Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country are placing more emphasis on highly skilled, quality nursing care. With registered nurses (RNs) making crucial care decisions on a daily basis, it's no wonder why employers in Louisiana are interested in nurses with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. For RNs who only have an Associate's Degree in Nursing, one of the state's many RN to BSN programs can get them where they need to go.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Louisiana at Monroe's online RN to BSN program offers a strategically designed educational pathway for registered nurses seeking bachelor's degree advancement. With no entrance exam requirement, this flexible program allows working professionals to seamlessly transition from associate or diploma nursing backgrounds. Students can earn up to 39 semester credit hours based on current licensure, exploring comprehensive nursing sciences, professional concepts, and leadership development. Military-friendly and accommodating part-time and full-time enrollment options, the curriculum emphasizes management, public health, and practical healthcare experiences. Prospective students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and hold an unencumbered RN license to participate in this transformative online learning experience.
- Online flexible program
- 120 total credit hours
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.0 GPA prerequisite
- Part-time and full-time options
- No entrance exam needed
- 30 hours from ULM required
- Professional nursing practicums included
- Comprehensive nursing coursework
- Management and public health focus
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - Public 4-Year - mcneese.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
McNeese State University's fully online RN-to-BSN program empowers registered nurses to elevate their professional trajectory through a cutting-edge curriculum. The program strategically supports working nurses by offering flexible digital learning environments and comprehensive coursework focused on advanced clinical competencies. With a stellar 98% NCLEX passage rate and CCNE accreditation, students gain robust leadership skills tailored for diverse healthcare settings. The program accommodates nurses' existing professional experience by recognizing transfer credits and providing a streamlined academic pathway. Military-friendly and approved by the Louisiana Board of Nursing, this program represents an exceptional opportunity for RNs seeking career advancement without interrupting current employment.
- 100% Online RN-to-BSN Option
- 98% NCLEX Passage Rate
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Leadership Skill Development
- Approved by Louisiana Board
- Credits for Existing Coursework
- Comprehensive Nursing Curriculum
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA - Public 4-Year - nicholls.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Articulation
Online Learning - Visit Website
Nicholls State University delivers a comprehensive online RN to BSN articulation program designed for practicing registered nurses seeking professional advancement. Fully accredited by CCNE, the program accommodates working healthcare professionals with flexible coursework emphasizing evidence-based practice and critical thinking. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and possess an unencumbered RN license. The curriculum validates existing nursing knowledge while expanding advanced clinical competencies in professional nursing practice, leadership, research, and community health. Unique features include completion flexibility within seven years and targeted learning experiences that enhance patient care delivery across diverse healthcare environments. No specific entrance exam is required for admission.
- Online RN to BSN articulation
- CCNE accredited program
- Validates existing nursing knowledge
- GPA requirement of 2.0
- Unencumbered RN licensure required
- Completion within seven years
- Flexible for working nurses
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, LA - Public 4-Year - lsua.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Louisiana State University-Alexandria's RN-BSN online program provides a dynamic and flexible pathway for registered nurses seeking career advancement. Students can complete this comprehensive 120-credit program within 12-18 months, leveraging a fully online platform with convenient seven-week semesters. The curriculum is strategically designed to enhance professional skills, preparing nurses for expanded healthcare roles and potential graduate studies. With personalized nursing advisors and a focus on comprehensive learning, the program offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, making it accessible for working RNs looking to elevate their educational credentials and career prospects.
- 100% Online Delivery
- 120 Total Credit Hours
- Seven-Week Semester Format
- 12-18 Month Completion Time
- Personalized Nursing Advisor
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Graduate School Preparation
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA - Public 4-Year - latech.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Louisiana Tech University's online RN to BSN program provides registered nurses a strategic pathway to advance their academic credentials. The hybrid program emphasizes professional leadership and interprofessional collaboration, preparing nurses for complex healthcare environments. Students benefit from a competitive flat-rate tuition of $400 per credit hour and flexible clinical experiences that align with AACN Essentials. The curriculum integrates population health insights, innovative patient care technologies, and leadership development. While the program is designed for working professionals, applicants should note standard nursing program admission requirements, which typically include an active RN license, previous academic transcripts, and potential entrance assessments.
