Louisiana’s statewide first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 77.3% in 2025 masks a wider spread between programs, with top programs outpacing the state average by a wide margin and others trailing it. For aspiring LPNs, that gap matters more than a school’s marketing, because the exam is the single gate to licensure.
This ranking orders Louisiana LPN programs primarily by first-time NCLEX-PN performance, using accreditation status and completion rates as tiebreakers. Practical considerations like program cost, 12-month timelines, and hybrid delivery pull students in different directions, as do admissions competitiveness and compact license portability. A program that looks affordable on the front end can prove costly if its graduates struggle to pass the board exam.
Best LPN Programs in Louisiana by NCLEX-PN Performance
Louisiana's practical nursing programs post some of the strongest licensure results in the country, and every school here reports an NCLEX-PN pass rate of roughly 90% or better. They range from private career colleges to community college systems serving Acadiana, the bayou region and the northwest parishes. What separates them for students is usually fit: how many clinical hours you actually get, whether you can keep working while you study, and what the program costs after financial aid.
How we ranked these
- Institutional graduation and completion rates
- NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates
- Accreditation and state board approval
- Net price and total program cost
- Graduate earnings, weighted lightly
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering retention rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Compass Career College
Compass Career College is a private school in Hammond built around a 1,692-hour practical nursing program that includes 856 supervised clinical hours in local healthcare settings. Coursework runs from anatomy and pharmacology through three levels of medical-surgical nursing, plus maternal-infant, pediatric and mental health rotations. A hybrid schedule lets students keep working while they train, and the most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 100% across 12 candidates.
- Accredited by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
- 1,692 clock hours of training
- 856 supervised clinical hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Embedded Nurse Aide Training credential
- Entrance exam required for admission
- M.J. Foster Promise Program eligible
- TOPS Tech Award open to Louisiana residents
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles offers a campus-based practical nursing credential through one of the state's more affordable public options, with an average net price around $7,500. Its most recent NCLEX-PN cohort of 57 candidates passed at a 100% rate. The institution's overall graduation rate is about 43%.
- 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate across 57 candidates
- Average net price around $7,525
- Certificate or diploma credential
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Infinity College
Infinity College is a small private institution in Lafayette whose practical nursing program runs 16 months across four terms. Day classes meet Monday through Thursday with an evening option, and students move through simulation labs and clinical placements at hospitals, clinics and community health centers. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 95% across 20 candidates, and the college reports an overall graduation rate near 85%.
- 16-month program delivered over four terms and 500 days
- Day classes Monday through Thursday
- Evening class option for working students
- Cohort-based structure with faculty mentorship
- Immersive simulation labs
- Clinical placements at hospitals, clinics and community sites
- Entrance exam required for admission
- Financial aid available
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Delta College Inc
Delta College is a private Louisiana school that reports graduating more LPNs than any other institution in the state. Its practical nursing program follows Louisiana board guidelines and combines classroom work with clinical practice; day students finish in about 16 months, while night students take closer to two years. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 95.7% across 23 candidates.
- $33,000 total program tuition, books and supplies included
- Day track finishes in about 16 months
- Night track takes closer to 24 months
- Follows Louisiana board curriculum guidelines
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation built into the curriculum
- Campuses in Covington, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Slidell
- Reported to graduate more LPNs than any other Louisiana school
- Open to all qualified applicants
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Louisiana Delta Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College spreads its practical nursing diploma across northeast and central Louisiana, with approved cohorts in places like West Monroe, Ruston, Lake Providence and Tallulah. A paid apprenticeship at the Bastrop campus lets students earn while they complete clinical hours, and the curriculum includes a course on Louisiana practical nursing law. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 94.5% across 55 candidates; the institution's overall graduation rate is about 30%.
- Entrance exam required (ACT)
- Summer and fall start terms
- Limited enrollment, competitive admission
- Clinicals at partner hospitals and nursing homes
- Paid LPN apprenticeship option at the Bastrop campus
- Coursework covers Louisiana practical nursing law and board rules
- Offered at multiple Louisiana campuses
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College in Schriever offers an ACEN-accredited, Louisiana board-approved practical nursing diploma that runs four semesters and 62 credit hours. Students complete clinical rotations in area hospitals and nursing homes and take part in service learning tied to regional healthcare needs. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 94.4% across 18 candidates, and the institution's overall graduation rate is about 30%.
