Best 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 9% growth expected through the year 2029. 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.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Louisiana? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Louisiana are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 43 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Louisiana click here.
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 at around $29,000. 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.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Louisiana LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
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 them 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.
Top Ranked Louisiana LPN Programs
Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College, located in Chalmette, is home to a practical nursing technical diploma program designed to introduce students to the world of entry-level nursing. This limited-enrollment program is taught by caring and experienced nursing faculty focused on teaching students the essentials of patient care. Grads go on to find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more.
Louisiana Delta Community College - Ruston
Louisiana Delta Community College's Ruston campus offers students a practical nursing program that culminates in a technical diploma. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory practicum, and supervised clinical experiences to give students a well-rounded nursing foundation. Admission is granted in the Spring semester.
Sowela Technical Community College - Jennings
The practical nursing program at the Jennings campus of Sowela Technical Community College admits a new cohort of students each Fall semester. Those enrolled in the program learn concepts in holistic nursing, problem-solving, and more through both classroom instruction and clinical experiences. The diploma program consists of 1,515 total clock hours.
Delgado Community College
Covington's Delgado Community College provides a practical nursing program where clinical experiences make up more than 50 percent of the curriculum. Enrolled students learn the proper medical terminology, legal standards, patient observation skills, and other nursing fundamentals to provide competent care to individuals across the lifespan.
South Louisiana Community College - Lafayette
South Louisiana Community College's Lafayette campus offers a technical diploma in practical nursing program with start dates in the Fall and Spring. This 60 total-credit program is based around a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses such as Advanced Pharmacology, Care of Medical Surgical Disorders, and much more.
Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Minden
Students enrolled in Minden's Northwest Louisiana Technical College practical nursing program learn the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for nursing roles. Over the course of 56 credits, students learn concepts in obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric care, and more to assist patients with varying illnesses and injuries. Coursework is delivered via classroom learning, labs, and clinical rotations.
Delta College - Baton Rouge
The Baton Rouge campus of Delta College is home to a practical nursing program with several scheduling options. Students can choose from the 16-month daytime program or the 24-month evening program. Both pathways teach students to promote good health practices and provide direct patient care.
Louisiana Delta Community College - Lake Providence
Louisiana Delta Community College's Lake Providence campus offers a practical nursing technical diploma program that admits students in Spring. With numerous medical centers as partners, LDCC's program gives students quality hands-on clinical experiences to enhance their didactic education.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Rod Brady
Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers an excellent practical nursing program at most of its campuses, including its Rod Brady campus in Alexandria. This program can be completed in 5 semesters of full-time study (roughly 28 months), and students can choose from the AAS degree or technical diploma options.
Sowela Technical Community College - Lake Charles
Like several of its other campuses, Sowela Technical Community College's Lake Charles campus provides career-minded students with a practical nursing program that is offered in both Fall and Spring. Enrolled students learn the basics of nursing to provide safe and effective care to patients in a variety of medical facilities.
Northshore Technical Community College - Hammond Area
Those looking for entry-level healthcare careers may wish to enroll in Northshore Technical Community College's Hammond Area practical nursing program. This technical diploma program consists of 51 credits and includes coursework such as IV Therapy, Medical Terminology, and more.
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge Community College's practical nursing technical diploma program prepares students for nursing careers in numerous medical settings. This 59 credit-hour program can be completed in 4 semesters, and a new class is admitted every Fall semester. Program grads are well equipped to take the NCLEX-PN exam and find employment in the healthcare field.
South Louisiana Community College - Ville Platte
The Ville Platte campus of South Louisiana Community College offers a practical nursing program that teaches students the fundamentals of nursing care. Enrolled students complete 60 total credits of nursing coursework, with both Fall and Spring start dates available.
Infinity College - Lafayette
Located in Lafayette, Infinity College offers several pathways to a rewarding career in practical nursing. Interested students can enroll in the 15-month daytime practical nursing program option, or the 77-week evening practical nursing option. Both programs consist of 1,692 clock hours.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers an exceptional practical nursing program at several of its campuses, including its Alexandria main campus. The 5-semester program prepares students for licensure and beyond with a curriculum that includes coursework in medical-surgical nursing, nutrition, and more.
