Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana

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.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana

As more hospitals and healthcare employers move to hire RNs that hold a BSN degree or higher, there's never been a better time for ADN or diploma-educated RNs to take the next step in their careers. RN to BSN programs exist to bridge this gap and give nurses the skills and knowledge needed to hold higher nursing positions, and online options make it especially convenient. To help nurses choose the right program in Louisiana, we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state. Check out our rankings below and find the perfect program for you.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Louisiana State University

Alexandria, LA

Nursing students earn the same recognized degree as in-person students in Louisiana State University's fast-moving online RN to BSN program. From Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing and health assessment to nursing informatics and pathophysiology, students graduate all set to handle today's nursing challenges.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Affordable and accessible program
  
• Large alumni network around the world
  
• Designed for 14-month completion

2.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Baton Rouge, LA

Students in the online RN to BSN program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University can study and complete coursework at their leisure in the mornings, evenings, or afternoons. The flexible program teaches integrative nursing care across the lifespan and the broader health continuum.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Awarded Louisiana's Nursing School of the Year
  
• Alum may receive tuition benefits
  
• Clinicals may be completed at work

3.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA

Registered Nurses can give their careers a shot in the arm when they enroll in the online RN to BSN program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The affordable and recognized state school enables RNs to gain clinical, community health, and leadership competencies while they learn at their convenience.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Pay as you go payment option
  
• Dedicated to student achievement
  
• 12-month graduation is possible

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:

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.

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

2024 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:

• New Orleans RN to BSN Programs
• Baton Rouge RN to BSN Programs
• Shreveport RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.