Best Online MSN Programs in Louisiana

Southeastern Louisiana University offers an online MSN with a Nursing Education concentration. This 43-credit program spans four semesters and requires 225 clinical hours. Students complete a thesis or scholarly project. The curriculum focuses on teaching strategies, curriculum development, and assessment methods. Graduates prepare for roles as nurse educators in academic, clinical, or professional settings. The program is part of the ICMSN consortium and features expert faculty. It uses human patient simulators in labs and boasts high certification pass rates.

• ICMSN accredited
• 4-Semester program
• 43 total credit hours
• 225 clinical hours
• Thesis or capstone option
• Member of ICMSN consortium
• Expert faculty recognized nationally
• Human patient simulators in labs
• High national certification pass rates
• Prepares for Nurse Educator roles

Southeastern Louisiana University's Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration through a hybrid format combining online theory courses with in-person clinical requirements. The program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles with a curriculum delivered via distance learning technology for flexibility. Clinical hours must be completed within Louisiana. The program participates in a four-university consortium to provide comprehensive nursing education. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing and current RN licensure. The curriculum includes both theoretical and clinical components to develop expertise in family-centered primary care.

• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Nursing Education concentration
• Distance online learning technology
• Flexible course completion
• Clinical hours in Louisiana
• Four-university consortium
• Theory based courses online
• Expert faculty engagement
• Mentoring in specialty concentrations

Southeastern Louisiana University's Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program uses online learning for theory courses, providing flexibility. Clinical hours must be completed in Louisiana. The curriculum prepares graduates for advanced nursing roles. The program is part of a consortium with three other universities. Students can transfer up to one-third of required credit hours.

• Master of Science in Nursing program.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration available.
• Online learning for theory courses.
• Clinical hours in Louisiana required.
• Part of four-university consortium.
• Up to one-third credits transferable.
• Flexible course completion options.
• Expert faculty engaged in practice.
• Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
• Curriculum includes specialty concentrations.

Southeastern Louisiana University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration. This hybrid program combines online theory courses with in-person clinical requirements. All clinical hours must be completed within Louisiana. The curriculum prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in family healthcare. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing and current RN licensure. The program follows a consortium model with three other universities. Students complete coursework through web-based distance learning. Faculty provide mentorship in specialty areas. The program emphasizes flexible scheduling for working professionals. Graduates are prepared for certification as Family Nurse Practitioners.

• MSN Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Hybrid online and clinical format
• Louisiana clinical hours required
• Distance online learning courses
• Consortium of four universities
• Flexible course completion
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Web-based technology delivery
• Theory courses online

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration within the Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to practice as advanced practice registered nurses in primary care settings. This program requires 40 credit hours and includes a minimum of 640 clinical contact hours under approved preceptors. Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program, current unencumbered RN license, minimum two years RN work experience, and cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher. Applicants must reside in Louisiana and hold a Louisiana RN license. The program has been recognized as one of the best online MSN programs.

• 40 credit hours required
• 640 clinical contact hours
• Minimum 2.8 GPA required
• Two years RN experience required
• Louisiana RN license required
• Applications due March 1
• Enrolling annually
• Prepares for national certification

The MSN with a concentration in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) at the University of Louisiana at Monroe prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology, along with specialized courses in primary care of acute illnesses, chronic diseases, and special health needs of adults and geriatric patients. Students also study health policy, global health, and the nurse practitioner role. Graduates are eligible for national certification and advanced practice licensure, enabling them to practice in primary care settings focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and care management. The program requires 40 credit hours and 640 clinical hours under preceptor supervision. Admission requires a BSN, current RN license, minimum 2.75 GPA, GRE scores, and two years of RN experience. This hybrid program offers a seamless pathway for AD-prepared nurses through the RN to BSN to MSN option.

• 2 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE
• 40 total credit hours
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• 640 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Prepares for national certification as AGNP
• Focus on health promotion and disease prevention
• Primary care for adult and geriatric patients

Louisiana Christian University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Clinical Nurse Leadership concentration. This 100% online program provides flexibility for working nurses. The MSN curriculum builds on nursing and related sciences to develop leadership skills. Graduates learn to coordinate care, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for patients. The program integrates a Christian perspective into evidence-based healthcare delivery. Experienced faculty with real-world nursing expertise guide students through the online format. The Clinical Nurse Leader concentration prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare microsystems. This program emphasizes professional development through graduate education and lifelong learning.

• 100% online program format.
• Clinical Nurse Leader concentration.
• Flexible for working nurses.
• Experienced nursing faculty.
• Integrates Christian perspective.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Leadership role development.
• Interprofessional collaboration training.
• Safe healthcare delivery emphasis.
• Holistic care approach.

