybrid program, blending online and on-campus learning, spans three years and is tailored for working professionals. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and systemic healthcare improvements, preparing graduates for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification. With 510 clinical practicum hours and a focus on diverse patient populations, the program is CCNE accredited and approved by the Louisiana State Board, offering a flexible yet rigorous path to advanced practice.

  • 3-year continuous DNP program
  • 50-99% online coursework
  • Hybrid learning format
  • 510 clinical practicum hours
  • Board certification preparation
  • Practice-based doctorate approach
  • Louisiana State Board approved
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Psychiatric care focus
  • Full-time work compatible

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at McNeese State University is a three-year hybrid program aimed at enhancing the clinical skills of experienced nurses. It combines online coursework with minimal on-campus requirements, catering to the schedules of working professionals. The program prepares graduates for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification, focusing on leadership, patient care for diverse populations, and addressing healthcare shortages. With 510 clinical practicum hours and approval from the Louisiana State Board, it's an ideal choice for nurses seeking to advance in psychiatric mental health nursing.

  • 3-year hybrid DNP program
  • 50-99% online coursework
  • 510 clinical practicum hours
  • Louisiana State Board approved
  • Practice-based doctorate approach
  • Work with expert faculty
  • Care for diverse patient populations
  • Leadership skill development
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#3

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA - Public 4-Year - louisiana.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed for advanced practice nurses and nurse executives aiming for leadership in healthcare. This hybrid program combines online coursework with essential on-campus sessions, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and health policy. Priced at $480 per credit, it prepares graduates to tackle healthcare challenges, improve patient outcomes, and lead in the face of physician shortages. The program is noted for its leadership-focused curriculum, emphasis on evidence-based practice, and personalized faculty mentoring.

  • Mostly online coursework
  • $480 per credit hour
  • On-campus synthesis project
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis
  • Personalized faculty mentoring

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Focused on Advanced Practice Nursing, the DNP program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is tailored for nurses seeking to lead in healthcare transformation. This hybrid program, with a tuition of $480 per credit hour, emphasizes evidence-based practices, health policy, and organizational leadership. It aims to equip nurse practitioners with the skills to address national healthcare challenges, implement research-driven care, and lead interprofessional teams. Highlights include a nationally ranked status, a focus on advanced practice nursing, and preparation for healthcare leadership.

  • Majority online coursework
  • Focuses on advanced practice nursing
  • $480 per credit hour
  • Interprofessional healthcare leadership
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis
  • Personalized faculty mentoring
  • On-campus synthesis project
  • Prepares healthcare leaders

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nurse Executive concentration within the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's DNP program is designed for nurses aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare. This hybrid program, at $480 per credit hour, offers a curriculum rich in evidence-based practice, organizational leadership, and health policy. It prepares graduates to innovate patient care strategies and lead in complex healthcare environments. The program is recognized for its hybrid format, leadership-oriented curriculum, and focus on interprofessional care preparation.

  • Hybrid online/on-campus program
  • $480 per credit hour
  • Evidence-based practice focus
  • Leadership-oriented curriculum
  • Personalized faculty mentoring
  • Mostly online coursework
  • Interprofessional care preparation
  • DNP synthesis project required
  • Advanced nursing leadership track
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#4

Loyola University New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - loyno.edu

Doctorate - BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Loyola University New Orleans offers a BSN-DNP program with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses aiming to elevate their practice to the highest level. This 63-credit online program spans over 36 months, blending advanced nursing theory with clinical training and a scholarly project. It prepares graduates for national certification exams, enabling them to provide patient-centered care across diverse populations. The program stands out for its fully online format, comprehensive DNP core courses, and multiple clinical practicums, making it ideal for working professionals seeking flexibility without compromising on quality education.

