Best Louisiana LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Louisiana offers programs designed to bridge the gap between practical and registered nursing. Students complete advanced theoretical courses and gain experience through clinical rotations. These programs prepare graduates for RN licensure and the ability to practice in broader healthcare roles.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisiana at Monroe's LPN to BSN program offers a comprehensive pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers through a baccalaureate degree. This campus-based program requires a current Louisiana LPN license and a minimum 2.8 GPA in pre-nursing courses, blending online and on-campus learning to suit working professionals. The curriculum includes pharmacology, health assessment, and adult health nursing, totaling 120 credit hours with admission deadlines in February and September. It emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles without requiring an ACT or SAT exam.
- Campus-based program.
- Requires current LA LPN license.
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 required.
- Courses in pharmacology and health assessment.
- Blend of online and campus learning.
- Total degree hours: 120.
- Admission deadlines in February and September.
- Focus on adult health nursing.
- Includes practical skills training.
- Prepares for a wide range of nursing roles.
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the LPN to BSN program provides licensed practical nurses with a structured route to a bachelor's degree in nursing, focusing on transforming practical experience into academic advancement. This full-time, two-year campus program mandates a current Louisiana LPN license and a minimum 2.8 GPA, covering 120 credit hours through pre-nursing, bridge, and professional coursework. It highlights clinical skill development and research-based practice across nursing specialties, accommodating working schedules without an ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement.
- 120 total credit hours
- 2-year full-time program
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required
- Professional nursing focus
- LPN license prerequisite
- Multiple semester progression
- Clinical skill development
- Research-based curriculum
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA - Public 4-Year - southeastern.edu
Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University's on-campus LPN to RN program offers a direct path for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses, emphasizing hands-on clinical experience and theoretical foundations. It requires an LPN license and prerequisite coursework, with no concentration specified. The program is military-friendly and provides comprehensive nursing education through in-person instruction, ensuring robust skill development for healthcare demands.
- On-campus program
- LPN to RN transition
- Focus on practical skills
- Theoretical knowledge emphasis
- Hands-on experience
- Direct faculty access
- Comprehensive nursing education
- Admission requires LPN license
- Prerequisite coursework needed
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Option
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Louisiana University's hybrid LPN to BSN Option enables practicing LPNs to earn a bachelor's degree with flexible learning formats, blending online and on-campus elements. It focuses on career advancement by building on existing practical experience, enhancing clinical and leadership skills. No concentration is noted, and it is military-friendly, designed to reduce barriers for working nurses seeking broader professional roles.
- Hybrid program format
- Designed for practicing LPNs
- Career advancement pathway
- Flexible learning options
- Builds on practical nursing experience
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, LA - Public 4-Year - lsua.edu
Associate - LPN to ASN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Louisiana State University-Alexandria offers an LPN to ASN program designed for licensed practical nurses advancing to registered nursing roles. The curriculum includes 72 credits, with prerequisites available online or face-to-face, while nursing courses require on-campus attendance and clinical experiences in Rapides Parish. Spanning three to four semesters based on competency testing, the program provides personalized advising and supports career transitions with scholarships like the Lettie Pate Scholarship. Accredited and focused on critical nursing, ER, and maternal child nursing, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare opportunities without requiring entrance exams for this associate-level pathway.
- LPN to ASN pathway
- 72 credits for degree
- Face-to-face and online prerequisites
- On-campus nursing courses
- Clinical sites in Rapides Parish
- Personalized nursing advisor
- Three to four semesters clinical program
- Competency testing required
- Supports transition to RN role
- Offers Lettie Pate Scholarship
Dillard University
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - dillard.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dillard University's LPN to BSN program, Louisiana's oldest accredited baccalaureate nursing offering, provides a hybrid learning model ideal for working LPNs. It requires 120 credit hours, including advanced placement options and a unique 30-hour service learning component. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs, personalized advising, and a curriculum focused on enhancing critical thinking and leadership skills. This program is state board approved and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.
- 120 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- State Board of Nursing approved
- Advanced placement options
- Service learning requirement
- Modern nursing simulation labs
- Personalized academic advising
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA - Public 4-Year - nicholls.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Articulation
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nicholls State University's LPN to BSN Articulation program offers a direct route for Licensed Practical Nurses to advance their careers by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This campus-based track efficiently recognizes prior nursing credits, reducing time to degree completion. With a focus on evidence-based practice and critical thinking, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles. The program is accredited and boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates, ensuring quality education. As a bachelor's level program, it may require entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, but specific requirements should be verified with the school.
