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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana Technical Colleges run practical nursing programs across the state at low tuition ($4,000–$7,000). The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners — one of the few states with a dedicated practical nursing board — approves all programs. Ochsner Health, CHRISTUS Health, and Baton Rouge General are the primary clinical partners.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Bossier Parish Community College | Bossier City | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
| Nunez Community College | Chalmette | Community College | 12 months | $5,100 |
| Louisiana Delta Community College | Monroe | Community College | 12 months | $4,800 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Louisiana
No Louisiana LPN program is fully online — the separate Board of Practical Nurse Examiners requires supervised clinical training. Some technical colleges offer hybrid coursework formats, particularly in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metros where working-adult students need scheduling flexibility.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Louisiana residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Louisiana LPN Program
Louisiana has one of the few standalone Boards of Practical Nurse Examiners in the country, reflecting the state's emphasis on dedicated LPN training standards. Prerequisites include TEAS or HESI, background check, and health screening. WIOA eligibility is determined separately through your local career center — apply for funding before enrolling.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Louisiana
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Louisiana
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Louisiana earn an average of $54,610 per year ($26.26/hour). This places Louisiana below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Louisiana typically range from $40,200 for entry-level positions to $68,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Louisiana
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $57,200 |
| Baton Rouge | $55,800 |
| Shreveport | $53,400 |
| Lafayette | $54,100 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Louisiana is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,400 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Louisiana
The majority of LPNs in Louisiana work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Louisiana is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Louisiana
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Louisiana
Louisiana LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Louisiana is unique — it has a separate board for LPNs: the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE), separate from the RN board (LSBN). Louisiana is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing an LSBPNE-approved IV therapy course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted after training
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
- LPNs CANNOT perform IV push medications without specific facility authorization
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Louisiana LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Baton Rouge area |
| Delgado Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in New Orleans metro |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Louisiana Board of Practical Nurse Examiners Contact
- Website: lsbpne.com
- Phone: (225) 765-2269
- Address: 3421 N Causeway Blvd, Suite 203, Metairie, LA 70002
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →