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

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.

Salary and Career Outlook for LPNs in Louisiana

According to Projections Central, LPN jobs in Louisiana are projected to grow by 7.5% — from 19,230 to 20,670 — between 2022 and 2032.

As of May 2024, the BLS reports over 650,000 LPN jobs nationwide, with a median annual salary of $62,340. Louisiana's median salary for LPNs is lower at $53,930. Even the state's highest-paying metro area, New Orleans—Metairie, at $58,800, falls short of the national median. However, Louisiana does have the 15th lowest cost of living in the U.S.

Related Pages