Are you looking for a fast, easy way to break into the exciting and rewarding field of nursing? Becoming a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, could be the answer. If you live in Louisiana and would like to kick-start your nursing career by becoming an LPN, completing a state-approved training program is the first step. Below, find useful tips, information and recommendations about LPN programs in this state.
The ease with which you transition into licensed practical nursing largely depends on the quality of the training that you receive. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully investigate the available options to find one that's right for you. First, learn the basics about licensed practical nursing in Louisiana.
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Top LPN Programs in Louisiana
Before you can apply for your LPN license or sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, you must take and pass a state-approved LPN training program. Typically offered by community colleges and vocational schools, these programs usually take 12 to 18 months to complete. It is crucial to select a program that is approved by the Board of Nursing and that has strong NCLEX pass rates. Wading through all of the options can be daunting, so we've handpicked some of the most reputable LPN programs in Louisiana for your convenience:
Baton Rouge Community College
3250 N Acadian Thruway E, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 (866) 217-9823Central Louisiana Technical Community College
4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 487-5443Central Louisiana Technical Community College
2100 EE Wallace Boulevard, Ferriday, LA 71334 (318) 757-6501Central Louisiana Technical Community College
117 LA-1152, Oakdale, LA 71463 (318) 335-3944Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Huey P. Long
5960 US-167, Winnfield, LA 71483 (318) 628-4342Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter
15014 Lake Charles Hwy, Leesville, LA 71446 (337) 537-3135Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Rod Brady Extension
4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 628-4342Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ward H. Nash Avoyelles
508 Choupique Ln, Cottonport, LA 71327 (318) 876-2801Compass Career College
42353 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, LA 70403 (985) 419-2050Delgado Community College
500 N Theard St, Covington, LA 70433 (985) 893-6286Delta College
7380 Exchange Pl, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 928-7770Delta College
19231 N 6th St, Covington, LA 70433 (985) 892-6651Delta College
200 Republic Ave Suite F, Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 988-5455Delta College
105 Gause Blvd W, Slidell, LA 70460 (985) 643-7730Fletcher Technical Community College
310 St Charles St, Houma, LA 70360 (985) 857-3655Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 768-1700Louisiana Delta Community College
7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-9000Louisiana Delta Community College
1010 James St, Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-4145Louisiana Delta Community College
132 Old US Hwy 65, Tallulah, LA 71282 (318) 574-4820Louisiana Delta Community College
609 Vocational Pkwy, West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 397-6100Louisiana Delta Community College
1710 Warren St, Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 435-2163Louisiana Delta Community College - Margaret Surles Extension
833 1st St, Lake Providence, LA 71254 (318) 559-0864Northshore Technical Community College - Florida Parishes
College, Greensburg, LA 70441 (225) 222-4251Northshore Technical Community College Area
111 Pride Dr, Hammond, LA 70401 (985) 543-4120Northwest Louisiana Technical College
943 Oxford Rd, Mansfield, LA 71052 (318) 872-2243Northwest Louisiana Technical College
9500 Industrial Dr, Minden, LA 71055 (318) 371-3035Nunez Community College
3710 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043 (504) 278-6200River Parishes Community College
7384 John Leblanc Blvd, Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 675-8270Soewla Technical Community College
1230 N Main St, Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-4811South Central Louisiana Technical College
181 Regala Park Rd, Reserve, LA 70084 (985) 536-4418South Louisiana Community College
1933 W Hutchinson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526 (337) 788-7521South Louisiana Community College
1101 Bertrand Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506 (337) 521-9000South Louisiana Community College
332 E South St, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337) 943-1518South Louisiana Community College
1124 Vocational Dr Ward 1, Ville Platte, LA 70586 (337) 363-2197South Louisiana Community College - Evangeline
600 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr, St Martinville, LA 70582 (337) 394-6466South Louisiana Community College - Gulf Area
1301 Clover St, Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-4984Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107 (318) 670-6000Sowela Technical Community College
3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615 (337) 421-6565
LPN Programs in Neighboring States:
LPN Licensing Requirements in Louisiana
As is the case across the country, the only way to work as an LPN in Louisiana is by earning an LPN license. There are several requirements to keep in mind, including:
- Completing a state-approved LPN training program. Depending on the program, this may take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
- Submitting an application to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, and ensuring to include proof of U.S. citizenship; official transcripts from your training program; and proof of registration for the NCLEX-PN exam.
- Sitting for and passing the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. It is administered at testing sites around the state on dates throughout the year.
In July 2019, Louisiana joined 30 other states in implementing the NLC. This means you can have one multistate LPN license and practice in any NLC state.
LPN licenses in Louisiana expire every year on January 31, and it is important to renew your license proactively to avoid having it lapse. Note that unlike in many states, no continuing education hours are required for renewal, so the process is typically simple. In fact, you can usually renew your LPN license online. Note that a fee is required for renewal.
Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
When applying for an LPN license in Louisiana, submit your application to the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Note that this is the agency that handles all manner of licensing, so you will contact them for renewals and other matters.
Contact information is as follows:
Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
131 Airline Dr #301, Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: (504) 838-5791
Fax: (504) 838-5279
Website: lsbpne.com
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Louisiana
Before investing significant amounts of time, money and effort into becoming a licensed LPN in Louisiana, you'd probably like to know if your efforts will pay off well enough. After all, the last thing that you need is to go complete all of your training only to learn that jobs are scarce or that pay is below average.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Louisiana earn a median wage of $50,000 per year, which is equal to $24.04 per hour. This is less than the national average pay for LPNs, which is $59,730, or $28.72 per hour. Don't let this discourage you, however, as the cost of living across most parts of Louisiana is quite low.
As far as employment outlook goes, things are looking up for LPNs in Louisiana. According to the BLS, this field is projected to grow by about 10 percent from 2014 through 2024. Although the national growth rate for this field is higher at 16 percent, there are still expected to be around 780 new LPN jobs opening up each year around the state.
LPN Salaries in Louisiana by Area
The amount that you can expect to earn as an LPN in Louisiana will vary based on many factors. Chief among them is geography, which plays a significant role in average pay. Depending on where you live in the state, you may earn more or less than the state average. Here's some info to give you an idea:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie | 3,310 | $27.27 | $56,730 |
| Baton Rouge | 3,040 | $25.80 | $53,670 |
| Lafayette | 2,350 | $22.28 | $46,340 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | 1,900 | $25.49 | $53,030 |
| Monroe | 1,070 | $25.64 | $53,320 |
| Lake Charles | 1,030 | $23.76 | $49,410 |
| Alexandria | 840 | $24.65 | $51,280 |
| Hammond | 570 | $24.22 | $50,380 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | 540 | $24.13 | $50,180 |
Once you've found an LPN program that suits your budget and needs, enroll to be on your way to becoming one of these in-demand health care professionals. You will be sitting for the exam and applying for your license in no time, so start today.
