Nurses’ Guide to Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana 2025

Choosing the Right Nurse Practitioner Program in Louisiana

Are you an RN or MSN and ready to earn your Nurse Practitioner (NP) degree? Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana offer nine exceptional options for students who are eager to advance their nursing careers. In the Pelican State, these programs provide a comprehensive education to prepare you for a rewarding and in-demand profession.

Throughout your journey towards becoming an NP, our guide will provide valuable information about Louisiana NP program rankings, admission requirements, sample course outlines, and scholarships for Louisiana nurses. Additionally, this guide covers financial aid options, current salaries, and employment prospects for NP-prepared nurses in Louisiana.

With 4,200 Nurse Practitioners currently employed in the state and earning an average of $112,650 per year, it’s an excellent time to consider pursuing your NP degree. In fact, Louisiana is projected to need 4,420 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030, requiring an additional 320 new nurses per year. Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources necessary to join this thriving field and make a positive impact in the Pelican State.

Eight Steps to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana

1. Earn an RN Degree: Start by obtaining your RN degree through an ADN or BSN program from an accredited university. Accreditation by the ACEN or CCNE ensures that your course credits will be accepted by Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Prepare for and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to obtain your RN licensure.
3. Earn Your MSN or DNP: Pursue either a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to become an NP. MSN programs typically take around 2 years, while DNP programs require about 4 years. Choose a population focus area, such as gerontology, family, or neonatal, when enrolling in your program.
4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Depending on your chosen population focus, you will need to complete between 500-600 clinical hours for an MSN program or 1000 hours for a DNP program.
5. Become Board Certified: Obtain board certification from the appropriate certifying body based on your population focus area:
   • National Certification Corporation: For Women’s health and neonatal NPs.
   • The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: For family and adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Association of Critical Care Nurses: For adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Nurses Credentialing Center: For adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric NPs.
   • Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: For pediatric NPs.
6. Obtain Licensure: Contact the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to obtain your NP licensure in the state.
7. Obtain a DEA Number: To prescribe medication in Louisiana, you will need to obtain a DEA registration. Begin by applying for your NPI number, which is free, through the NPPES website. Then use your NPI number to apply for your State Controlled Substances Authority for Louisiana through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, and finally, apply for your DEA registration through the DEA Diversion Control Division.
8. Maintain Active Certification and Licensure: Your certifying body and the Louisiana Board of Nursing will provide you with information on the requirements to maintain certification and licensure. This usually involves completing continuing education (CE) credits and clinical practice, as well as renewing your license with the board every two years.

Online NP Programs Accepting Louisiana Applicants

If you are currently an RN, the following schools are currently accepting Louisiana students into their online Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, providing flexible learning options to accommodate your busy schedule.

Nurse Practitioner Bridge Programs in Louisiana

Registered Nurse (RN) to Nurse Practitioner

Transitioning from an RN to a Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana generally involves completing a Master’s in Nursing program. It typically takes two to three years of full-time study.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate nursing courses
• Active Louisiana RN license
• Approximately 500-700 supervised clinical hours
• Pre-requisites include a statistics course and bachelor’s level health assessment

BSN to Nurse Practitioner

A Bachelor’s prepared RN can enter a Master’s program to become a Nurse Practitioner. This typically takes two to three years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in BSN program
• Active Louisiana RN license
• Around 500-700 supervised clinical hours
• Certain MSN programs may require GRE scores

MSN to Nurse Practitioner

For nurses with a Master’s in Nursing, post-master’s certificate programs offer a path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. These typically last one to two years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in MSN program
• Active Louisiana RN license
• Typically require 500-700 supervised clinical hours

Direct Entry MSN Nurse Practitioner

For individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, a Direct Entry MSN program provides an accelerated route to becoming an NP. This typically takes two to three years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate program
• Completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like anatomy and physiology
• Approximately 500-700 supervised clinical hours

BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner Program

Nurses with a BSN can opt for a Doctor of Nursing Practice program to become a Nurse Practitioner. This usually takes three to four years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in BSN program
• Active Louisiana RN license
• Around 1000 supervised clinical hours

MSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner

For nurses with a Master’s degree, a DNP program offers advanced skills and education. This usually takes one to two years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in MSN program
• Active Louisiana RN license
• Typically require 500-700 additional supervised clinical hours

Post-Master’s Certification Nurse Practitioner

Nurses with a Master’s degree can opt for a post-master’s certificate to specialize as a Nurse Practitioner. This typically takes one to two years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in MSN program
• Active Louisiana RN license
• Typically require 500-700 supervised clinical hours

Non-Nursing Degree to Nurse Practitioner

An accelerated BSN/MSN program allows those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. This typically takes three to four years.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in a non-nursing undergraduate program
• Completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like anatomy and physiology
• Around 500-700 supervised clinical hours in the MSN component of the program

These are typical paths towards joining the ranks of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana.

