Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana

McNeese State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration provides a comprehensive 42-45 credit hour program designed for ambitious nursing professionals. This meticulously structured curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with evidence-based practice, emphasizing primary care excellence. Students navigate rigorous coursework in health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and pathophysiology, complemented by family health practicums. The program's flexible online format accommodates working nurses, with strict academic standards including a 3.0 GPA requirement and six-year completion timeline. Graduates emerge as advanced practice nurses prepared for leadership roles in family healthcare delivery.

• 42-45 credit hours
• 100% online
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• 6-year completion limit
• B or better grades required
• Includes practicum courses
• Thesis or project option
• Advanced practice preparation
• Leadership and policy included

McNeese State University's online MSN with Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an intensive 48-51 credit hour program for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. This comprehensive curriculum delves into critical domains including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and comprehensive health assessment. Designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and provides flexible scholarly project or thesis options. Students gain sophisticated theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing complex psychiatric conditions, positioning graduates as highly trained mental health professionals prepared for advanced clinical practice and transformative patient care.

• 48-51 credit hours
• 100% online
• Psychiatric/Mental Health focus
• BSN and RN license required
• 3.0 GPA maintenance
• Scholarly project or thesis
• Covers psychopharmacology
• Includes health assessment
• Focuses on psychotherapy
• Prepares for advanced practice

McNeese State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing delivers a cutting-edge, hybrid educational experience tailored for working advanced practice nurses. This three-year program strategically balances online flexibility with minimal on-campus requirements, enabling professionals to advance their psychiatric nursing expertise. Graduates are uniquely positioned to address critical mental health workforce shortages, gaining comprehensive clinical training through 510 practicum hours. The program emphasizes leadership development, diverse patient population care, and prepares students to pursue Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification, representing a transformative pathway for ambitious nursing professionals.

• 3-year hybrid DNP program
• 50-99% online coursework
• 510 clinical practicum hours
• Louisiana State Board approved
• Practice-based doctorate approach
• Work with expert faculty
• Care for diverse patient populations
• Leadership skill development

Addressing critical healthcare workforce gaps, Northwestern State University's Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Master's Certificate represents an innovative educational pathway for experienced nurses. The program strategically targets professionals aiming to expand clinical capabilities in adult and geriatric patient populations. Utilizing a predominantly online curriculum with integrated hybrid clinical components, students can efficiently advance their nursing careers. The program's condensed 3-4 semester timeline provides a streamlined route to national certification and advanced practice registered nurse licensure, positioning graduates at the forefront of acute care nursing specialization.

• Only Louisiana AGACNP post-graduate certificate
• Flexible online and hybrid format
• 3-4 semester completion time
• Prepares for national certification
• Addresses critical nursing shortage

Northwestern State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program across the lifespan offers a transformative educational experience for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This comprehensive hybrid program equips students with sophisticated clinical skills to deliver holistic psychiatric care in diverse healthcare environments. With an illustrious nursing education legacy spanning decades, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to address complex mental health challenges for patients of all ages. Students receive rigorous training that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical clinical application in mental health nursing.

• Hybrid program format
• Comprehensive lifespan mental health focus
• Advanced practice nursing preparation
• Part of accredited nursing college
• Graduate-level mental health specialization

Northwestern State University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner provides experienced registered nurses an opportunity to elevate their clinical expertise in acute patient care settings. This strategic program focuses on developing advanced diagnostic skills, complex medical intervention techniques, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Graduates are comprehensively prepared to manage challenging health conditions, prescribe targeted interventions, and successfully challenge national certification examinations. The hybrid program's flexible structure enables completion in as few as four semesters, accommodating working professionals seeking specialized advanced practice nursing credentials.

• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Hybrid program format
• Personalized curriculum planning
• National certification preparation
• Acute care nurse practitioner focus

Loyola University's Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an innovative hybrid educational experience focused on advanced mental healthcare. Spanning eight semesters with year-round enrollment, this comprehensive program prepares students to deliver patient-centered, culturally-responsive psychiatric services across the lifespan. Students complete 860 supervised clinical hours, combining online coursework with intensive on-campus experiences. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice interventions and develops sophisticated skills in advanced psychiatric care. Graduates become eligible for national certification, positioning themselves as highly skilled mental health professionals prepared to address complex psychological healthcare needs.

• Hybrid coursework delivery.
• 860 supervised clinical hours.
• Eight semesters completion time.
• Eligible for national certification.
• Starts Fall 2025.
• Patient-centered care focus.
• Culturally-responsive mental healthcare.
• Evidence-based practice interventions.
• Online and on-campus components.
• Prepares for advanced psychiatric services.

Loyola University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner represents an innovative 63-credit online program strategically designed for advanced nursing professionals. This comprehensive curriculum transforms healthcare delivery by integrating cutting-edge clinical skills, leadership expertise, and evidence-based practice knowledge. Spanning 36 months, the program targets BSN-prepared nurses seeking specialized primary care training. Students will develop advanced clinical competencies, engage in scholarly project development, and prepare for national certification exams through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center. The fully online format ensures flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

• 63 total program credits
• Fully online format
• 36-month completion time
• Advanced clinical specialization
• Prepares for national certification
• Comprehensive DNP core courses
• Multiple clinical practicums

Loyola University's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a sophisticated hybrid educational pathway for experienced nurses seeking specialized acute care expertise. This advanced doctoral-level program prepares healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, high-quality interventions for adult and geriatric patients experiencing complex medical conditions. Through intensive academic training and practical experiences, students develop sophisticated diagnostic reasoning, advanced clinical skills, and patient management techniques. The curriculum emphasizes specialized acute care interventions, positioning graduates to make significant contributions in challenging healthcare environments and improve patient outcomes across critical care settings.