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Louisiana board
- Four-semester program, 62 credit hours
- Cohort-based structure with one fall start per year
- Entrance exam required (ACT)
- In-person admissions interview required
- Clinical rotations in hospitals and nursing homes
- Service learning tied to regional healthcare needs
- Louisiana State Police background check required
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College runs its 18-month practical nursing program across a wide network of campuses, from Alexandria and Natchitoches to Ferriday, Winnfield, Jena, Leesville and Cottonport. Students can exit with a nursing assistant certificate, a practical nursing diploma or an associate degree, and graduates tend to carry unusually low debt. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 90.4% across 104 candidates, the largest group here, and the institution's overall graduation rate is about 70%.
- $12,475 total program tuition
- Roughly $2,495 per semester
- 18-month program
- Average graduate debt around $8,580
- Nursing assistant, practical nursing diploma and AAS exit points
- Offered at multiple central Louisiana campuses
- Supervised clinical training
- Same tuition rate for residents and non-residents
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Northshore Technical Community College
Northshore Technical Community College offers practical nursing at five campuses north of Lake Pontchartrain, including a traditional 18-month track that requires no prerequisites and an accelerated 12-month route for certified clinical medical assistants. Admission is selective and ranked using Accuplacer and TEAS scores. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 92.4% across 132 candidates, and the institution's overall graduation rate is about 40%.
- Traditional 18-month track with no prerequisites
- Accelerated 12-month CCMA to PN pathway
- TEAS entrance exam taken in person on campus
- Selective admission ranked using test scores
- Practical nursing offered at five campuses
- Accuplacer testing available at all campuses
- NCLEX-PN pass rates exceed national averages
- Mandatory orientation for accepted students
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
South Louisiana Community College
South Louisiana Community College delivers practical nursing at seven campuses across Acadiana, with its Lafayette and Opelousas sites drawing the largest cohorts. Fall and spring starts, night and weekend options in Lafayette, and an LPN-to-RN bridge give working students room to keep earning while they train. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 92.9% across 112 candidates, and the institution's overall graduation rate is about 30%.
- Four-semester program with fall and spring starts
- Night and weekend cohorts at the Lafayette campus
- Practical nursing offered at seven Acadiana campuses
- Clinicals at accredited hospitals and healthcare agencies
- Cohort-based structure
- Reported average LPN salary of $54,610 in Louisiana
- LPN to RN bridge pathway for graduates
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier Parish Community College offers a five-semester practical nursing program in Bossier City and Natchitoches, with clinical training that spans hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics. Admission requires an ACT score, recent science prerequisites, a background check, drug screening and immunizations before students reach clinical placement. The most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate was 93.3% across 60 candidates; the institution's overall graduation rate is about 15%.
- Five-semester program starting each fall
- Approved by SACSCOC and the Louisiana board
- ACT entrance exam and prerequisite courses required
- Science prerequisites must be recent, within three years
- Clinical training in hospitals, long-term care and clinics
- Background check, drug screening and immunizations required
- Health insurance required for clinical rotations
- Essential technical standards apply for admission
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Louisiana
Cost is a major factor for aspiring LPNs weighing their options. The five programs below are sorted by estimated net price, which reflects an institution-level average after financial aid and is drawn from U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard, 2024). Keep in mind that this figure is not a guaranteed quote for every LPN student. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your individual aid package, enrollment status, and other factors. Louisiana students should explore federal Pell Grants as well as TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students), the state's merit-based aid program, to help reduce expenses further.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity College | Lafayette | Contact school | $230 | On campus |
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College | Alexandria | $4,099 | $5,702 | On campus |
| Louisiana State University, Shreveport | Shreveport | $7,518 | $7,022 | On campus |
| Louisiana Delta Community College | Monroe | $4,159 | $7,702 | On campus |
| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College | Minden | $4,109 | $9,256 | On campus |
Fastest LPN Programs in Louisiana
A 12-month timeline is the fastest documented route to LPN licensure in Louisiana, and only a handful of programs actually deliver on that promise, as tracked in the Fastest LPN/LVN Programs of 2026.
What Makes a Program Fast-Track
Most Louisiana practical nursing programs run 12 to 18 months, but the difference between the quick end and the slow end comes down to scheduling. True fast-track programs condense theory and clinical hours into back-to-back semesters with minimal breaks, sometimes adding summer enrollment so students never lose momentum between terms. Some also run evening or weekend cohorts to accommodate working adults, though that model is less common among the state's quickest options.