Table of Nurse Practitioner Programs (NP) in Louisiana

Nurse Practitioner programs in Louisiana present nine diverse options that help nurses advance their careers and improve patient care.

These programs provide extensive training, professional growth opportunities, and result in significant increases in nurse autonomy and earning potential.

Online RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana

The journey to joining online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana begins with understanding the admissions process, its timeline, and the typical program duration. This knowledge arms applicants with the confidence needed to navigate this path.

Admissions Process and Timeline

1. Application Preparation (Spring/Summer): Research online programs of interest. Once identified, commence application preparations. This typically involves gathering transcripts, letters of recommendation, and crafting a personal statement.
2. Application Submission (Fall): Most programs have application deadlines in the Fall. Complete the application forms, submit required documents and await feedback.
3. Interviews and Decisions (Winter): Some programs may conduct interviews as part of the application review process. Decisions are usually communicated during the Winter or early Spring.

Program Length and Time to Completion

The duration of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana varies depending on the specific program and the student’s previous education:

• BSN to MSN Programs: Typically take full-time students about two to three years to complete.
• RN to MSN Programs: These could take three to four years to complete for full-time students without a BSN.
• Post-Master’s Certificate Programs: These are shorter, usually lasting one to two years for full-time students.
• MSN to DNP Programs: Usually last one to two years.
• BSN to DNP Programs: These tend to be lengthier and could take up to three to four years for full-time students.

Part-time students should expect to spend more time completing these programs. By understanding these timelines and processes, potential students can approach online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana with a clear plan and realistic expectations.

Where Do Different Nurse Practitioners Typically Work?

As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology,  neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
• Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health,  military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
• Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
• Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
• Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.

Where Nurse Practitioners Work in Louisiana

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana offer diverse career opportunities upon graduation. Below are potential avenues for employment across the healthcare spectrum.

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Nurse practitioners play vital roles in hospitals and medical centers, providing comprehensive care to patients across different departments.

• Ochsner Health
• Lafayette General Health
• Willis-Knighton Health System
• East Jefferson General Hospital
• Tulane Medical Center

Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

In these settings, nurse practitioners often manage acute and chronic illnesses, administer minor procedures, and provide preventive care.

• CareSouth Medical and Dental
• Ochsner Urgent Care
• LCMC Health Urgent Care
• Rapides Urgent Care
• AFC Urgent Care

Private Practices and Specialty Clinics

Here, nurse practitioners often specialize in areas such as family medicine, women’s health, or pediatrics, providing focused care to patients.

• Lake After Hours
• CrescentCare Health
• Teche Action Clinic
• CIS Cardiovascular Institute of the South
• Acadiana Neurosurgery

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

In these centers, nurse practitioners provide community-based care to underserved populations.

• Access Health Louisiana
• Innis Community Health Center
• EXCELth Primary Care Network
• Primary Health Services Center
• Southeast Community Health Systems

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

Nurse practitioners in these facilities provide care to elderly or chronically ill patients, often managing complex health conditions.

• Lafon Nursing Facility of the Holy Family
• Notre Dame Health System
• Colonial Care Retirement Center
• Harmony Center Inc.
• Maison De Lafayette

Academic Institutions and Universities

Nurse practitioners can work in academic institutions, contributing to research, education, and clinical practice.

• Louisiana State University
• Tulane University
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Loyola University New Orleans
• Centenary College of Louisiana

Government and Military Facilities

In these settings, nurse practitioners provide care to active military members, veterans, and government employees.

• Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
• [Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans](https://cnic

.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_jrb_new_orleans.html)

• Federal Bureau of Prisons – FCC Oakdale
• United States Coast Guard Clinic
• Louisiana Department of Health

Home Health Care Agencies

Nurse practitioners in home health care provide medical services to patients in their homes, often managing chronic illnesses and providing post-hospitalization care.

