Nursing Programs in Shreveport, LA

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Shreveport

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for aspiring nurses, and rankings can help students identify schools that best prepare graduates for licensure. Registerednursing.org is creating the rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Shreveport, focusing on NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria. This data-driven approach ensures objectivity, with methodology details available at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in the Shreveport area show strong performance across recent years, with slight variations that may reflect program adjustments or student cohorts.

• 2024: Average pass rate of 98.72% with 78 students
• 2023: Average pass rate of 92% with 75 students

Top Performing Schools

Schools with consistently high NCLEX pass rates demonstrate effective preparation for nursing licensure exams, which is essential for career readiness.

• Bossier Parish Community College: Average pass rate of 95.43% across 153 students over 2 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size can influence pass rates, with medium-sized programs often balancing resources and student support effectively.

• Medium programs (50-100 students/year): Average pass rate of 98.72% with 78 students

Biggest Improvements

Schools showing significant pass rate improvements indicate successful enhancements to their nursing education programs.

• Bossier Parish Community College: Improved from 92% to 98.72% between 2024 and 2024

#1

Southern University at Shreveport

Shreveport, LA - Public 2-Year - susla.edu

Associate - Registered Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern University at Shreveport offers an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program that prepares students for entry-level professional practice. This campus-based program at this HBCU blends liberal arts, sciences, and nursing fundamentals for a comprehensive foundation. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates of 82.86% in 2023 and 73.33% in 2024. The program offers both generic and accelerated LPN-RN tracks, emphasizing student-faculty interaction and diverse clinical practice settings. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The curriculum fosters lifelong learning and professional growth while maintaining competitive admissions.

• Associate of Science degree
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Generic and LPN-RN tracts
• Focus on lifelong learning
• Competitive admissions
• Diverse practice settings
• Student-faculty interaction
• Liberal arts and sciences foundation

Associate - Registered Nursing (Generic Tract)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern University at Shreveport's Generic Tract within its Registered Nursing program is designed for aspiring nurses without current licensure. This campus-based Associate of Science program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates of 82.86% in 2023 and 73.33% in 2024. The curriculum blends liberal arts, sciences, and nursing principles while emphasizing student-faculty interaction and lifelong learning. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare settings as generalist nurses. As an associate-level program, no ACT or SAT entrance exams are required. This HBCU program values individual backgrounds and provides a supportive learning environment for professional growth.

• Associate of Science degree
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Generic Tract for non-licensed students
• Emphasizes lifelong learning
• Focus on student-faculty interaction
• Blends arts, sciences, nursing
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
• Supports professional growth
• Campus-based program
• Foundation for further nursing education

Associate - Registered Nursing (Accelerated LPN-RN Tract)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern University at Shreveport's Accelerated LPN-RN Tract is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking career advancement to registered nursing. This campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates of 82.86% in 2023 and 73.33% in 2024. The curriculum blends liberal arts, sciences, and nursing fundamentals while emphasizing strong faculty interaction and diverse clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for professional practice in various healthcare settings. As an associate-level program, no ACT or SAT entrance exams are required. This HBCU program fosters personal and professional growth while building on students' existing healthcare experience.

• Accelerated LPN-RN Tract
• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Focus on lifelong learning
• Diverse student backgrounds
• Strong faculty interaction
• Generalist nurse preparation
• Liberal arts and sciences foundation
• Varied healthcare settings practice
• Encourages professional growth

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport

Shreveport, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhs.edu

Bachelor's - Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) Program at LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport offers a two-year BSN pathway for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees who are transitioning into nursing. This campus-based program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam through a blend of in-person instruction and synchronous distance education. With fall and spring admissions, it provides a fast-track option for career changers, supported by experienced faculty from both LSU Health Shreveport and New Orleans campuses. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical learning to ensure graduates are well-prepared for nursing practice.