The RN to MSN program at Louisiana Christian University offers a direct pathway for registered nurses to earn both a BSN and MSN with a Clinical Nurse Leader concentration. The curriculum integrates nursing science, leadership, and evidence-based practice, covering healthcare systems, finance, and interprofessional collaboration. Faculty bring real-world nursing expertise to the 100% online classroom. The program emphasizes a Christian worldview and aligns with AACN CNL competencies. Graduates are prepared to manage care for patient cohorts, implement quality improvements, and advocate for patients. Designed for working nurses, the flexible online format allows for a seamless transition from RN-BSN to MSN, preparing students for roles such as clinical nurse leader or care coordinator.

• 100% online coursework
• Designed for Clinical Nurse Leadership
• Expert faculty with real-world experience
• RN to BSN pathway included
• Direct transition to MSN
• Christian perspective on nursing
• Leadership and interprofessional collaboration
• Aligned with CNL competencies

Nicholls State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration through an intercollegiate consortium. The program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles with clinical training. Admission requires a BSN, Louisiana RN license, 2.7 GPA, statistics course, two recommendations, and a statement of intent. Students must maintain a B average and complete requirements within six years. The program offers fall and spring starts with full-time or part-time options.

• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Master of Science in Nursing degree
• Accredited by CCNE
• Requires BSN and RN license
• Minimum 2.7 GPA required
• Two recommendation letters needed
• Fall and spring admission
• Full-time or part-time options
• B average required for progression
• Six-year completion limit

Nicholls State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program combines online theory courses with clinical practice. Students complete 48-51 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. The curriculum covers psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and advanced psychiatric nursing. Admission requires a BSN, Louisiana RN license, 2.7 GPA, statistics course, letters of recommendation, and clinical experience. Graduates are eligible for national certification. The program is accredited by CCNE and offered through a consortium with other Louisiana universities.

• MSN with PMHNP concentration.
• Hybrid online and clinical format.
• 48-51 credit hours required.
• 600 clinical practice hours.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Consortium with Louisiana universities.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• Minimum 2.7 GPA for admission.
• Statistics course prerequisite.
• Letters of recommendation needed.

The MSN Nursing Education concentration at University of Louisiana at Lafayette prepares nurses to teach at the undergraduate level. This 43-credit program requires a 2.75 minimum GPA and includes 240 clinical hours. It fulfills educational requirements for the NLN Certified Nurse Educator exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Students complete either a thesis or focused scholarly project. Courses include fall-only offerings in nursing education topics. The curriculum is offered through an affiliation with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 4 concentration options
• 43 total credit hours
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• 240 clinical hours
• Thesis or capstone option
• Prepares for NLN Certified Nurse Educator exam
• Affiliation with Intercollegiate Consortium for MSN
• Approved by Louisiana State Board of Nursing
• Fall-only courses in nursing education

Loyola University New Orleans offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse-Midwifery concentration, preparing students for advanced primary and reproductive healthcare. This hybrid program combines online synchronous classes with in-person practicum work, requiring 50 credit hours and 910 supervised hours. Graduates become eligible for national certification. Admission requires a BSN, RN licensure, a 3.0 GPA, and relevant work experience. Tuition is $885 per credit hour, with financial aid options available for eligible students.

• 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
• RN licensure mandatory
• 3.0 GPA minimum

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This program prepares nurses to provide advanced mental health care, assess and treat psychiatric disorders, and support emotional well-being across populations. It includes clinical immersion and advanced coursework in pharmacotherapeutics and leadership. The program is designed for working professionals seeking specialized clinical roles.

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Master of Science in Nursing degree
• Clinical immersion experience
• Pharmacotherapeutics coursework
• Leadership role development
• Flexible pathways for professionals
• Accredited nursing program
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Real-world clinical practice
• Nurse practitioner tracks available

Xavier University of Louisiana's Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares students to manage and analyze healthcare data, design effective information systems, and safeguard patient privacy. The 36-credit curriculum includes core courses in health informatics fundamentals, statistics, database architecture, health data analysis, and project management, plus electives in areas such as healthcare quality, financial technology, and big data. Students complete a capstone or research project, with options for a thesis or non-thesis track. The two-year sequence builds practical skills for roles like health data analyst, informatics specialist, or healthcare technology consultant. By combining technical expertise with healthcare knowledge, this program prepares graduates to improve population health outcomes through innovative use of data.

• 36 total credit hours
• Thesis or capstone option
• Core curriculum totals 24 credit hours
• Electives equal 6 credit hours

Grambling State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Nurse Educator concentration. This full-time program lasts 21 months. Classes meet in person one day per week and include online activities. Students can choose a clinical focus in either Adult/Geriatric or Maternal/Child Health nursing. The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in nursing education.

• 2 concentration options
• 21-Month program
• Full-time enrollment
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Classes one day per week
• Clinical focus options available

The Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University prepares BSN nurses for advanced family practice. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinicals. It requires 44 credit hours and 750 clinical hours over 2-3 years. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, RN license, one year of experience, three recommendation letters, and an interview. The program focuses on rural and underserved populations and prepares graduates for board certification.

• 44 credit hours required
• 750 clinical hours required
• 2-3 year program length
• Hybrid online/in-person format
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• RN license required
• 1 year RN experience required
• Three recommendation letters
• Interview required
• Focus on rural settings