• Egan Home Health and Hospice
• Amedisys Home Health
• LHC Group
• Kindred at Home
• Carpenter Health Network

Nurse Practitioner Types by Primary Certification

Certification	Percent of NPs
Family Nurse Practitioner	69.7
Adult Care	10.8
Adult–Gerontology Primary Care	7.0
Psychiatric/Mental Health	4.7
Acute Care	4.1
Pediatrics–Primary Care	3.2
Adult–Gerontology Acute Care	2.9
Women’s Health	2.9
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care	1.8
Neonatal	1.0
Pediatrics–Acute Care	0.7

Campus and Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana

University	Offered as	City/State
McNeese State University	Campus, Online	Lake Charles, LA
Nicholls State University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Thibodaux, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Natchitoches, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Hammond, LA
Southern Univ Baton Rouge	Campus, Hybrid	Baton Rouge, LA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Lafayette, LA
Grambling State Univ	Campus	Grambling, LA
Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center	Campus, Hybrid	New Orleans, LA
Loyola University New Orleans	Campus, Online	New Orleans, LA

What Do Nurse Practitioners Study in Louisiana?

Courses in Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana offer a variety of courses to ensure students receive a comprehensive education in their chosen specialty. Below is a list of 10 typical courses found in these programs, along with a brief description of what nurses can expect to learn in each class:

• Advanced Pathophysiology: Students gain an understanding of the complex physiological processes and responses to illnesses and diseases across the human lifespan.
• Advanced Pharmacology: Focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug interactions, preparing nurses for safe and effective medication management.
• Advanced Health Assessment: Students learn to perform comprehensive health assessments by collecting and analyzing patient data, enhancing diagnostic reasoning skills.
• Primary Care of Adults: This course covers the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic health conditions commonly encountered in adult primary care settings.
• Primary Care of Women: Explores the unique healthcare needs of women throughout their lifespan, including obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive health.
• Pediatric Primary Care: Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat various health conditions and developmental issues in infants, children, and adolescents.
• Family Primary Care: This course provides a holistic approach to the primary care of patients and families across all age groups and diverse populations.
• Geriatric Primary Care: Encompasses the unique healthcare needs and chronic disease management of older adults, promoting healthy aging and quality of life.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Teaches students how to critically appraise and apply current research evidence in their clinical decision-making, improving patient outcomes.
• Leadership and Healthcare Policy: Explores leadership principles, healthcare policy, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels to influence and advance the nursing profession.

One of the Louisiana schools offering Nurse Practitioner Programs is the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. By completing a program such as this one, graduates will be well-prepared to excel in their Nurse Practitioner careers within the Pelican State.

Nurse Practitioner Program Costs in Louisiana

Tuition and Cost of Attendance for Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana

The cost of attending a Nurse Practitioner program in Louisiana varies depending on factors such as the school, program length, and residency status. Tuition, fees, and additional expenses like textbooks and supplies may also influence the overall cost of attendance.

Some examples of tuition costs for Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana include:

• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center: For residents, the tuition is approximately $11,389 per year, while non-residents can expect tuition costs of around $24,818.
• Northwestern State University: Tuition for this post-master’s certificate program depends on the number of credit hours taken. The estimated cost ranges from $535 to $620 per credit hour for residents and $860 to $1,030 per credit hour for non-residents.
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette: The tuition for their online BSN-to-DNP program can range from $11,083 to $15,526 per year for residents, while out-of-state students may expect an annual tuition cost of $17,569 to $23,664.

To provide a clearer understanding of the financial commitment, we have summarized the various costs associated with Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost
Tuition (in-state)	$11,000 – $15,000 per year
Tuition (out-of-state)	$17,000 – $25,000 per year
Mandatory Fees	$1,000 – $3,000 per year
Books and Supplies	$1,000 – $2,000 per year
Living Expenses	Varies (depending on the location)

The total cost for Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana may seem overwhelming, but prospective students should explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loans to ease the burden. Investing in your education will position you for success in the thriving field of Nurse Practitioners in the Pelican State.

To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
• Perkins Loan Cancellation
• Military Programs
• Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness

Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School  and Scholarship guide  can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.

10 Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Scholarships

Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Students in Louisiana

Pursuing a Nurse Practitioner degree can be a significant investment, but several scholarships are available for Louisiana nurses to alleviate the financial burden. Here are 10 scholarships to consider:

Louisiana Association of Nurse Anesthetists (LANA) Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: Varies
• Description: Provides financial support to Louisiana nursing students in accredited anesthesia programs.

Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) District 7 Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: Varies
• Description: Offered to nursing students enrolled in programs within the District 7 area.

