LPN Programs in Louisiana
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Demand for qualified licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Louisiana continues to grow. The Louisiana Center for Nursing reports that the state faces an unmet demand for 1,860 LPNs. While Louisiana’s greatest LPN staffing challenges are in long-term care facilities and hospitals, there is a need in all practice settings.
Learn about the top-ranked LPN programs in Louisiana, how to apply, and the steps for state licensure.
Top LPN Programs in Louisiana
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Alexandria, LA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
With nursing programs at various academic levels, Central Louisiana Technical Community College provides learners with field-specific career preparation. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
Coursework in nursing programs covers theories and practical knowledge that participants need to succeed in the field. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level positions in nursing immediately after graduation. Graduates can also transfer to a bachelor's program to advance their education and qualify for higher-level positions in the field.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 4
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 53
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
- In-State$3,335
- Out-of-state$3,335
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,527
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Louisiana Technical College
- Minden, LA
- 2 year
- Campus
A public school in Louisiana Northwest Louisiana Technical College delivers associate degrees and certificates in nursing. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. In addition to pursuing employment, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.
Northwest Louisiana Technical College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 35
- In-State$2,081
- Out-of-state$2,081
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,108
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Northshore Technical Community College
- Lacombe, LA
- 2 year
- Campus
At Northshore Technical Community College, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus in Louisiana. The coursework required by an associate or certificate program helps students gain knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in nursing positions. Graduates often transfer their certificate or associate credits into a bachelor's program to qualify for more advanced roles.
By studying online, enrollees can eliminate the cost of commuting to Lacombe for in-person classes. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should research their chosen profession's education requirements.
Northshore Technical Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 9
Number of Certificate Programs: 44
- In-State$3,214
- Out-of-state$3,214
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,674
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Sowela Technical Community College
- Lake Charles, LA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
From its main campus in Louisiana, Sowela Technical Community College is a public school educating learners through associate and certificate programs. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. These programs also prepare certificate-holders to transfer into bachelor's programs for further education.
The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near Lake Charles. Students with personal and professional responsibilities often choose online programs because of their increased flexibility. Before enrolling, applicants should review their prospective program's requirements and graduate outcomes.
Sowela Technical Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 20
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 56
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
- In-State$3,335
- Out-of-state$6,762
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,058
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Fletcher Technical Community College
- Schriever, LA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public school in Louisiana, Fletcher Technical Community College delivers associate degrees and certificates in nursing. With technical, subject-specific classes, associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to succeed in entry-level roles. These programs also prepare certificate-holders to transfer into bachelor's programs for further education.
Enrollees not based near the Schriever campus can pursue the school's programs online. Asynchronous nursing programs often attract busy students and working professionals, who need the ability to schedule coursework around other responsibilities. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.
Fletcher Technical Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 12
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 34
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
- In-State$3,335
- Out-of-state$6,858
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPN jobs are projected to grow 5% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations.
LPN Program Curriculum in Louisiana
The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) lists approved programs for practical nurses (PNs). The end goal is to prepare students for licensure and to provide LPNs with clinical competency, skill, and knowledge to provide safe and effective patient care.
Approved LPN programs in Louisiana include classroom instruction, lab practicums, and supervised clinical rotations in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies.
The curriculum typically consists of a minimum of 700 theory and 800 clinical hours of instruction on the following topics:
- Principles and practices of nursing (including medical-surgical, pediatric, geriatric, obstetrical, and mental health)
- Anatomy and physiology
- Introduction to microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Family and community health
- Nutrition
- Career readiness
How to Apply to LPN Programs in Louisiana
Admission requirements vary by school but typically include common application materials. Before applying to an LPN program in Louisiana, research the school and review its website to ensure you meet the enrollment criteria.
- Admission Materials:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Any official college transcripts
- Application and application fee
- Proof of selective service status
- Original birth certificate
- Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Social Security card
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Physical exam/immunizations
- Passing ACCUPLACER, SAT, ACT, or other test scores
- GPA Requirement: Some schools require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Other Requirement: Schools may require you to attend new student orientation, submit a writing assignment, become CPR-certified, or provide negative test results for infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
Steps to Become an LPN in Louisiana
To become an LPN in Louisiana, you must first graduate from an accredited PN program. The next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and obtain licensure. Once you have an LPN license, you can search for gainful employment.