The Clearest 12-Month Options
Louisiana State University-Shreveport's Practical Nursing Certificate is the most clearly documented 12-month program in the state, covering 1,540 total clock hours (730 theory, 810 clinical) on a weekday daytime schedule. LSUS runs two cohorts a year, starting in January and August, and no longer offers an evening track. SOWELA Technical Community College's PN program is also generally completed in about 12 months, making it one of the few LCTCS colleges with a confirmed accelerated timeline.
What's Actually Slower Than Advertised
Not every program marketed as fast actually is. CLTCC's LPN track spans five semesters and about 18 months. Delgado Charity School of Nursing's program, featured in the Best LPN Programs in New Orleans 2026, runs closer to 16 months despite some older listings citing 12. Confirm current duration directly with the school before assuming a 12-month finish.
The Trade-off
Compressing a full LPN curriculum into a year means heavier course loads each term, less room for part-time work, and little flexibility if you fall behind. Fast is not automatically easier.
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How to Get Into an LPN Program in Louisiana
Louisiana LPN programs range from competitive-entry to selective, so understanding what each school expects before you apply saves time and stress. Here is what most programs require and where the bar sits highest.
- Complete prerequisite courseworkMost Louisiana LPN programs expect college-level math, English, and science before you apply. At Delgado Community College, for example, you need BIOL 161/163 (Anatomy & Physiology), HESC 109 (Medical Terminology), and a non-developmental math course such as MATH 120 or MATH 130, all completed within three years. English 101 and college-level reading are also required. Other programs may substitute or add courses, so check each school's bulletin early and plan at least one semester of prerequisite work.
- Meet GPA minimumsDelgado requires a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.0 to apply, but its Practical Nursing program ranks applicants and targets a science-course GPA around 3.0, making it functionally more competitive than the floor suggests. Minimum GPA thresholds at SUSLA and other LCTCS schools are not always published in detail, so contact the nursing department directly for the most current cutoffs.
- Take the required entrance examEach program chooses its own admissions test. Delgado uses the Kaplan Pre-Nursing Admissions Exam, which must be taken at Delgado's testing center and is valid for three years; you cannot retake it for 140 days. SUSLA accepts a Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners–approved test such as the ACCUPLACER, TABE, ACT, ASSET, or COMPASS, each with its own minimum score. For instance, SUSLA's ACCUPLACER Next-Gen QAS minimum is 250. Neither school lists the TEAS or HESI as its primary admissions exam, so verify the specific test your target program requires before you start studying.
- Understand selectivity differencesIf you are searching for the easiest LPN programs to get into, know that no major Louisiana program currently advertises fully open admissions for its practical nursing track. Delgado is explicitly competitive, ranking applicants by Kaplan score and prerequisite GPA. SUSLA is also selective, requiring designated minimum scores on an approved entrance exam plus a separate nursing entrance exam. Admission details for Baton Rouge Community College and Bossier Parish Community College's initial LPN tracks are less publicly documented; contact those schools directly for current acceptance criteria and whether a waitlist is in effect.
- Clear background checks and health requirementsAcross LCTCS nursing programs you can expect a criminal background check authorized through the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, a current CPR certification, a completed health form, proof of immunizations (typically measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, varicella, hepatitis B, and a TB screening), and a negative drug and alcohol screening before clinical placement. Some clinical sites add their own requirements, so build extra lead time for these clearances.
- Gather supporting documentsHave your high school diploma or GED transcript, a government-issued birth certificate or passport, and any prior college transcripts ready. SUSLA, for example, specifically requires a birth certificate or passport along with the nursing application packet. Delgado also requires proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, since Louisiana licensure mandates legal status at the time of completion.
Hybrid and Online LPN Options in Louisiana
Prospective students often ask whether they can complete LPN classes online in Louisiana. The answer comes with a significant caveat: no fully online LPN program exists in the state. The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners requires all clinical and laboratory hours to be completed in person, so every approved program includes a substantial on-campus component.
What Hybrid Delivery Looks Like
A handful of Louisiana colleges have adopted Hybrid LPN Programs that move didactic coursework, such as pharmacology and nursing theory, into an online learning management system while keeping labs and clinical rotations face to face. Delgado Community College and Fletcher Technical Community College are among the LCTCS schools reported to offer this blended model. Bossier Parish Community College may also provide a hybrid option, though students should confirm directly with the school's nursing department before applying.
Because the board does not publish delivery-mode details on its approved program list, exact percentages of online versus in-person instruction vary by school and are not standardized across the system.