Maeona Brown Memorial Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: $500
• Description: Supports a nursing student pursuing a nurse practitioner career through graduate education.

Louise Henry Scholarship

• Deadline Month: April
• Award Amount: Varies
• Description: Open to local nursing students in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who demonstrate merit and need.

Louisiana Nursing Education Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: Varies
• Description: Provides tuition assistance for qualified full-time students enrolled in eligible nursing programs.

Celia Abbas Scholarships

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: $500
• Description: Supports undergraduate and graduate nursing students in the Lafayette, Louisiana area.

Louisiana Alive! Resources and Providers Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: $1,000
• Description: Offered to Louisiana nurses pursuing higher education in the healthcare field.

The Janet Dressler Scholarship

• Deadline Month: April
• Award Amount: $1,000
• Description: Awarded to an active member of the Northlake Professional Nurses Association pursuing graduate education.

BatonRouge General School of Nursing Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: Varies
• Description: Offered to nursing students attending Baton Rouge General School of Nursing, based on academic performance and financial need.

Christa Peairs Memorial Scholarship

• Deadline Month: Varies
• Award Amount: Varies
• Description: Provided by the LSNA District 9 to nursing students in Tangipahoa or St. Helena Parishes who demonstrate financial need.

Aside from these scholarships, it is essential to explore all financial aid opportunities, including federal financial aid. To access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Doing so can help you maximize the available funding sources to support your education in a Nurse Practitioner program in Louisiana.

Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Louisiana

A Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana stands to earn a rewarding salary, which can fluctuate based on specific specialization. Here are the median annual salaries for different types of Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): In Louisiana, FNPs typically earn a median salary of around $102,000 per year.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): AGNPs, focused on elderly care, earn an estimated median salary of approximately $104,000 annually.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): PNPs, dealing with children’s health, generally make around $101,000 per year.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): PMHNPs, who manage mental health, have a median annual salary of about $108,000.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Nurse Practitioner Type	Median Annual Salary
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)	$102,000
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)	$104,000
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)	$101,000
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)	$108,000

Beyond the base salary, Nurse Practitioners usually receive several non-salary benefits, including:

• Health Insurance: Most employers offer comprehensive health insurance plans.
• Retirement Plans: Many organizations provide retirement benefits like 401(k) matching.
• Professional Development: Employers often cover costs for continuing education and certification fees.
• Paid Time Off: This typically includes vacation days, sick days, and personal days.
• Malpractice Insurance: Some employers cover the cost of malpractice insurance.
• Loan Repayment Assistance: Especially in underserved areas, this benefit is sometimes offered.

These figures can vary based on factors such as experience, specific location within the state, and the individual employer. For the most recent and precise salary information, refer to the 2023 Nurse Practitioner Salary Report.

Using data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, US Department of Education and other sources, we’ve complied a comprehensive Louisiana nurse practitioner salary report for 2023. Find an overview and a link to the full report below.

• The number of Nurse Practitioners currently employed in Louisiana is 4,200.
• Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana earn an average of $112,650 per year or $54.16 per hour.
• The percentage of U.S. Nurse Practitioners who work in Louisiana is 2%.
• Louisiana will need 4,420 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030 or 320 new nurses per year.

Using the combined data of tens-of-thousands of NP salary surveys, the data from the U.S. Department of Education, get the detailed Salary and Employment report below.

Nurse Practitioner Schools in Louisiana

Louisiana

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Louisiana Organizations for Nurse Practitioner

Resources for Nurse Practitioner Students in Louisiana

As a Nurse Practitioner student in Louisiana, it’s essential to access various resources that can help you excel in your program and future career. Below is a curated list of valuable resources in the Pelican State:

• Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners (LANP): A professional organization supporting Louisiana’s Nurse Practitioners, providing networking, education, and advocacy resources.
• Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN): The LSBN is responsible for the licensure and regulation of nurses in Louisiana, offering vital information on licensing requirements and industry news.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): A national organization focused on Nurse Practitioner education and careers, providing support, networking, and resources for students and professionals alike.
• Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State: This comprehensive guide offers details about accredited programs, state licensure, and certification exam information for prospective NP students.
• Louisiana Action Coalition (LAC): Committed to transforming healthcare in Louisiana, LAC provides resources, advocacy, and collaboration opportunities for Nurse Practitioners and other nursing professionals.

By utilizing these resources, Nurse Practitioner students in Louisiana can enhance their educational experience, stay informed about the latest industry advancements, and connect with fellow professionals in their field.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology