Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Although Louisiana’s nursing job market is expected to grow at a slightly slower rate than the national average, it is still on track for steady expansion, with a projected 2% increase over the next decade. The state is home to numerous nursing programs, providing ample opportunities for those looking to start or advance their careers in healthcare. Whether you’re just entering the field or aiming to further your education, Louisiana offers a variety of programs tailored to meet your unique needs and professional aspirations.
2027 Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Statewide average NCLEX pass rates remained consistently high from 2023 to 2024, with a slight increase in the number of test-takers.
- 2024: 93.45% average pass rate (2,487 students)
- 2023: 92.96% average pass rate (2,429 students)
Top Performing Schools
Several Louisiana nursing schools achieved exceptional pass rates, indicating strong program quality.
- Grambling State University: 100% pass rate (24 students, 2 years)
- University of Holy Cross: 100% pass rate (62 students, 2 years)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: 99.15% pass rate (235 students, 2 years)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Larger programs tend to have slightly higher pass rates, though medium-sized programs also perform well.
- Small (<50 students/year): 86.93% average pass rate (283 students)
- Medium (50-100): 94.05% average pass rate (706 students)
- Large (>100): 94.39% average pass rate (1,498 students)
Consistently High Performing Schools
The following schools maintained average pass rates above 90% over multiple years.
- Grambling State University: 100% (24 students)
- University of Holy Cross: 100% (62 students)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: 99.15% (235 students)
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University: 98.99% (199 students)
- McNeese State University: 98.8% (166 students)
University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - uhcno.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at University of Holy Cross is a respected, ACEN-accredited program with over 30 years of preparing students for registered nursing careers. The curriculum begins with a pre-nursing foundation in the freshman year, covering core and science courses. Students enter the clinical sequence in the fall of sophomore year, then progress through serial nursing courses concentrated at the junior and senior levels. Each clinical course includes a practicum for hands-on patient care experience. Graduates emerge ready to practice professional nursing in diverse, global settings, with skills in critical thinking, evidence-based care, leadership, and technology integration. The program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care from a Christian perspective of respect and dignity. Career outcomes include roles in hospitals, clinics, community health, and beyond. With a focus on quality improvement and interprofessional collaboration, this BSN program builds a strong foundation for lifelong nursing practice.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Over 30 years educating student nurses
- Practicum in each clinical course
- Prepares for registered nurse career
- Christian perspective in nursing
- Pre-nursing curriculum freshman year
- Clinical sequence starts sophomore year
- Focus on junior/senior courses
Grambling State University
Grambling, LA - Public 4-Year - gram.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Grambling State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in professional nursing. The curriculum blends foundational sciences with nursing theory and hands-on clinical practice. Students progress through a structured four-year sequence covering health assessment, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, adult health, women's health, child health, mental health, community health, and nursing management. Practicum experiences are integrated throughout the junior and senior years, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. The program also requires 160 hours of service learning, fostering community engagement and civic responsibility. Graduates emerge with the critical thinking and clinical skills needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. The BSN program is housed within the School of Nursing and is designed for students seeking a campus-based, immersive education. With a comprehensive curriculum and dedicated faculty, Grambling State University equips future nurses to excel in diverse healthcare environments.
- 120 total credit hours
- 160 service learning hours required
- BSN application packet for 2026
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA - Public 4-Year - louisiana.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Pre-Licensure BSN at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a four-year campus-based program that blends nursing theory, clinical practice, and leadership. Students gain hands-on experience in multiple healthcare settings while developing skills to advocate for health policy and impact patient outcomes. The curriculum prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue licensure as a registered nurse in Louisiana. Career paths include hospital nursing, community health, and clinical leadership. This program stands out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork and patient-centered care. With a rich academic experience and dedicated faculty, students are equipped to become integral members of the healthcare team.
- 4-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Curriculum includes nursing theory, clinical practice, leadership
- Clinical experience in multiple healthcare settings
- Prepares students for Louisiana RN licensure
- Advocate for health policy
- Become leaders in patient care delivery
- Opportunity to impact healthcare outcomes
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge, LA - Private 4-year - franu.edu
Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
FranU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) blends rigorous science training with a deep-rooted Catholic and Franciscan tradition of service. You'll learn from faculty who are seasoned nurses with specialties in hospice, burn care, neonatal intensive care, and more. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through the Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH) lab and clinical rotations at Our Lady of the Lake Health System, right next to campus. Choose between a traditional five-semester track for first-time college students or an accelerated 16-month track for those with a prior bachelor's degree. Both tracks prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam and lead to careers in critical care, public health, case management, and beyond. With a 100% employment rate within 12 months of graduation, FranU's BSN graduates are ready to excel as compassionate, skilled nurses.
