Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Louisiana

Dillard University in New Orleans offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with hybrid delivery, blending online and on-campus learning. This program requires an ACT or SAT for admission and includes pathways like traditional BSN, LPN to BSN, and RN to BSN, totaling 120 credit hours. Accredited by ACEN and LSBN, it emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and ethical practices through state-of-the-art simulation labs and service learning. As an HBCU with United Methodist affiliation, it provides financial aid and is military-friendly, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles.

• Hybrid program options.
• 120 credit hours for graduation.
• State-of-the-art nursing labs.
• Flexible pathways for LPN and RN.
• Accredited by ACEN and LSBN.
• Service learning opportunities.
• Dedicated nursing advisors.
• Community service projects.
• Cutting-edge simulation labs.
• Financial aid available.

Dillard University's LPN to BSN hybrid program is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking a bachelor's degree, requiring an unencumbered LPN license in Louisiana. This 120-credit hour program combines online flexibility with on-campus components, featuring advanced simulation labs and service learning opportunities. It does not require an ACT or SAT for admission, focusing on career advancement and community engagement. Accredited and military-friendly, it supports credit transfers and prepares students for varied nursing positions in the evolving healthcare field.

• Hybrid LPN to BSN program.
• 120 credit hours total.
• Flexible online and on-campus.
• Transfer credit opportunities.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Service learning integrated.
• Unencumbered LPN license required.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
• Located in New Orleans, LA.

The Associate of Science in Nursing at Louisiana State University-Alexandria is a campus-based program for aspiring registered nurses. It includes prerequisites and four semesters of clinical courses, totaling 72 credits, with hands-on experience in Rapides Parish sites. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam; no entrance exam is mentioned for this associate level. The program offers advisor guidance and pathways to further education, preparing for diverse healthcare roles.

• 72 credits required.
• Campus-based program.
• Clinical sites in Rapides Parish.
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Advisor-guided curriculum planning.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
• Pathway to RN to BSN program.
• Hands-on clinical experience.

Louisiana State University-Alexandria's LPN to ASN program is designed for licensed practical nurses advancing to registered nurse roles. This campus-based option requires 72 credits over three to four semesters post-competency testing, blending online and face-to-face learning with clinical training in Rapides Parish. No entrance exam is specified for this associate level. Personalized advising supports students, preparing them for RN licensure and diverse career opportunities in settings like critical care.

• Campus-based program
• 72 credits required
• Mix of online and face-to-face learning
• Clinical training in Rapides Parish
• Personalized nursing advisor
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Diverse career opportunities post-graduation

Louisiana State University-Alexandria's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 100% online program for registered nurses seeking career advancement or graduate preparation. With seven-week semesters, it allows completion in 12-18 months and requires 120 credits. Admission demands current RN licensure and university acceptance; no ACT or SAT is specified for this bachelor's level program. The flexible format supports working professionals, emphasizing accessibility and professional growth.

• 100% online program
• Seven-week semesters
• 120 credits required
• Flexible for working professionals
• RN licensure required

Tulane University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a hybrid offering that combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, designed for flexibility across career stages. This 60-credit, 16-month accelerated program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and diverse nursing specialties. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, but does not mandate an ACT or SAT entrance exam. With a military-friendly approach and an on-campus hospital, it opens doors to various nursing careers and advanced education opportunities.

• Hybrid learning format
• Accelerated 16-month program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• 60-credit curriculum
• Combines online and in-person learning
• Focus on critical thinking skills
• Clinical judgment training
• Diverse nursing career paths
• Advanced education opportunities
• Meets needs of various learners

Tulane University's BSN with a Pediatric Nursing concentration provides a hybrid learning experience, integrating online studies and in-person clinical rotations over 16 months. This 60-credit program focuses on specialized pediatric care skills, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through an emphasis on critical thinking and clinical judgment. Admission requires prerequisites, but no ACT or SAT exam is needed. It is military-friendly and features an on-campus hospital, targeting aspiring nurses for immediate employability in pediatric healthcare settings.

• 60-credit program
• 16 months completion
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Pediatric Nursing concentration
• Combines online and in-person
• Focus on critical thinking
• Clinical judgment training
• Meets diverse learner needs
• Accelerated format

Tulane University's BSN program with a Maternal Newborn Nursing concentration offers a hybrid format, blending online coursework with clinical experiences in a 60-credit, 16-month accelerated curriculum. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on critical thinking and clinical judgment specific to maternal and newborn care. Admission requires prerequisites, with no ACT or SAT entrance exam mandated. Military-friendly and supported by an on-campus hospital, it equips graduates for impactful roles in maternal health nursing.

• 16-month accelerated program.
• 60-credit hybrid curriculum.
• Specializes in Maternal Newborn Nursing.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Combines online and in-person learning.
• Focus on critical thinking skills.
• Clinical judgment development.
• Requires completion of prerequisites.
• Targets aspiring maternal health nurses.
• Rigorous training for immediate impact.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is a campus-based offering that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and roles as registered nurses. Combining didactic and clinical courses with general education, it is accredited by ACEN and facilitates career mobility to baccalaureate levels. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing on professional standards and eligibility for employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Accredited by ACEN
• Combines didactic and clinical courses
• Facilitates career mobility
• Eligible for RN roles
• Includes general education
• Focus on professional standards

Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse healthcare roles. Established in 1949 as Louisiana's first public BSN, it features a rigorous curriculum blending liberal arts with hands-on clinical experiences across multiple campuses. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam and offers pathways to advanced degrees, emphasizing acute care, community health, and critical care environments.

• First public BSN in Louisiana since 1949
• Clinical courses on multiple campuses
• Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Prepares students for diverse healthcare roles
• Pathway to advanced nursing degrees

McNeese State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, accredited by CCNE, features a 98% first-time NCLEX pass rate and requires no specific entrance exam like ACT or SAT for admission, focusing instead on general education prerequisites. This 4-year, 120-credit hour on-campus program in Lake Charles, LA, includes hands-on clinical experience, a six-week preceptorship, and state-of-the-art simulation labs, covering anatomy, pharmacology, and ethics. Scholarships are available based on GPA and recommendations, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles in high-demand settings.

• CCNE accredited program.
• 98% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
• 4-year, 120 credit hours.
• On-campus program in LA.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Six-week preceptorship included.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Scholarships available.
• Covers anatomy, pharmacology, ethics.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.