• Hybrid program format
• Advanced nursing specialization
• Focuses on acute care
• Doctoral level preparation
• Prepares specialized practitioners

Loyola University's BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive 48-credit hybrid pathway for critical care nurses pursuing advanced practice specialization. This rigorous curriculum prepares nurses to manage complex medical needs of adult and geriatric patients through extensive didactic coursework and a minimum of 600 supervised practicum hours. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills specifically tailored to acute healthcare environments, with a strategic focus on preparing for AGACNP certification. The program bridges academic knowledge with practical expertise, enabling graduates to excel in high-intensity clinical settings and deliver exceptional patient-centered care.

• 48 credit hybrid program
• Minimum 600 practicum hours
• Critical care nursing focus
• AGACNP certification preparation
• Advanced clinical skills training

Loyola University's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program represents a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced healthcare leadership roles. This meticulously designed curriculum covers primary care across all age groups, integrating advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program ensures high-quality educational standards while preparing students for Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams. By blending sophisticated clinical practice with leadership development, graduates emerge as versatile healthcare professionals capable of delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care and driving meaningful healthcare innovations.

• Online program
• Accredited by CCNE
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Covers primary care for all ages
• Includes advanced health assessment
• Focuses on pharmacology and pathophysiology
• Designed for career advancement
• Blends practice with leadership skills

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a robust educational pathway for experienced RNs seeking advanced practice. Spanning 40 credit hours, the hybrid program equips students with comprehensive primary care skills across patient lifecycles. With a minimum 2.8 GPA and two years of nursing experience, students undergo intensive clinical training, completing 640 supervised hours. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice preparation, national certification readiness, and prescriptive authority development. Flexible full-time and part-time tracks accommodate diverse professional schedules, making it an ideal choice for nurses committed to expanding their healthcare expertise.

• 40 credit hours required
• Minimum 640 clinical hours
• Applications due March 1st
• Full-time and part-time options
• National certification preparation
• RN license required
• Minimum 2.8 GPA
• Two years RN experience
• Primary care focus
• Advanced practice preparation

University of Louisiana at Monroe's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers specialized advanced nursing education. Designed for seasoned RNs, this hybrid MSN program focuses on comprehensive adult and geriatric healthcare management. Students engage in 640 clinical hours, mastering health promotion, disease prevention, and intricate care strategies. The curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, global health perspectives, and health policy insights. With a 2.75 GPA requirement and two years of nursing experience, graduates are positioned for national certification and advanced practice licensure, positioning them as critical healthcare professionals in adult primary care settings.

• Hybrid program format
• 640 clinical hours required
• Advanced nursing practice focus
• National certification preparation
• Two year RN experience needed
• Minimum 2.75 GPA required
• Advanced pathophysiology training
• Health policy and global health
• Adult/geriatric primary care

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's campus-based Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice. This intensive 40-credit curriculum covers patient care from infancy through geriatrics, emphasizing health management and disease prevention. Students complete 640 clinical contact hours, gaining hands-on experience across diverse healthcare environments. Admission requires a current RN license, two years of professional experience, and a 2.8 GPA. Notably, GRE scores may be required for applicants with GPAs below 2.8. The program prepares graduates for APRN licensure and national certification, offering a strategic career advancement opportunity.

• 40 credit hours required
• 640 clinical contact hours
• Prepares for APRN licensure
• Focus on primary care
• Covers all age groups
• Requires BSN degree
• Current RN license needed
• Two years RN experience
• 2.8 minimum GPA
• GRE for GPA below 2.8

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers a comprehensive online curriculum preparing nurses for advanced primary care roles across patient lifespans. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program meets Louisiana licensure requirements and emphasizes healthcare delivery in professional shortage areas. Requiring a BSN and active RN license, students receive a blended theoretical and practical education focused on prevention and comprehensive patient care. The program's flexible structure supports working professionals seeking APRN licensure and national certification in family nursing practice.

• Online program format.
• Prepares for APRN licensure.
• Focus on primary care.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Louisiana licensure requirements.
• BSN and RN required.
• Competitive program costs.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• National certification eligibility.
• Diverse healthcare settings.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-MSN Certificate offers an intensive online program targeting experienced nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. Designed for professionals with existing MSN credentials, this 20-credit hour program demands a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA and provides comprehensive training in psychiatric diagnostics and psychopharmacology. Students complete 510 direct patient care hours, positioning graduates for national certification. The program's competitive flat-rate tuition of $480 per credit and fully online format make it attractive for working healthcare professionals seeking specialized mental health practice credentials.

• 100% Online Graduate Certificate
• 20 Total Credit Hours
• 510 Direct Patient Care Hours
• Flat-rate Tuition $480/Credit
• Requires Prior MSN Degree
• 4 Semester Completion Track
• National Certification Eligible
• Advanced Practice Specialization
• Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA
• Clinical Preceptor Experiences