- LPN to BSN Articulation track
- Validates existing nursing credits
- Accredited nursing program
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Campus-based professional nursing education
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Evidence-based curriculum
Louisiana LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Louisiana LPN to RN bridge programs are designed for currently licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses through an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Admission is competitive and typically requires:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license recognized in Louisiana. Louisiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, but programs may require a Louisiana-eligible license and proof of good standing.
- Completion of prerequisite college courses with a minimum grade and GPA set by the school. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology I and II with lab, microbiology, English composition, college algebra or statistics, general psychology, and human growth and development.
- Proof of recent direct patient care experience as an LPN may be required or preferred by some programs. Many programs award advanced standing or credit after validation testing of prior LPN learning.
- Criminal background check, drug screen, and required immunizations (for example hepatitis B series, MMR, varicella, Tdap, influenza, TB screening) plus current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers.
- Placement or admission testing as specified by the school, such as TEAS or HESI, and documentation of computer literacy and English proficiency.
Louisiana RN programs must be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, which determines eligibility for NCLEX-RN and initial licensure. Applicants should verify that any bridge program they consider is board-approved before enrolling.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN curricula build on practical nursing experience and advance toward RN-level judgment, leadership, and care management. You will learn adult medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology across the lifespan, health assessment, pathophysiology, maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing, mental health, and community and population health. Programs incorporate leadership and management, evidence-based practice, interprofessional communication, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN. Clinical learning occurs in hospitals, long-term care, community clinics, and simulation labs under faculty supervision.
Accreditation matters in Louisiana because it supports quality assurance, transferability of credits, access to federal financial aid, employer recognition, and future graduate study. Look for two layers:
- State approval by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, required for eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN and obtain an RN license in Louisiana.
- Programmatic accreditation by ACEN for associate degree programs or CCNE for baccalaureate programs, and institutional accreditation by a recognized regional accreditor. These accreditations help with employment and continuing education options.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across Louisiana, bridge programs are offered by community and technical colleges for the LPN to ADN pathway and by universities for the LPN to BSN pathway. Many programs schedule evening or weekend options to accommodate working LPNs and may use hybrid delivery with online theory and on-campus skills and labs. Clinical placements are arranged with healthcare partners throughout the state.
Coursework commonly includes:
- Transition to professional nursing and role development
- Advanced adult health nursing, including complex and acute conditions
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing with family-centered care
- Mental health nursing and therapeutic communication
- Community and public health nursing with population-focused care
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology, and comprehensive health assessment
- Leadership, quality improvement, and informatics
- For BSN tracks: research, statistics, and broader public health and management content
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Louisiana work in acute care hospitals, long-term and post-acute facilities, home health and hospice, ambulatory clinics, dialysis centers, behavioral health, schools, and public health departments. Shift options vary by setting and may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, or 12-hour rotations. Demand is supported by an aging population, chronic disease prevalence, and workforce needs in rural parishes as well as ongoing emergency preparedness and recovery.
Compared with LPN roles, RNs in Louisiana assume broader responsibilities that include comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnosis, care planning, patient education, delegation, intravenous therapy management, and coordination of interprofessional care. RNs generally have wider advancement opportunities, access to specialty certifications, and pathways to graduate education. Louisiana’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact can support mobility for eligible multistate RN license holders.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time LPN to ADN: often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites are completed. Clinical hours are embedded each term.
- Part-time LPN to ADN: typically 18 to 24 months or longer, with a reduced course load that may better fit work schedules.
- Evening or weekend bridge tracks: similar total credit hours to full-time tracks, but spread across nontraditional schedules, commonly resulting in 18 to 24 months to completion.
- LPN to BSN: generally 24 to 36 months of upper-division coursework after prerequisites, depending on transfer credit and advanced standing awarded.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Louisiana
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
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| Louisiana State University-Alexandria |
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| South Louisiana Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by institution type, residency, and the number of transfer and advanced-standing credits awarded for prior LPN learning.
- Public LPN to ADN bridge programs in Louisiana typically cost several thousand to the low tens of thousands of dollars in tuition for the nursing portion, with overall totals influenced by remaining general education credits.
- LPN to BSN programs at public universities generally cost more than ADN pathways, reflecting additional upper-division coursework.
- Additional expenses to budget: university and nursing program fees, liability insurance, background check and drug screen, immunizations and titers, CPR certification, uniforms and shoes, stethoscope and supplies, textbooks and electronic resources, simulation and testing packages, clinical on-boarding costs, transportation and parking for clinicals, and application and exam fees for NCLEX-RN and initial licensure.
