
LPN Programs in Louisiana
Those looking for a solid, rewarding career in the healthcare industry are turning to licensed practical nursing (LPN) jobs in Louisiana. Not only are LPN programs readily available at a variety of schools in the state, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a very favorable employment outlook for the industry, with an estimated 11% growth expected through the year 2028. To become an LPN, you’ll need to first select a school that offers an accredited LPN program. LPNs in Louisiana earn approximately $18.98 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $39,480. This is roughly $7,570 per year less than the national average.
Details on Louisiana LPN Schools & Classes
Luckily, LPN programs can be found at multiple schools throughout the state of Louisiana, from community colleges to technical schools. These programs take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete in full, depending on part-time or full-time attendance, making it easy for graduates to enter the nursing workforce sooner than if they had opted for a 4-year degree.
The LPN program curriculum consists of nursing courses and labs designed specifically for the practical nurse. Common courses required include:
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutritional Aspects
- Intravenous Therapy
- Obstetrics and Pediatric Nursing
- Medical Surgical Practical Nursing
Accreditation
Searching for a school with proper accreditations is an important first step. Accreditations ensure that the school and program are held to high academic standards and are worthy of your time and money. For example, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a national agency dedicated to excellence in nursing education. Local and regional accreditations may be available as well. Lastly, the Louisiana Board of Nursing can also help prospective students find an approved LPN program.
Admission Requirements
Narrowing down a school to earn your LPN education is the first step; the second step is ensuring that you meet all the school’s admissions requirements. While these requirements may fluctuate depending on school, they commonly include:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of GED completion
- Satisfactory completion of all prerequisite courses
- Satisfactory completion and scores for placement tests (Accuplacer/Compass or ACT)
- Written letter of intent/goals
- Successful completion of a criminal background check
Tuition and Costs
While exact tuition and expenses will vary from school to school, prospective students should be able to find a program in Louisiana that fits their budgetary needs. Tuition, mandatory fees, and course materials are the main expenses that will need to be covered when enrolled in an LPN program. For example, the total cost of the LPN program at Delta College in Slidell is estimated around $28,000. For those worried about paying for school, there are financial aid, student loans, and scholarships available for students who qualify; those interested can inquire with their school of choice’s financial aid or admissions department.
Louisiana LPN Licensing Requirements
To become and LPN in Louisiana, an individual must first complete a state-approved course of study. This program must meet the needs of the state and provide the student with all of the knowledge and hands-on study to be successful as an LPN. After sufficiently passing the required coursework, he or she must sit and pass the state required testing—the NCLEX-PN
In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:
- Official transcript from state-approved nursing program.
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence.
- Proof of registering for NCLEX-PN examination.
Louisiana LPN licenses expire January 31st each year and no continuing education hours are required.
NCLEX Exam Information
As stated previously, the NCLEX-PN is the exam that all LPNs must pass upon completing their nursing program. This exam covers many aspects of nursing, and consists of roughly 100 questions. For more information, check out our comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN exam here. Students are also encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test to help study for the official exam.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
Louisiana takes part in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses.
LPNs from non compact states can receive a Louisiana license by endorsement. Along with the endorsement application, the applicant must submit:
- Verification of license for another state equivalent to Louisiana.
- Proof that he or she has worked as an LPN for at least 6 months in the last 4 years.
- Official transcripts from a state-approved nursing program.
- Federal background check.
Foreign applicants must submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) after they have evaluated the official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review, as well as prove their English proficiency by taking the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam.
LPN Salary in Louisiana By Area
The table below lists career information retrieved from the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Louisiana. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
New Orleans, Metairie | 3,900 | $20.44 | $42,520 |
Baton Rouge | 3,600 | $18.49 | $38,460 |
Lafayette | 2,310 | $18.97 | $39,450 |
Shreveport, Bossier City | 2,260 | $18.98 | $39,480 |
Monroe | 1,040 | $18.18 | $37,810 |
Lake Charles | 830 | $18.83 | $39,180 |
Alexandria | 790 | $19.44 | $40,440 |
Houma, Thibodaux | 770 | $18.75 | $39,000 |
Hammond | 490 | $19.46 | $40,470 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Louisiana LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
LPN Programs in Louisiana
Program | Details |
---|---|
Baton Rouge Community College
3250 N. Acadian Thruway E., Baton Rouge, LA 70805
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
4311 S. MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, LA 71302
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ferriday
2100 E.E. Wallace Blvd, Ferriday, LA 71334
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Huey P. Long
5960 Hwy 167 North, Winnfield, LA 71483
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter
15014 Lake Charles Highway, Leesville, LA 71446
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Oakdale
117 Highway 1152, Oakdale, LA 71463
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Rod Brady Extension
4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302
| Visit Website |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ward H. Nash Avoyelles
508 Choupique Street, Cottonport, LA 71327
| Visit Website |
Compass Career College
42353 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, LA 70403
| Visit Website |
Delgado Community College
500 N Theard St, Covington, LA 70433
| Visit Website |
Delta College - Baton Rouge
7380 Exchange Place, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
| Visit Website |
Delta College - Covington
19231 N. 6th Street, Covington, LA 70433
| Visit Website |
Delta College - Lafayette
200 Republic Ave, Suite F, Lafayette, LA 70508
| Visit Website |
Delta College - Slidell
105 Gause Blvd. West, Slidell, LA 70460
| Visit Website |
Fletcher Technical Community College
310 St Charles St, Houma, LA 70360
| Visit Website |
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
| Visit Website |
Louisiana Delta Community College
P. O. Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
| Visit Website |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Margaret Surles Extension
156 Highway 833-1, Lake Providence, LA 71254
| Visit Website |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Ruston
1010 James Street, Ruston, LA 71273
| Visit Website |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Tallulah
132 Old Highway 65 South, Tallulah, LA 71284
| Visit Website |
Louisiana Delta Community College - West Monroe
609 Vocational Parkway, West Monroe, LA 71292
| Visit Website |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Winnsboro
1710 Warren Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295
| Visit Website |
Northshore Technical Community College - Florida Parishes
137 College, Greensburg, LA 70441
| Visit Website |
Northshore Technical Community College - Hammond Area
111 Pride Drive, Hammond, LA 70401
| Visit Website |
Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Mansfield
943 Oxford Rd., Mansfield, LA 71052
| Visit Website |
Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Minden
9500 Industrial Drive, Minden, LA 71055
| Visit Website |
Nunez Community College
3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA 70043
| Visit Website |
River Parishes Community College
7384 John Leblanc Blvd, Sorrento, LA 70778
| Visit Website |
Soewla Technical Community College - Jennings
1230 North Main Street, Jennings, LA 70546
| Visit Website |
South Central Louisiana Technical College - Reserve
181 Regala Park Road, Reserve, LA 70084
| Visit Website |
South Louisiana Community College
1933 W. Hutchinson, Crowley, LA 70526
| Visit Website |
South Louisiana Community College - Evangeline
600 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., St. Martinville, LA 70582
| Visit Website |
South Louisiana Community College - Gulf Area
1301 Clover St., Abbeville, LA 70510
| Visit Website |
South Louisiana Community College - Lafayette
1101 Bertrand Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506
| Visit Website |
South Louisiana Community College - Opelousas
332 East South Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
| Visit Website |
South Louisiana Community College - Ville Platte
1124 Vocational Dr.Ward 1, Industrial Park, Ville Platte, LA 70586
| Visit Website |
Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107
| Visit Website |
Sowela Technical Community College - Lake Charles
3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615
| Visit Website |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional LA Nursing Resources
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing
5207 Essen Lane, Suite 6
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
Phone: (225) 763-3570
- Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
131 Airline Drive, Suite 301
Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: (504) 838-5791
- Louisiana Nurses Association
543 Spanish Town Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 201-0993
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