Delta College - Covington
Delta College believes that practical nursing is both an art and a science with purposes to promote health, restore health, prevent illness, and alleviate suffering. The LPN program is geared to prepare students to take and pass the NCLEX-PN while providing students with both the technical skills and knowledge needed to become caring and competent practical nurses.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Huey P. Long
The practical nursing program at Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Huey P. Long, offers a few routes for completion. Students who pursue the highest credential for this program (Technical Diploma) have the opportunity to finish each semester with a competency certificate. Those who graduate from this program are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination followed by work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, private homes, and physician's offices .
Louisiana Delta Community College - Winnsboro
The Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing at Louisiana Delta Community College, Winnsboro, is designed to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-PN with confidence. The program has been designed to progress from simple to complex and consists of classroom instruction as well as lab practicums. Students also participate in supervised clinical practices in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies.
Compass Career College
At Compass Career College, practical nursing students are provided with the knowledge and skills needed to meet licensure requirements, as established by the LSBPNE. Students are trained to tend to the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients in their care.
Northshore Technical Community College - Florida Parishes
The mission of the Practical Nursing Program at Northshore Technical Community College, Florida Parishes campus, is to provide the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for successful licensure and practice as a practical nurse. Graduates are prepared to work in a diverse healthcare environment and to foster continued knowledge-seeking behaviors.
Continued List of All Programs in Louisiana
| Ranked | Program | Score |
|---|---|---|
| #21 |
Delgado Community College - Sidney Collier Campus
3727 Louisa St, New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 941-8500 | 84.99 |
| #22 |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter
15014 Lake Charles Highway, Leesville, LA 71446
(337) 537-3135 | 84.81 |
| #23 |
Delta College - Slidell
105 Gause Blvd. West, Slidell, LA 70460
(985) 643-7730 | 84.63 |
| #24 |
South Louisiana Community College - Gulf Area
1301 Clover St., Abbeville, LA 70510
(337) 893-4984 | 83.87 |
| #25 |
River Parishes Community College Gonzales
925 W Edenborne Pkwy, Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 743-8500 | 83.33 |
| #26 |
Fletcher Technical Community College
310 St Charles St, Houma, LA 70360
(985) 857-3655 | 80.81 |
| #27 |
Delta College - Lafayette
200 Republic Ave, Suite F, Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 988-5455 | 80.43 |
| #28 |
Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Mansfield
943 Oxford Rd., Mansfield, LA 71052
(318) 872-2243 | 78.93 |
| #29 |
Louisiana Delta Community College
P. O. Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
(225) 342-9500 | 77.66 |
| #30 |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Tallulah
132 Old Highway 65 South, Tallulah, LA 71284
(318) 574-4820 | 76.47 |
| #31 |
Louisiana Delta Community College - West Monroe
609 Vocational Parkway, West Monroe, LA 71292
(318) 397-6100 | 74.77 |
| #32 |
Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 670-6000 | 68.63 |
| #33 |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ward H. Nash Avoyelles
508 Choupique Street, Cottonport, LA 71327
(318) 876-2801 | 63.15 |
| #34 |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ferriday
2100 E.E. Wallace Blvd, Ferriday, LA 71334
(318) 757-6501 | 51.48 |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program |
|---|
|
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Oakdale
117 Highway 1152, Oakdale, LA 71463
(318) 335-3944 |
|
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 768-1700 |
|
River Parishes Community College
7384 John Leblanc Blvd, Sorrento, LA 70778
(225) 675-8270 |
|
River Parishes Community College Reserve Campus
181 Regala Park Rd, Reserve, LA 70084
(985) 536-4418 |
|
SOWELA Technical Community College - Oakdale
117 LA-1152, Oakdale, LA 7146
(318) 335-3944 |
|
South Central Louisiana Technical College - Reserve
181 Regala Park Road, Reserve, LA 70084
(985) 536-4418 |
|
South Louisiana Community College
1933 W. Hutchinson, Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 788-7521 |
|
South Louisiana Community College - Evangeline
600 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., St. Martinville, LA 70582
(337) 394-6466 |
|
South Louisiana Community College - Opelousas
332 East South Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 943-1518 |
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
LPN Salary in Louisiana
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 |