Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/27/2020
Become a Nurse in Louisiana – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Louisiana | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Yes |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Yes |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Louisiana Nursing Salaries
| LA Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Baton Rouge Annual Mean Wage | New Orleans-Metairie Annual Mean Wage | Shreveport-Bossier City Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $39,480 | $38,460 | $42,540 | $39,480 |
Registered Nurse | $63,970 | $60,420 | $66,730 | $64,730 |
Nurse Practitioner | $105,340 | $104,360 | $101,020 | $111,450 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $159,370 | $162,140 | $164,800 | $172,990 |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Louisiana in January 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Louisiana. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Louisiana, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Louisiana nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current.If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Louisiana, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
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Compact State Status
As of July 1, 2019, Louisiana is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Louisiana
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing APRN application for prescriptive authority, advanced practice registered nurses may apply for prescriptive authority for Schedule III-V controlled substances, schedule II non-narcotic for ADD/ADHD, or full II narcotics, in collaboration with a physician. The collaborating physician’s name must be listed on all prescriptions.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Louisiana
APRNs in Louisiana include certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner.
Education: Approved graduate degree or postgraduate award with concentration in respective APRN role and population focus.
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Certification Required: National Certification in Advanced Practice Specialty
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
- $39.25 Criminal Background Fee
- Certification Examination Fee (Varies for Different Certifications)
Endorsement: Individuals who hold equivalent licensure in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement.
Additional Information: An active Louisiana registered nurse license is required for application. If one wishes to apply for licensure in more than one role or population (i.e. FNP and AG-ACNP or CNM and WHNP), an application for APRN licensure and a separate application for licensure in the additional role/population.
Renewal: Renewal period is from October 1 to December 31 of each calendar year. It costs $100 to renew a license. APRNs with prescriptive authority must obtain six contact/credit hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Louisiana
Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program or completed a nursing program that meets or exceeds the educational standards for programs in Louisiana
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
- $39.25 Criminal Background Fee
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $100 application fee and $39.25 fingerprinting fee are required.
Renewal: Renewal period is from October 1 to December 31 of each calendar year. It costs $100 to renew a license. 1600 nursing hours and 5 contact hours are required, or more contact hours if less nursing hours have been met.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Louisiana
Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
- $39.25 Criminal Background Fee
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a licensed practical nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $100 application fee and $39.25 fingerprinting fee are required.
Renewal: Renewal period is from October 1 to December 31 of each calendar year. It costs $100 to renew a license. 1600 nursing hours and 5 contact hours are required, or more contact hours if less nursing hours have been met.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information for the nursing careers above: advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse was retrieved from the Louisiana State Board or Nursing, as of January 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED