2024 - 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 $22.80 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $47,430. This is roughly $8,430 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 48 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.
2024 LA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics
- Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 48
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 787
- 2022 Average Statewide Louisiana NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 82.5%
Top Ranked Louisiana LPN Programs
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.
SOWELA Technical Community College - Oakdale
SOWELA Technical Community College in Oakdale, a public gem nestled in Louisiana, proudly hosts a comprehensive practical nursing program. Despite its intimate campus, SOWELA offers a world of possibilities for hands-on learning and skill development, making it a prime destination for those pursuing a rewarding healthcare career.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College, a prominent public institution in Louisiana, is a hub for aspiring healthcare professionals. Its distinguished practical nursing program equips students with vital skills. With a welcoming campus and a commitment to excellence, Fletcher Tech offers a nurturing environment for skill-building and career advancement.
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.
Delta College - Lafayette
Delta College - Lafayette, a public educational cornerstone in Louisiana, shines with its esteemed practical nursing program. Situated in a vibrant location, it provides a supportive atmosphere for hands-on learning and growth. Despite its intimate size, Delta College fosters a dynamic environment for students to excel in healthcare careers.
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.
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 - 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.
Louisiana Delta Community College - West Monroe
Louisiana Delta Community College - West Monroe, a public institution, proudly features an exceptional practical nursing program. Nestled in a picturesque Louisiana locale, it offers personalized learning in a tight-knit community. Despite its intimate size, the college empowers students to thrive in healthcare through hands-on education and skill development.
River Parishes Community College Gonzales
River Parishes Community College in Gonzales, a public institution, stands as a beacon of educational opportunity. Nestled in a vibrant Louisiana community, it boasts a distinguished practical nursing program. Despite its intimate size, the college offers a nurturing environment for students to excel in healthcare, fostering hands-on expertise and professional growth.
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.
Lacombe Campus of Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC)
Lacombe Campus of Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC), located in Lacombe, LA, is a public institution offering a coveted practical nursing program. Set in a serene Louisiana locale, the campus may be intimate in size, but it provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development in the healthcare field.
Delta College - Slidell
Delta College - Slidell, a public educational gem, proudly features a comprehensive practical nursing program. Situated in vibrant Slidell, it offers an intimate yet dynamic learning environment. Despite its modest size, the college empowers students to excel in healthcare careers through hands-on education and personalized guidance.
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.
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.
Continued List of All Programs in Louisiana
| Ranked | Program | Score |
|---|---|---|
| #21 |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ferriday
2100 E.E. Wallace Blvd, Ferriday, LA 71334
(318) 757-6501 | 82.79 |
| #22 |
South Louisiana Community College
1933 W. Hutchinson, Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 788-7521 | 81.70 |
| #23 |
South Louisiana Community College - Gulf Area
1301 Clover St., Abbeville, LA 70510
(337) 893-4984 | 81.35 |
| #24 |
South Louisiana Community College - Opelousas
332 East South Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 943-1518 | 80.95 |
| #25 |
Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Minden
9500 Industrial Drive, Minden, LA 71055
(318) 371-3035 | 79.76 |
| #26 |
Delgado Community College
500 N Theard St, Covington, LA 70433
(985) 893-6286 | 79.45 |
| #27 |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter
15014 Lake Charles Highway, Leesville, LA 71446
(337) 537-3135 | 78.79 |
| #28 |
Baton Rouge Community College
3250 N. Acadian Thruway E., Baton Rouge, LA 70805
(866) 217-9823 | 78.70 |
| #29 |
Delta College - Covington
19231 N. 6th Street, Covington, LA 70433
(985) 892-6651 | 78.61 |
| #30 |
Healthcare Training Institute
2500 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
(504) 467-2155 | 78.25 |
| #31 |
Delgado Community College - Sidney Collier Campus
3727 Louisa St, New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 941-8500 | 77.81 |
| #32 |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Winnsboro
1710 Warren Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295
(318) 435-2163 | 77.25 |
| #33 |
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ward H. Nash Avoyelles
508 Choupique Street, Cottonport, LA 71327
(318) 876-2801 | 77.13 |
| #34 |
Northshore Technical Community College - Florida Parishes
137 College, Greensburg, LA 70441
(225) 222-4251 | 76.80 |
| #35 |
Louisiana Delta Community College
P. O. Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
(225) 342-9500 | 75.06 |
| #36 |
South Louisiana Community College - Evangeline
600 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., St. Martinville, LA 70582
(337) 394-6466 | 74.00 |
| #37 |
Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Mansfield
943 Oxford Rd., Mansfield, LA 71052
(318) 872-2243 | 73.81 |
| #38 |
Infinity College - Lafayette
117 W. Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 261-9009 | 71.46 |
| #39 |
Louisiana Delta Community College - Tallulah
132 Old Highway 65 South, Tallulah, LA 71284
(318) 574-4820 | 69.01 |
| #40 |
River Parishes Community College Reserve Campus
181 Regala Park Rd, Reserve, LA 70084
(985) 536-4418 | 67.27 |
| #41 |
Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 670-6000 | 65.80 |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program |
|---|
|
Advanced Nurse Training, New Orleans, LA
501 O'Bannon St Suite 111, New Orleans, LA 70114
(504) 266-5773 |
|
Blue Cliff College, Metairie
3200 Cleary Ave,, Metairie, LA 70002
(844) 920-4040 |
|
Bossier Parish Community College
6220 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 678-6000 |
|
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 |
|
South Central Louisiana Technical College - Reserve
181 Regala Park Road, Reserve, LA 70084
(985) 536-4418 |
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 | 3,890 | $24.25 | $50,440 |
| Baton Rouge | 3,350 | $23.76 | $49,420 |
| Lafayette | 2,350 | $21.48 | $44,670 |
| Shreveport, Bossier City | 2,060 | $22.86 | $47,540 |
| Monroe | 1,100 | $20.91 | $43,490 |
| Lake Charles | 1,090 | $22.88 | $47,590 |
| Alexandria | 760 | $22.20 | $46,170 |
| Hammond | 600 | $22.61 | $47,020 |
| Houma, Thibodaux | 550 | $22.50 | $46,800 |