Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024
Most nurses enjoy high levels of job satisfaction and excellent quality of life.
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Nurses enjoy well-paying, flexible jobs and play a critical role in their communities. A convenient way to enter the nursing workforce is by becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which requires fewer years of education and training than an RN or BSN.
Louisiana LPN Quick Facts
- The average Louisiana LPN wage is about $18.98/hour
- There are twenty-two approved LPN programs in Louisiana, each taking 1-3 years to complete.
- The LPN job outlook is bright, with a 9% increase by 2029
- 4% of nurses in Louisiana are LPNs.
Although there are 22 Louisiana-based LPN programs, there are over 50 separate campus locations. Different cities have more options for aspiring LPNs- New Orleans and Lafayette have three programs, and Metairie and Baton Rouge have two.
Overview of LPN Schools in Louisiana
With 22 programs and 50 campuses, there are a lot of options for LPN students in Louisiana. You’re likely to find a program that works for you, no matter your location, schedule, or budget. All programs are required to prepare LPNS for their role in the healthcare system. They do this through classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences.
The following are topics you can expect to cover in your LPN classes:
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Professionalism
- Ethics
- Patient Care Management
- Cultural Competency
LPN Accreditation
In Louisiana, practical nurses are governed by an agency solely dedicated to their education and licensing. Nationally, accreditation organizations (such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) protect nurse trainees by ensuring quality education programs. In Louisiana, all programs must be accredited by the Louisiana State Board of Practical State Examiners.
LPN Admissions Requirements
Each LPN program is allowed to determine its prerequisites for admission. Generally, however, requirements will be similar. They may include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proof of math and English proficiency
- Clean drug test
- Background check
- Immunizations
LPN Tuition & Costs
Like admission requirements, each LPN program sets its tuition and fees. Total costs can range from $10,000 to $29,000 or more. This total doesn’t include other costs, such as books or living expenses.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Louisiana
After completing an LPN program in Louisiana, you will be eligible to apply for licensure with the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE).
Checklist to become a Louisiana LPN:
- Complete an LSBPNE approved LPN program
- Apply for your license with the LSBPNE
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN
- Have transcripts sent to the LSBPNE
- Complete and pass a background check
LPNs in Louisiana must renew their license yearly between November 1st and January 31s. There are no continuing education requirements for LPN license renewals.
NCLEX-PN Exam
The final (and biggest) test of your LPN educational career is the NCLEX-PN. Your LPN program will cover everything you need to know to pass the NCLEX-PN.
The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based test that consists of multiple-choice questions. The test is responsive to answers and will change depending on your responses. The four categories covered by the test are safe, effective care environments, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
LPN Reciprocity
Louisiana is now a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). That means that all LPNs who become licensed will automatically have a multi-state LPN license. In other words, if you get licensed in Louisiana, you will be able to practice as an LPN in any other NLC state without having to reapply for licensing.
LPN Salaries in Louisiana
According to Indeed.com, Louisiana LPNs make about $39,491 per year on average. This is lower than the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ stated national average salary of $50,090. However, Louisiana is also a low cost of living state, and wages tend to reflect that.
LPNs who work in Louisiana may make more in some regions of the state. Here are some salaries from higher-paid areas of Louisiana (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
- New Orleans-Metairie ($45,570 per year)
- Shreveport-Bossier City ($42,690)
- Baton Rouge ($42,470)
- Hammond ($42,450)
- Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($41,380)
Specialty and experience can affect an LPN’s salary just as much as their location. An experienced LPN will make more than a new graduate, and someone who works in a high-stress environment will also earn more.
Job Outlook for LPNs in Louisiana
Due to increasing life spans and the aging of the baby boomers, nurses are more in demand than ever before. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the need for LPNs will increase by 9% by 2029, which is a “must faster than usual” growth.
LPN graduates who want to continue with their education can easily do so in Louisiana. Many colleges offer LPN to RN or BSN options. In addition, LPN employers often provide tuition reimbursement or bonuses to entice qualified nurses to work for them.
Top LPN Schools in Louisiana
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Practical Nursing Program
4311 S MacArthur Dr
Alexandria, LA 71302
Phone: (318) 487-5443
Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers its practical nursing program at 7 of its campus locations, including in Cottonport and Alexandria. If students complete the program in the recommended amount of time (28 months), it will cost about $12,000.
Louisiana Delta Community College
Practical Nursing Program
7500 Millhaven Rd
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 345-9000
According to Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC), their practical nursing program is intended to be completed in 2 years. Total program cost is estimated to be around $13,000, but LDCC reports that the average LPN student graduates with only $3,000 in debt. LDCC has six campus locations.
Northshore Technical Community College
Practical Nursing Program
111 Pride Dr
Hammond, LA 70401
Phone: (985) 545-1500
Northshore Technical Community College offers a two-year LPN program at five of its campus locations. Tuition for this program is around $8,000, which doesn’t include books or living expenses.
South Louisiana Technical Community College
Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing
320 Devalcourt St,
Lafayette, LA 70506
Phone: (337) 521-8896
South Louisiana Technical Community College has a practical nursing program available in seven different locations. The program is designed to be completed in four consecutive semesters — you would start fall semester year one and finish the following fall semester.
Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Division of Continuing Education & Public Service
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115-2399
Phone: (318) 798-4177
Louisiana State University offers a 12-month LPN program as part of its continuing education offerings. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 to 4. Students will graduate with about 810 clinical experience hours. A 20-month evening class is sometimes offered as well.
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
Practical Nursing Program
943 Oxford Rd
Mansfield, LA 71052
Phone: (318) 872-2243
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College’s practical nursing program costs a little less than $10,000. It is offered at each of their three campus locations.
Sowela Technical Community College
Practical Nursing Program
3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Phone: (337) 421-6565
LPN students at Sowela Technical Community College can expect to pay a little less than $13,000, including books and fees. There are three campus locations to choose from — Lake Charles, Jennings, and Oakdale.
Southern University
Practical Nursing Program
3050 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr
Shreveport, LA 71107
Phone: (318) 670-6000
Southern University Shreveport’s LPN program can be completed in four semesters. Tuition will cost around $10,000, not including fees, books, or living expenses.
River Parishes Community College
Practical Nursing Program
925 W Edenborne Pkwy
Gonzales, LA 70737
Phone: (225) 743-8500
Students at River Parishes Community College (RRCC) can choose between their Gonzalez and Reserve campuses. RRCC offers both spring and fall start options. The program can be completed in four semesters.
Baton Rouge Community College
Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing
201 Community College Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 216-8000
Baton Rouge Community College offers a four-semester LPN program at their Acadian campus. In addition, there is a Head Start and Early Head Start program on campus for childcare during their class or clinical time.
Additional Resources
The following resources can help you learn more about becoming an LPN in Louisiana:
The LSBPNE oversees all LPN licensing and education in the state of Louisiana. Their site has information about LPN laws and regulations, LPN programs, and licensing requirements.
131 Airline Drive, Suite 301
Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: 504-838-5791
Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) is the perfect place to check out your career options once you have your LPN. LSBN is for registered nurses and nurse practitioners what the LSBPNE is for practical nurses.
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone:(225)755-7500
Louisiana has the highest concentration of licensed practical nurses in the country. The Louisiana Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (LFLPN) offers certifications and support to its members. It also sponsors a yearly convention for LPNs.
Phone: (318) 688-7849
Email: lafedlpn@cox.net