Online LPN Programs Louisiana
Qualified licensed practical nurses are needed across the state of Louisiana. According to a report from the Louisiana Center for Nursing, the state will experience a shortage of LPNs through 2020 in a number of locations including Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Research found that the most difficult LPN positions to fill were in psych hospitals, long term care/skilled nursing facilities, and home health; however, a number of vacancies are expected in almost every nursing area. With this shortage comes opportunity for those interested in launching a career as an LPN. If you're thinking about exploring this field further, this guide will walk you through state licensing requirements, take a look at Louisiana's LPN salary and employment landscape, and provide a search tool to help those who are ready to start browsing LPN programs in Louisiana find the best match.
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Steps for Licensure in Louisiana
Licensing of LPNs in Louisiana is overseen by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. This section offers information on the state's requirements for initial licensure and renewal.
Basic Eligibility
- Be of good moral character
- Provide proof of graduation from a state-approved practical nursing program
- Successfully submit the application form and pay a $100 initial license fee
- Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses
Mandatory Training and Education
Louisiana requires all LPNs practicing within its borders to have graduated from an approved LPN diploma or degree program that includes both classroom education and supervised clinical experience in patient care. Such programs tend to last about one year and coursework will include subjects such as nursing fundamentals, basic pharmacology, basic nutrition, physiology, and medical/surgical nursing. Students should confirm that any LPN programs under consideration are fully accredited by the state and that graduation from the program qualifies them to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination. The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners provides a current list of approved PN programs in the state.
Additional Requirements and Fees
- Write the first scheduled examination following program completion
- Complete a refresher course, if a passing grade on the examination is not attained within the first four years of program completion
- An applicant from another state who is already licensed can obtain an LPN Louisiana license if: 1) the current LPN license is current 2) he or she meets the other requirements for licensure in Louisiana; and 3) he or she completes all necessary forms for application and pays the specified fee.
- A temporary permit to practice as an LPN may be issued to a graduate of a practical nursing program in Louisiana if: 1) the individual's application for licensure by examination has been completed and submitted, along with payment of the appropriate fees, and the application is approved by the board; and, 2) the applicant's transcript is submitted by his or her school, and the transcript is approved by the board. Any temporary permit issued will expire eight weeks from issuance, the date of full licensure, or on the date of receipt of notice of failure of the LPN exam, whichever comes first.
Louisiana Renewal Process
All Louisiana LPN licenses expire on January 31 of each year and must be renewed annually on or before that date. Renewal requires timely submission of an application and payment of the $50 renewal fee. There are no Continuing Education requirements for LPN license renewal in Louisiana, although some employers may require CEs as a condition of continued employment.
Failure to renew one's LPN license will result in assessment of a late fee to be paid along with the normal renewal fee. Licenses that are delinquent for one or more years will be subject to payment of all fees for the years of delinquency.
LPN Employment Outlook in LA
Salary amounts do not offer an accurate indication of job concentration for LPNs in Louisiana, and while strong job growth is forecast for nurses in the state for the next several years, that does not mean that growth will be distributed evenly throughout its regions. The following data provide a closer look at where LPN job growth is expected to be the strongest, and also offers more detailed insight into the field.
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | 4,280 |
| New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner | 3,570 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | 2,430 |
| New Iberia non-metropolitan area | 1,980 |
| Lafayette | 1,610 |
| Natchitoches non-metropolitan area | 1,460 |
| Winnsboro non-metropolitan area | 1,440 |
| Monroe | 1,130 |
| Alexandria | 1,080 |
| Lake Charles | 1,040 |
Top LPN Programs in Louisiana
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 LPN Programs in Louisiana
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Alexandria, LA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#2 LPN Programs in Louisiana
Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Minden, LA - 2 years
- 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
#3 LPN Programs in Louisiana
Northshore Technical Community College
Lacombe, LA - 2 years
- 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
#4 LPN Programs in Louisiana
Sowela Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
#5 LPN Programs in Louisiana
Fletcher Technical Community College
Schriever, LA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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