- 1
Complete an Accredited LPN Diploma Program
Louisiana requires all LPNs to graduate from an approved LPN diploma or degree program, including classroom education and clinical rotations, to get hands-on experience providing basic nursing care. Such programs tend to last about one year. Coursework includes nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, nutrition, physiology, and medical-surgical nursing.
Students should confirm that any LPN programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or approved by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Accreditation or state approval of LPN programs ensures graduates can sit for the NCLEX-PN examination.
- 2
Apply for an LPN License
To apply for licensure by exam, you must first create an account in the LSBPNE nurse portal and pay a $100 nonrefundable application fee. You must then have your official transcripts sent from your PN program to the Louisiana Board of Nursing.
A state and FBI criminal background check (CBC) is required for an LPN licensure. Applicants must:
- Print the form and fill it out.
- Obtain two fingerprint cards from your local police department. Some stations may require a fee for this service.
- Mail the application, fingerprint cards, and $39.25 CBC application fee to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. The payment must be a money order payable to Louisiana State Police.
Aspiring LPNs must register with Pearson VUE and submit a $200 nonrefundable examination fee to get an authorization to test (ATT) email for approval to take the NCLEX-PN.
- 3
Pass the NCLEX-PN
You must schedule your test date within 90 days of receiving your ATT email. Visit the Pearson VUE website to search for testing centers, rules, and requirements for the exam day.
Preparation is key. Start studying for the NCLEX-PN at least 2-6 months before the exam date. The best way to set yourself up for success is to take a combination study approach, including enrolling in a test prep course, reading an NCLEX-PN review book, and completing group study, tutoring, or self-study.
Once you pass the NCLEX-PN, you will receive your official results through the LSBPNE nurse portal message center, usually within 7-10 days of your test date. With a $7.95 fee, you can access your unofficial results via Pearson VUE Quick Results 48 hours after your exam.
Please note that LSBPNE no longer issues paper licenses.
- 4
Find Employment
Using agency recruiters, attending job fairs, or joining professional organizations are great resources for finding LPN career options. Searching job boards or professional nursing organization websites is also a great platform for exploring open roles.
The BLS reports that skilled nursing facilities have the highest percentage of LPNs, and consulting services pay the highest annual average salary of $72,720. LPNs can also work in hospices, home health agencies, nursing homes, physician offices, mental health facilities, and other healthcare sites.
Once you land a job, you must understand your scope of practice. LPNs perform duties such as:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Collecting specimen samples
- Transferring patients
- Administering medications
- Charting
- Overseeing CNAs
- 5
Renew Your LPN License Annually
All Louisiana LPN licenses expire on January 31 of each year and must be renewed annually between November 1 and January 31. Renewal requires timely submission of an application and payment of the $61.08 renewal fee. There are no continuing education (CE) requirements for LPN license renewal in Louisiana, although some employers may require CE as a condition of continued employment.
Failure to renew one’s LPN license by midnight on January 31 will result in your license automatically becoming “inactive-lapsed.” To renew an “inactive-lapsed” license, you must apply for reinstatement, which costs $162.88.
Salary and Career Outlook for LPNs in Louisiana
The BLS projects LPN jobs to grow 5% — around 54,400 job openings annually — between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is promising, considering the average growth for all occupations is 3% for the decade.
As reported by the BLS, there are 655,000 LPN jobs nationwide, with a median annual salary of $59,730. Louisiana lags at $50,000, a salary deficit of approximately $10,000 compared to the country. Even the state’s highest-paying region, New Orleans—Metairie, at $54,770, falls short of the national median. However, Louisiana does have the 13th lowest cost of living in the U.S.
| Location | Employment | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie | 3310 | $54,770 |
| Baton Rouge | 3040 | $52,390 |
| Lafayette | 2350 | $46,860 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | 1900 | $50,700 |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area | 1220 | $47,790 |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area | 1130 | $47,860 |
| Monroe | 1070 | $50,040 |
| Lake Charles | 1030 | $49,510 |
| All Louisiana | 17,900 | $50,000 |
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed July 8, 2024.