Post-COVID Format Shifts
Several LCTCS institutions accelerated their adoption of online lecture delivery during the pandemic. Some of those changes have remained in place, giving students more scheduling flexibility for the classroom portion of the curriculum. Clinical placements, however, still require full attendance at partnering hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health sites.
If a hybrid schedule appeals to you, contact the admissions office of each program directly. Ask which specific courses are offered online, how clinical sites are assigned, and whether the hybrid track follows the same timeline as the traditional on-campus cohort.
LPN Licensure Steps in Louisiana
Louisiana's licensure process is managed by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. The state is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member, so once you hold an active Louisiana LPN license and meet compact requirements, you can practice in other NLC states without obtaining a separate license. Here is the step-by-step path from program completion to active practice.
Common Questions About LPN Training in Louisiana
Prospective LPN students in Louisiana often have overlapping questions about timelines, entrance exams, and licensure portability. The answers below reflect 2026 program requirements approved by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) and current state compact law.
How long does it take to finish an LPN program in Louisiana?
Full-time LPN programs approved by the LSBPNE typically run 12 to 16 months, though some, such as the 18-month tracks at Central Louisiana Technical Community College and Southern University at Shreveport, extend slightly longer. Part-time, evening, or weekend schedules generally stretch the timeline to 20 to 24 months. Once you factor in the NCLEX-PN application, background check, and license processing (roughly four to six weeks), the total path from enrollment to active license usually falls between 12 and 24 months.
What score do you need on the TEAS to get into a Louisiana LPN program?
Louisiana does not set a single statewide TEAS cutoff. The LSBPNE requires each program to use an approved admissions exam, but individual schools choose their own instrument and minimum scores. Some programs accept the TEAS while others use the HESI, ACT, TABE, or ACCUPLACER. Minimum sub-scores in math, reading, and language vary by school and must be from a test taken within the last three years. Always check the specific program's catalog for its current requirements and consult How to Prepare for Your LPN/LVN Program Entrance Exam before testing.
Can you work while enrolled in an LPN program in Louisiana?
Yes. Many Louisiana LPN programs offer part-time, evening, or weekend schedules specifically designed for working adults. The LSBPNE does not prohibit employment during training. That said, full-time day programs demand roughly 30 to 40 hours per week of classroom and clinical time, which can make holding a traditional job difficult. Individual programs may also enforce clinical attendance policies that limit scheduling flexibility, so review each school's handbook before committing.
What is the difference between an LPN certificate and an associate degree in nursing in Louisiana?
An LPN program, overseen by the LSBPNE, awards a Technical Diploma or Certificate of Technical Studies and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN. It typically takes 12 to 16 months full time. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), is a roughly two-year academic degree that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. RNs hold a broader scope of practice, including nursing diagnosis, care planning, and supervision of LPNs. LPN certificates generally do not transfer directly into a bachelor's program, while an ADN can articulate into an RN-to-BSN pathway; Louisiana LPNs planning to continue their education can explore Louisiana LPN to RN/BSN Programs.
Does Louisiana have a nurse licensure compact, and can LPNs practice in other states?
Yes. Louisiana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, and LPNs with a multistate license have had compact privileges since July 1, 2019. If Louisiana is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license issued by the LSBPNE, you may practice in any other NLC member state under LPN/LVN Reciprocity without obtaining an additional license. To maintain your Louisiana license, you must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years (or document 900 practice hours in that same period).
LPN Salary and Job Outlook Across Louisiana
Louisiana employs roughly 17,600 licensed practical nurses statewide, making it one of the more LPN-dense states in the country with a location quotient well above the national average. The statewide median annual wage for LPNs sits at approximately $57,470, which trails the most recent national median of about $64,400 but reflects Louisiana's generally lower cost of living. Note that wages vary by metro area; however, published federal data for individual Louisiana metros such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport is limited in the latest release cycle. The figures below are Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wages for licensed LPNs, not program-completer earnings reported by schools.
| Area | Occupation | Employment | 25th Percentile Wage | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile Wage | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana (statewide) | Licensed Practical Nurses | 17,600 | $49,650 | $57,470 | $61,220 | $56,590 |
| Louisiana (statewide) | Registered Nurses (for comparison) | 48,970 | $69,040 | $80,230 | $93,600 | $84,190 |
| National | Licensed Practical Nurses | 648,410 | N/A | ~$64,400 | N/A | N/A |