Housing and living costs vary widely by parish and metro area. On-campus room and board at public institutions is a significant additional expense, while many bridge students choose to commute to control costs. Include utilities, food, and childcare where applicable
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Louisiana
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Fletcher Technical Community College |
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| South Louisiana Community College |
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| Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
|
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
In Louisiana, many LPN to RN programs use a hybrid model. Didactic courses may be offered online or in blended formats, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinical experiences are completed in person at approved facilities with faculty oversight to meet state requirements. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not typical because hands-on competencies and clinical hours must be completed in person.
Out-of-state programs that place students for clinical rotations in Louisiana must obtain authorization from the state nursing board. Always confirm that any online or hybrid program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and that clinical placements are available in your area before enrolling.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Louisiana
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN graduates seeking initial RN licensure in Louisiana apply to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for licensure by examination. Applicants must complete a state and federal fingerprint-based background check. The Board reviews these results along with the program’s submitted affidavit of graduation or official transcript to determine exam eligibility. When you are made eligible, you receive an Authorization to Test and can schedule the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Apply to LSBN for RN licensure by examination and pay required fees.
- Complete the criminal background check with fingerprints as directed by LSBN.
- Ensure your nursing program sends official completion verification directly to LSBN.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN and schedule your test after receiving your ATT.
- If you do not pass on the first attempt, follow LSBN guidance for reapplication and retesting.
Louisiana-specific exam eligibility, background check instructions, and application steps are provided by the Board and should be followed exactly to avoid delays.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Louisiana grants RN licensure by endorsement to nurses who hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and meet Louisiana’s requirements. Endorsement typically requires verification of your original RN license, completion of a fingerprint-based background check, and evidence of graduation from an approved RN program. You must hold a Louisiana license or a qualifying multistate license before practicing in the state.
Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Eligible Louisiana residents may hold a multistate RN license that authorizes practice in all other NLC member states. RNs moving to Louisiana from another compact state must apply for Louisiana licensure and update their primary state of residence to maintain multistate privileges. Nurses from non-compact states must obtain a Louisiana single-state license by endorsement before practicing.
Licensure Requirements
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure and practice. Core requirements for initial RN licensure include:
- Graduation from an approved RN program such as an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN that meets LSBN standards for theory and supervised clinical learning.
- Completion of a state and federal criminal background check with fingerprints.
- Submission of official verification of program completion sent directly to the Board.
- Passing the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Compliance with any additional LSBN directives for applicants educated outside the U.S., which can include credential evaluation and English proficiency.
License Renewal
Louisiana RN licenses are renewed annually. The renewal window customarily opens in the fall and must be completed by the Board’s stated deadline to avoid late fees or lapse. You may not practice if your license is not current.
To renew, RNs must meet LSBN’s practice and competency requirements within the designated compliance period. Acceptable ways to meet competency typically include one of the following:
- Completing at least 30 contact hours of Board-recognized continuing education, or
- Maintaining current national nursing specialty certification, or
- Completing approved academic nursing coursework for credit, or
- Documenting a qualifying amount of nursing practice hours within the most recent two-year period.
Keep documentation of CE, certification, coursework, and practice hours, as LSBN conducts audits. Check Board announcements each renewal cycle for exact dates, fees, and any updates to competency options or hour thresholds.
Average LPN State Salary in Louisiana
$54,610
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in Louisiana
$84,110
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 12 months to 2 years, depending on the program structure and required prerequisite courses.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
This pathway provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary for entry-level registered nursing practice in various healthcare settings. The curriculum is designed to build upon the existing knowledge of LPNs, offering an accelerated track to becoming an RN.
Average In-State Tuition in Louisiana:
Approximately $11,950 annually.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges and technical colleges are the primary institutions offering LPN to ADN bridge programs.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 3 years of full-time study, which includes prerequisite courses and the core nursing curriculum.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Focus:
This comprehensive program provides a broader education in nursing, including topics such as research-based practice, leadership, community health, and healthcare innovation. It is designed to prepare nurses for a wider range of roles and future career advancement.
Average In-State Tuition in Louisiana:
$13,682 in tuition and fees.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership positions, advanced practice roles, or graduate-level nursing education in the future.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges are the typical providers of LPN to BSN programs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Completion: These programs offer a more direct route to becoming an RN, often allowing for quicker entry into the registered nursing workforce.
- Lower Cost: The overall tuition and fees for an associate's degree are generally less expensive than for a bachelor's degree.
- Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates can immediately begin working as RNs, gaining valuable experience and earning a higher salary than as an LPN.
- Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid foundation, and graduates can later pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often while working.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for management, leadership, and specialized nursing roles in areas like public health and case management.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher long-term earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: The BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist.
- Meets Industry Recommendations: A growing number of healthcare organizations, particularly hospitals seeking Magnet status, prefer or require a BSN for their registered nurses.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Louisiana
Alexandria, LA
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Associate - LPN to ASN
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to ASN pathway
- 72 credits for degree
- Face-to-face and online prerequisites
- On-campus nursing courses
- Clinical sites in Rapides Parish
- Personalized nursing advisor
- Three to four semesters clinical program
- Competency testing required
Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Entry Track
Campus Based - Website
- Competitive nursing program entry
- 27 prerequisite credit hours
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required
- TEAS exam minimum 65%
- Challenge exams for advancement
- Multiple campus locations
- SACSCOC accredited program
Bossier City, LA
Bossier Parish Community College
- Associate - Nursing, LPN to RN Transition Track, AS
Campus Based - Website
- 72 total credit hours
- Designed for practicing LPNs
- Competitive admission process
- Extensive clinical experience
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Multiple clinical specialty rotations
- Accredited nursing program
- Day program format
Eunice, LA
Louisiana State University-Eunice
- Associate - LPN to ASN
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to ASN program.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Advanced standing credit for LPNs.
- Integrates electronic learning technologies.
- Campus-based program.
- Requires unencumbered LPN license.
- Focuses on compassionate nursing care.
Hammond, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- On-campus program
- LPN to RN transition
- Focus on practical skills
- Theoretical knowledge emphasis
- Hands-on experience
- Direct faculty access
- Comprehensive nursing education
- Admission requires LPN license
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Option
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Designed for practicing LPNs
- Career advancement pathway
- Flexible learning options
- Builds on practical nursing experience
Lafayette, LA
South Louisiana Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Track
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated 3-semester pathway
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Clinical rotations in Acadiana
- ACEN and LSBN accredited
- Average RN salary $80,760
- Transfer options available
- TEAS exam required
- Financial aid options
Lake Charles, LA
McNeese State University
- Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree
- Program for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Career Advancement Pathway
- Builds on Existing Nursing Experience
- Supports Working Nurses
SOWELA Technical Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Campus-based Associate Degree
- 74 Total Program Hours
- Advanced Placement for LPNs
- National Council Licensure Exam Preparation
- Summer Semester Entry
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Prerequisite Courses Required
Monroe, LA
Louisiana Delta Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Track
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Two Admission Tracks Available
- 91.67% NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate
- Clinical Partnerships with Regional Hospitals
- 37 Credit Hours Supporting Courses
- Multiple Campus Locations
- Science Courses Maximum 5 Years Old
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Requires current LA LPN license.
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 required.
- Courses in pharmacology and health assessment.
- Blend of online and campus learning.
- Total degree hours: 120.
- Admission deadlines in February and September.
- Focus on adult health nursing.
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- 2-year full-time program
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required
- Professional nursing focus
- LPN license prerequisite
- Multiple semester progression
- Clinical skill development
- Research-based curriculum
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online Program Option
- Multiple Campus Locations
- Flat Rate Tuition
- Accelerated Completion Path
- First Louisiana Public Nursing Program
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Experienced Nursing Faculty
New Orleans, LA
Delgado Community College
- Associate - LPN-RN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- Two program track options
- Limited enrollment
- Applicant rating system
- Guaranteed admission for Delgado PN graduates
- Selective admission process
Dillard University
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- State Board of Nursing approved
- Advanced placement options
- Service learning requirement
- Modern nursing simulation labs
- Personalized academic advising
Schriever, LA
Fletcher Technical Community College
- Associate - LPN to ASN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 70 credit hours required
- Five semester duration
- Accredited by ACEN
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- HESI A2 score required
- Financial aid available
Shreveport, LA
Southern University at Shreveport
- Associate - Nursing (LPN/RN Fast Track)
Campus Based - Website
- Associate Degree in Nursing.
- Accelerated LPN-RN Track.
- Eligibility for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on liberal arts and sciences.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
- Supports professional and personal growth.
- Recognizes LPN/LVN experience.
Thibodaux, LA
Nicholls State University
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Articulation
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to BSN Articulation track
- Validates existing nursing credits
- Accredited nursing program
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Campus-based professional nursing education
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Evidence-based curriculum
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