Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana: Here is a guide on how to enroll in the best nursing schools in the US and the best nursing programs in the US if you want to study in Louisiana.

Louisiana is home to much excellent public and private schools with internationally recognized nursing programs. To enroll in any of them, you have to make a choice of the best.

After earning your BSN from a Louisiana school, you proceed to take and pass the NCLEX and get your license.

Here, you will find the list of the best nursing schools and programs in the US that are resident in Louisiana in this guide; also, tips on how to become a nurse in Louisiana, USA.

Ready?

Let’s get the ball rolling!!!

What Is The Job Outlook For Nurses In Louisiana?

Louisiana is one of the highest employers of nurses in the USA. The state employs 22.53 nurses for every 1,000 employees: a figure higher than the national average.

Although Louisiana may not be among the highest-paying states for nurses, there are plenty of nursing positions available for those who want to practice as nurses in the state.

What Requirements Do I Need To Apply To Nursing Schools In Louisiana?

Here are the requirements you need to apply to nursing schools in Kentucky;

ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation
High school transcript (GPA).

List Of Important Factors To Consider When Choosing From The Nursing Schools In Louisiana

Here is a checklist of essential factors to consider when choosing a nursing school in Louisiana;

NCLEX pass rate
Program outcomes
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
Type of program (BSN or associate degree)
Distance from hospitals for clinical practice
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Annual tuition and total nursing program cost
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
School accreditation (regional and national).

ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Kansas 2023 | A Detailed Guide

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana

You no longer have to search for the best colleges for nurses in Louisiana, the list below brings you the best nursing programs in Louisiana and the schools that offer them.

1. Southern University and A&M College

NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.58%
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $9,242 (All Nursing Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Southern University and A&M College is a public school best known for its incredible transfer programs. By enrolling in its nursing program via this transfer, students join the bridge program.

However, there is an option for the traditional BSN which is the main undergraduate nursing option that takes 4 years to complete. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

Southern University and A&M College admission into the traditional BSN program is not as competitive and the good news the nursing program is affordable.

APPLY TO SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY A&M COLLEGE OF NURSING PROGRAM

2. Southeastern Louisiana University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.12%
Location: Hammond, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $8,656 (In-state Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

Southeastern Louisiana University is one of the largest universities in Louisiana with a student population of 15,000 and a class size of 20:1.

At Southeastern Louisiana University, students gain hands-on experience in the act of being a nurse which accounts for the success of its BSN graduates.

Some of the nursing programs include a traditional BSN, online RN-BSN, MSN, post-MSN, DNP, and BSN-DNP. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

APPLY TO SLU COLLEGE OF NURSING PROGRAM

3. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

NCLEX Pass Rate: 99.14%
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $11,198 (In-state Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Since its inception over 100 years ago, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has set a pace for various academic programs which have international recognition.

The Department of Nursing at UL Lafayette also is one of the best nursing programs in the US offering various degrees to students.

Its main nursing program is the pre-licensure BSN which takes 4 years to complete.

Other nursing options include online RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, and continuing education credits for current nurses.

APPLY TO UL LAFAYETTE NURSING PROGRAM

4. McNeese State University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $8,400 (In-state Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

McNeese State University is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana. Its prominence is tied to its quality education and affiliation with various businesses and industries in Southwestern Louisiana.

Its nursing students can boost their quality clinical experience as the school region supports that experience.

For proof of the quality of McNeese’s nursing program, applicants should enroll in the school’s traditional BSN program.

APPLY TO MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM

5. University of Louisiana at Monroe

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.67%
Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $9,254 (All Nursing Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public school that attracts students from within and outside Monroe due to its Ilin-state tuition.

Its school of nursing is referred to as the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

ULM Kitty DeGree School of Nursing has been offering a BSN degree for over 55 years. This solidifies its ability to offer you the best education.

Other nursing programs include the online RN-BSN for current RNs.