- 100% Online Program
- $400 per credit hour
- Flexible Clinical Experiences
- Professional Leadership Focus
- No Additional Fees
- Aligns with AACN Essentials
- Supports Career Advancement
- Interprofessional Learning Approach
Fast & Affordable Program Options
RN to BSN programs are often sought out by nurses who have an associate’s degree and several years in the nursing field. These fast-paced bridge programs are particularly attractive for their speed and affordability as they allow students to graduate in not 4 years (as they would in a traditional BSN program) but in only two years, or even less. This not only saves students time in their busy schedules, but it also allows them to save money due to the time it takes to graduate.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
As mentioned, most RN to BSN programs allow students to graduate in half the time compared to a traditional BSN program, but it’s conceivable that you may be able to graduate even sooner depending on the program an how many credits you’ll be transferring into the program. Below are a few great options for the quickest RN to BSN programs in Louisiana that take less than two years:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Louisiana State University | RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| University of Louisiana | Online RN to BSN | 1 year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in Louisiana. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
For some students, the benefit of saving money on their education outweighs the benefit of the timeliness of an RN to BSN program. Spending less time in the classroom means that your financial obligation to your chosen program will be relatively small compared to a traditional 4-year BSN program. Furthermore, the affordability of an RN to BSN program may be further multiplied by residency status (depending on the school) or if you receive your education primarily online. Below are a few of the most affordable options in the state.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Southern University New Orleans | Online RN to BSN | $7,490 per year (Resident) $13,384 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Louisiana State University | RN to BSN | $11,954 per year (Resident) $28,631 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Advancing a nursing career via an RN to BSN program starts with gaining admission to a great school. While entrance requirements may differ from school to school, the following is a sample of some of the typical requirements that accredited schools in the state list:
- Must have earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university
- Must have completed all prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- Unencumbered RN license in the state of Louisiana
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Once prerequisite and general education courses are completed, RN to BSN students take specialized upper-division nursing courses as part of the curriculum. LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing provides the following nursing courses as part of their program:
- NURS 3375: Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
- NURS 4357: Population-Focused Nursing: Theory
- NURS 3370: Research in Nursing
- NURS 4379: Leadership in the Health Care System
- NURS 4346: Gerontology
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana
Looking for the best RN to BSN programs in your state? Check out our listings below:
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Alexandria, LA
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Delivery
- 120 Total Credit Hours
- Seven-Week Semester Format
- 12-18 Month Completion Time
- Personalized Nursing Advisor
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Graduate School Preparation
Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Top-ranked online RN to BSN program
- 14-month program completion
- 45 total credit hours
- $325 per credit hour
- Fully online format
- Accredited by ACEN
- Transfer credits accepted
- 2.25 minimum GPA required
Southern University and A & M College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online nursing program
- Designed for working RNs
- Leadership career advancement
- Nationally accredited program
- Flexible coursework schedule
- Multiple transfer agreements
- Experienced nursing instructors
Grambling, LA
Grambling State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester program completion
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- Credit for previous nursing courses
- Flexible learning option
- Louisiana State Board approved
Hammond, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Nursing Degree
- $9,500 Total Program Cost
- Dedicated Faculty Coach
- Multiple Semester Start Dates
- 2.5 GPA Admission Requirement
- 8-Week Term Formats
- Military Friendly University
- CCNE Accredited Program
Lafayette, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Accelerated 8-week Courses
- Designed for Working RNs
- Builds on Existing Nursing Knowledge
- Professional Career Advancement
Lake Charles, LA
McNeese State University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online RN-to-BSN Option
- 98% NCLEX Passage Rate
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Leadership Skill Development
- Approved by Louisiana Board
- Credits for Existing Coursework
- Comprehensive Nursing Curriculum
Monroe, LA
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- 120 total credit hours
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.0 GPA prerequisite
- Part-time and full-time options
- No entrance exam needed
- 30 hours from ULM required
- Professional nursing practicums included
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- $225 per credit hour
- Flexible 12-month completion
- No additional fees
- Career advancement opportunity
- Designed for working RNs
New Orleans, LA
Dillard University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Transfer up to 57 credits
- Service learning opportunities
- State-of-the-art nursing facilities
- Oldest LA nursing program
- Fully accredited program
- Multiple nursing pathways
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- One-year completion time
- Designed for RNs with associate degree
- Unencumbered nursing license required
- Admits fall and spring semesters
- Builds on existing nursing competencies
Ruston, LA
Louisiana Tech University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online Program
- $400 per credit hour
- Flexible Clinical Experiences
- Professional Leadership Focus
- No Additional Fees
- Aligns with AACN Essentials
- Supports Career Advancement
- Interprofessional Learning Approach
Shreveport, LA
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-month full-time completion option
- Hybrid learning format
- Designed for working RNs
- Multiple enrollment semesters
- Addresses nursing shortage
Thibodaux, LA
Nicholls State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Articulation
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN articulation
- CCNE accredited program
- Validates existing nursing knowledge
- GPA requirement of 2.0
- Unencumbered RN licensure required
- Completion within seven years
- Flexible for working nurses