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is designed for students with a prior bachelor's degree who want to transition into nursing quickly—in just 16 months. The program combines classroom learning with immersive clinical experiences in FranU's Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH) and real-world rotations within the Our Lady of the Lake Health System. You'll study under faculty with specialties ranging from hospice to neonatal care, who emphasize holistic, patient-centered nursing rooted in Franciscan values. The curriculum covers nursing across the lifespan, pharmacology, and leadership, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN and a career in diverse healthcare settings. With a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for accelerated students and 100% employment within a year of graduation, this program offers a proven path to becoming a registered nurse.
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 16-Month program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- $93,600 median earnings
- A typical registered nurse earns $93,600 a year
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisiana at Monroe's Kitty DeGree School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with a strong tradition of excellence since 1960. Students benefit from a broad-based liberal arts education combined with comprehensive nursing coursework. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings, with simulation experiences enhancing clinical skills. Clinical placements occur across multiple facilities. Graduates consistently exceed state and national averages on licensure exams. The program is CCNE accredited. Various pathways are available, including a traditional campus-based track. The school's commitment to transformative education and interprofessional collaboration prepares nurses for success in a competitive global community.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Founded in 1960
- Simulation experiences augment learning
- Clinical placements in diverse facilities
- Above-average licensure exam scores
- Broad liberal arts foundation
- Preparation for varied healthcare environments
- Multiple undergraduate pathways
Louisiana Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
If you're considering a career in nursing, you might be wondering where to begin. As a registered nurse, the degree you'll need will depend on your background and future goals. Many new nurses start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because these options offer an affordable and relatively quick path to entering the field. Explore the differences between these options, along with other nursing pathways, in the sections below.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the fastest route for those looking to become nurses at the entry level, typically taking just two years to complete. Alternatively, students can pursue an RN diploma, often available through specialized nursing schools and hospitals, which generally takes 1-2 years to finish. The key difference between an ADN and an RN diploma is that the ADN includes additional general education courses, while the diploma focuses solely on foundational nursing education. For current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), the LPN to RN bridge program is an excellent option, offering the chance to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Louisiana include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Louisiana.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
If you're setting your sights higher, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the best choice for entry-level nursing education. This four-year degree covers all the essential knowledge and skills needed for success as a registered nurse and can serve as a strong foundation if you decide to pursue a graduate degree, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, later on. Additionally, bridge options like the RN to BSN or an accelerated BSN program can be excellent pathways for those who qualify, providing flexibility and an expedited route to a BSN.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Louisiana typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
For RN bridge programs visit:
Louisiana RN to BSN programs are generally the best option for working nurses who want the fastest route to getting a BSN. If you have an associate degree in nursing and an RN license, you can get your BSN in as little as two years through this type of program.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Suppose you have a bachelor’s degree already but it’s not a nursing bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you can supplement your current education through a Louisiana ABSN program and get your BSN in as little as a year or two.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
If you're ready to take your nursing education to the next level, pursuing a graduate degree could be the ideal choice. Graduate nursing degrees come in several forms, including a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs typically require candidates to have at least a BSN or MSN, hold an active, unencumbered RN license, and meet the specific entry criteria for each program.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Louisiana:
- Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Louisiana MSN Program
- Louisiana RN to MSN Programs
- Louisiana Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Louisiana DNP Programs
See Related Articles
Getting an RN License in Louisiana
If your goal is to serve as a professional nurse in Louisiana, you’ll need to get licensed. The licensure process begins with passing the NCLEX-RN exam followed by sending an application and fee to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Once you receive your license, it’s your responsibility to retain it by completing any necessary continuing education.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Louisiana
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Louisiana Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
RN program accreditation is also an important consideration. If an RN program is not accredited, it means that the state board has not approved the school’s curriculum, and thus, graduates from the program will not be allowed to get licensed. Accreditation in the US is conducted by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Cities With Nursing Programs in Louisiana
List of Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Alexandria, LA
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- No entrance exam required
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate
- Careers in Med-Surg, Critical Care, ER
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) accredited
- 10-Month program
- 99% job placement rate
- Scholarships available
- 100% online format
- Low student-faculty ratio
- Career paths: Unit Leader, Supervisor, Manager
- Focus on leadership and evidence-based practice
Baton Rouge, LA
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 16-Month program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