• Two-year program
• Campus-based learning
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• For bachelor's degree holders
• Fall and spring admissions
• Combines in-person and distance education
• Supported by experienced faculty
• Fast-track into nursing

*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Shreveport, LA

Staff nurses help the sick heal while also earning a solid wage for themselves and their families. Those considering entering the much-needed healthcare vocation have many options available to them, including entry-level LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN. Each educational starting point has its own advantages and drawbacks, considering career options, starting salary, level of patient responsibility and more.

LPN to RN Programs

Professional Registered Nurses play a key role in patient care and recovery. Though Licensed Practical Nurses tend to patients’ basic needs, they can do more to help patients return to health when they obtain their RN. Southern University at Shreveport provides Louisiana LPNs with a fast track program to getting their RNs. Students also earn their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree by completing the bridge LPN to RN track. The curriculum includes individualization learning and high levels of student and faculty interaction. Graduates are well suited to sit for the NCLEX.

ADN Programs

Many professions require a four-year degree in order to earn a comfortable living. However, with the rise of demand for healthcare professionals today, Registered Nurses with only an associate’s degree can earn as much or more than others with a bachelor’s degree. The affordably priced Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) outside of Shreveport, LA offers a student-focused Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program.  It is complete with modern skills laboratory as well as clinical experiences and simulations. Graduates of the quality, academic-rich program are ready to sit for the NCLEX exam.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Step into a career in nursing with a BSN and begin your career at the mid-level. Nurses with four-year degrees in most cases can perform duties that nurses with associate’s degrees can’t do even if those nurses have more on-the-job experience. Grambling State University, located about an hour outside of Shreveport, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing that educates students on critical thinking and decision making as well as fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, and community health. Program graduates are taught the knowledge and skills they need to test for the NCLEX.

Find out more about Louisiana Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Shreveport, LA

Registered Nurses help patients regain their strength when they are sick as well as offer care and companionship. Without a bachelor’s degree, RNs are limited to the level of care they can provide. With accelerated RN to BSN programs, students can return to school to obtain the skills and credentials in order to provide a higher level of care to patients.

RN to BSN Programs

Registered Nurses with an unencumbered license can move ahead in their vocations in less time when they pursue the RN to BSN online program offered by Louisiana State University at Alexandria. Students can transfer in as many previously earned academic credits as possible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 14 months. (Students must have a C or higher to transfer the credit.) The bridge offers to expose students to nursing leadership and management, nursing research, and community health nursing.

Find out more about Louisiana RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Shreveport, LA

In many underserved communities in Shreveport, LA, and elsewhere, Nurse Practitioners are filling the healthcare gaps by providing quality basic care to young, middle-aged and elderly patients. Nurses who have ever thought about becoming nursing leaders or practitioners can do so without taking a break from work by taking advantage of flexible advanced practice nursing programs.

MSN Programs

Nurses can be granted more responsibility when caring for patients when they decide to further their education with a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Simmons University offers a flexible, online MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty. The option allows for full- or part-time study so working nurses can continue earning their paychecks while they pursue their advanced degrees. Clinicals and rotations can be completed at locations near the student’s home or place of work.

Find out more about Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurse Practitioners are stepping up to fill the role of generalized healthcare providers caring for diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Available only to nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing, the Post-Master Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (PMC FNP) at Northwestern State University gives students the didactic and clinical training to work as FNPs in the field. Graduates of the program can test for the Certification Examination and those who pass can apply for state licensure. Only board-certified FNPs can attain prescriptive authority in the state of Louisiana.

Find out more about Louisiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Nurses can leverage their career knowledge and experience by attaining the Doctor of Nursing Practice, a peak degree for nursing. Northwestern State University in Shreveport, Louisiana offers a recognized DNP degree, which focuses on leadership, such as building cross-team partnerships to promote and sustain patient-focused healthcare systems. Graduates are taught to develop and put into place forward-thinking healthcare standards and policies.

Find out more about Louisiana DNP Programs.