Becoming an LPN 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 12% growth expected through the year 2026. LPNs in Louisiana earn an average hourly wage of $18.31, which equates to an annual salary of $38,070. To become an LPN, you’ll need to first select a school that offers an accredited LPN program.

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 $27,900. 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 31^st 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 eNLC

Louisiana is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the new Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) rules do not apply here.

LPNs from other 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.

For more information on Louisiana licensure by endorsement, visit http://www.lsbpne.com/what_is_endorsement.phtml

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.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Louisiana LPN to RN/BSN programs page.