Southern University and A & M College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Scholarships available
- Largest producer of African American nurses in Louisiana
- Ranked Top 10% by U.S. News 2025
- Best Nursing School in US by Nurse.org 2024
- Third-largest producer of African American baccalaureate nurses
- MEN OF SUSON program for male nurses
Grambling, LA
Grambling State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- 160 service learning hours required
- BSN application packet for 2026
Hammond, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, BS
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 4 concentration options
- 120 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- First time NCLEX pass rates 97-100%
- State-of-the-art simulation opportunities
- Clinical facilities across Baton Rouge to Northshore
- RN to BSN path available 100% online
Lacombe, LA
Northshore Technical Community College
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN-RN)
Campus Based - Website
- LSBN, ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-09-11
- Starts spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Competitive limited enrollment program
Lafayette, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Curriculum includes nursing theory, clinical practice, leadership
- Clinical experience in multiple healthcare settings
- Prepares students for Louisiana RN licensure
- Advocate for health policy
- Become leaders in patient care delivery
- Opportunity to impact healthcare outcomes
Lake Charles, LA
McNeese State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 4-Year program
- 120 total credit hours
- 98% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Scholarships available
- High-fidelity simulation labs for hands-on practice
- Six-week preceptorship with nursing mentor
Monroe, LA
Louisiana Delta Community College
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 70 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-03-31
- 91% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Founded in 1960
- Simulation experiences augment learning
- Clinical placements in diverse facilities
- Above-average licensure exam scores
- Broad liberal arts foundation
- Preparation for varied healthcare environments
- Multiple undergraduate pathways
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Graduate ready for certification and job placement
- TEAS exam preparation available
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- State-of-the-art nursing labs
- Expert faculty mentors
- Career-ready graduates
- Prepares for critical care nursing
- School nurse opportunities
- Travel nurse opportunities
- Licensure-ready skills
- Leadership in diverse healthcare settings
New Orleans, LA
Delgado Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Track (AD-RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 5-Semester program
- Complete in 2.5 years
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Faculty advisor assigned as mentor
- Prepares for entry-level staff nurse roles
- Clinical sites in Greater New Orleans
Dillard University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Louisiana State Board of Nursing accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- ACEN accredited through 2025
- Six nursing laboratories and simulation labs
- Service learning and community service
- Dedicated nursing advisor support
- Oldest accredited baccalaureate nursing program in LA
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Six nursing laboratories
- Cutting-edge simulation lab
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- ACEN accredited through 2025
- Oldest HBCU nursing program
- Service learning component
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- Bachelor's - Career Alternative RN Education (CARE)
Campus Based - Website
- 2-Year program
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Prior bachelor's degree required
- Two-year accelerated BSN program
- Campuses in New Orleans and Shreveport
- Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Year program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Very competitive admission
- Limited class size
Southern University at New Orleans
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Clinical partnerships with 7 health systems
- Focus on underrepresented minority nurses
- Traditional pre-licensed BSN program
Tulane University of Louisiana
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in four consecutive semesters
- 60 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- $93,600 median earnings
- 720 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Interprofessional education with medical students
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in four consecutive semesters
- 60 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 720 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Interprofessional simulations with medical students
- Clinical rotations across New Orleans
University of Holy Cross
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Over 30 years educating student nurses
- Practicum in each clinical course
- Prepares for registered nurse career
- Christian perspective in nursing
- Pre-nursing curriculum freshman year
- Clinical sequence starts sophomore year
- Focus on junior/senior courses
Pineville, LA
Louisiana Christian University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 17-Month program
- 63 total credit hours
- 2.6 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Requires prior bachelor's degree
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, Louisiana State Board of Nursing accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 4-Year program
- 2.6 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
Schriever, LA
Fletcher Technical Community College
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two years
- 69 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-05-15
- 2 start dates per year
Shreveport, LA
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
- Bachelor's - Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) Program
Campus Based - Website
- 2-Year program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Two-year accelerated program
- Designed for second-degree students
- NCLEX-RN licensure preparation
- Face-to-face instruction on Shreveport campus
Southern University at Shreveport
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Two entry portals: generic and LPN-RN
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Concentration: Accelerated LPN-RN Tract - Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Associate of Science degree
- Two entry tracts available
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Concentration: Generic Tract - Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Two entry paths: generic and LPN-RN
- Prepares nurse generalist for beginning practice
- Liberal arts and sciences foundation
- Student-faculty interaction emphasized
Thibodaux, LA
Nicholls State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- S.E.A.T. early acceptance track
- LPN-BSN articulation available
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