APPLY TO ULM KITTY DEGREE SCHOOL OF NURSING PROGRAM

6. Louisiana State University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.86%
Location: New Orleans Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $11,962 (In-state Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

LSU School of Nursing is best known for its high-quality education and sports. Over the years, the school has taken spots as one of the top universities in the US.

LSU School of Nursing graduates 223 BSN each year and this is the largest number in Louisiana. Out of the 223 students of 2020, 216 passed the NCLEX on the first sitting. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

Other nursing programs at LSU School of Nursing include MSN, DNP, and a unique doctor of nursing science.

APPLY TO LSU SCHOOL OF NURSING PROGRAM

7. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.10%
Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $5,180 (In-state Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (No), Online (Yes), Accelerated (Yes), and Bridge (Yes)

Northwestern State University of Louisiana school of nursing is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana and the US at large. Its credibility has earned it a stance for over 130 years.

Its nursing program is largely recognized as it prepares nurses for a career upon graduation. Also, many of her students graduate to continue their education and earn an MSN or DNP.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree can enroll in the Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s accelerated summer program.

APPLY TO NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA NURSING PROGRAM

8. Nicholls State University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.09%%
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuition Per Year: $5,766.32 (In-state Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (Yes), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (Yes)

Nicholls State University College of Nursing is excelling and progressing with each passing year. The College of Nursing has various nursing program options such as a BSN, MSN, and DNP.

However, the BSN is in categories that spread across traditional pre-licensure programs, an RN-BSN, and an LPN-BSN. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

APPLY TO NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY NURSING PROGRAM

9. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.83%
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Tuition Per Year: $16,944 (based off per-credit tuition rate)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a small catholic school that offers just professions in health sciences only. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

Its School of Nursing is largely recognized and students complete their clinical work at the state-of-the-art facility in the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.

Its nursing program includes the traditional BSN and an online RN-BSN.

APPLY TO FRANU SCHOOL OF NURSING PROGRAM

10. University of Holy Cross

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.35%
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana.
Tuition Per Year: $14,180 (All Nursing Students)
Mode of Nursing Program Offered: Traditional (Yes), Online (No), Accelerated (No), and Bridge (No)

The New Orleans University of Holy Cross is perfect for nursing students due to its setting in Louisiana’s largest city.

Its nursing program is one of the best nursing programs in the US as well as in Louisiana. However, the only nursing option offered by the University of Holy Cross is a four-year BSN.

Besides having a good academic record, the University of Holy Cross has a 100% NCLEX pass rate, and a 100% job placement rate for all graduates. This is one of the best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA.

APPLY TO UHC COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM

ALSO READ: Best Nursing Schools in Kentucky 2023 | A Detailed Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Nursing Schools In Louisiana

How Much Are Nurses Paid In Louisiana?

BLS states that Louisiana nurses earn an annual mean wage of $63,970 which is quite lower than the national mean wage of $75,510.

Which Area Employs And Pays Nurses More In Louisiana?

The New Orleans-Metairie area employs 27.71 nurses per 1,000 workers, much higher than the national average of roughly 20 nurses and higher than Louisiana’s average employment of nurses.

Also, nurses in the New Orleans-Metairie area earn a mean annual wage of $66,730.

How Do I Get a License To Practice Nursing in Louisiana?

After completing your BSN, the next step is to get your license.

Louisiana is part of the eNLC and as such, it is easier to get your nursing license.

To get your nursing license in Louisiana, here are the steps to take;
– Study at an accredited school
– Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
– Pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprints
– Apply through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

What Are The Official Accreditation Bodies Of Nursing Schools In Louisiana?

The two official nursing school accreditation organizations in Louisiana are;

– Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Note, if you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing a job as a nurse after graduation.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top 10 best nursing schools in Louisiana, USA. It’s now up to you to make good use of this information and choose from the best nursing schools in the US.

Also, remember to ask questions in the comments below and also use the search box to find related info on the best nursing programs in the US, and also on how to become a nurse in Louisiana, USA.

References

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