  • 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

Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Loyola University New Orleans is tailored for nurses specializing in acute care for adult and geriatric patients. This hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, focusing on advanced clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and patient management. It's designed for those looking to make a significant impact in acute care settings by improving patient outcomes through specialized interventions. The program's highlights include its hybrid format, doctoral level preparation, and focus on acute care, preparing nurses to meet the complex healthcare needs of their patients.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Advanced nursing specialization
  • Focuses on acute care
  • Doctoral level preparation
  • Prepares specialized practitioners
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#5

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - subr.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern University and A & M College offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for nurses aiming to excel in clinical leadership. This campus-based program emphasizes the application of research into practice, fostering skills in evidence evaluation and clinical innovation. Designed for those seeking to influence healthcare at an executive level, it prepares graduates to implement transformative practices in nursing. The curriculum is structured to develop advanced nurse practitioners with a keen focus on leadership and research translation, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare environments.

  • Practice-focused doctorate program
  • Advanced nurse practitioner preparation
  • Leadership role development
  • Research translation skills
  • Clinical innovation focus
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The state of Louisiana has five DNP programs. Before enrolling into one of these programs, there are a few crucial factors to consider.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

  • Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of Louisiana will vary depending on factors like whether you are a resident of Louisiana, coming from out-of-state, or if you're pursing your degree online. For post-master's DNP students, residents of Louisiana can expect to pay anywhere from $666 to $1,184 per unit hour. On the other hand, non-residents can expect their tuition costs to range from $1,184 to $1,697 per unit hour. Students taking DNP courses online will generally pay around $818 per credit hour.
  • Online Options— Three out of the five DNP programs in the state of Louisiana are delivered in an online or semi-online format. They include the following:
    • University of Louisiana at Lafayette—Both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP tracks are offered to students. Both programs are designed as cohorts, with a majority of the coursework available online. Students are, however, required to attend on-campus activities prior to starting the program and again at the conclusion of the program, to present their DNP synthesis project.
    • Southeastern Louisiana University—The post-master's program is offered almost entirely online with only two required on-campus visits – a one-day DNP orientation and another session for the defense of the DNP Project.
    • Loyola University-New Orleans—Both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways are offered online and only require students to attend a one-week campus orientation each year, as well as a campus visit at the conclusion of the program to defend the capstone project.
  • Accreditation— Prior to enrollment in any university program it's important to consider accreditation. DNP programs in the state of Louisiana are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
  • Clinical Residencies— Fellowships and clinical residencies are an important part of the DNP training process. Inquire with your school of choice to see what kind of clinical experience partnerships it has.

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Standards for admission to DNP programs in the state of Louisiana will vary from university to university. Prospective nursing students who will be most successful will need to have fulfilled the following prerequisite requirements:

  • Be in possession of an unencumbered RN license
  • Possess a BSN or MSN degree
  • Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either their undergraduate or graduate degree program (depending on the degree point from which they're entering from)
  • Provide academic transcripts
  • Pass a drug and background test
  • Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Verification/documentation of clinical hours
  • Provide GRE Scores
  • Provide two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement of goals
  • Complete an in-person interview with university program faculty

Certification

In the state of Louisiana, upon completion of their DNP degree nursing students are able to sit for the state certification exam. Once passed, if all else is in order, graduates can then become certified in advanced nursing specialties including, but not limited to the following:

  • Executive Nurse Leader
  • Integrated behavioral health
  • Public/Community Health Nursing
    Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Anesthesia
  • Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner

Licensing

Licensing requirements in the state of Louisiana for APRNs include:

  • Complete an application
  • Background checks
  • Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
  • Submit verification of specialty certification
  • Complete fingerprinting

Louisiana BSN to DNP Program Options

There are four universities that offers programs with BSN to DNP pathways in the state of Louisiana. They include:

  • Louisiana State University, New Orleans—Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
  • Loyola University, New Orleans—Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
  • Southeastern Louisiana University, Baton Rouge—BSN-DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner
  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette—Post MSN and BSN-DNP

Related Education Paths

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Louisiana