LPN Programs in Louisiana

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.

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:

1. Baton Rouge Community College

   3250 N Acadian Thruway E, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 (866) 217-9823

2. Central Louisiana Technical Community College

   4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 487-5443

3. Central Louisiana Technical Community College

   2100 EE Wallace Boulevard, Ferriday, LA 71334 (318) 757-6501

4. Central Louisiana Technical Community College

   117 LA-1152, Oakdale, LA 71463 (318) 335-3944

5. Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Huey P. Long

   5960 US-167, Winnfield, LA 71483 (318) 628-4342

6. Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter

   15014 Lake Charles Hwy, Leesville, LA 71446 (337) 537-3135

7. Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Rod Brady Extension

   4311 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 628-4342

8. Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Ward H. Nash Avoyelles

   508 Choupique Ln, Cottonport, LA 71327 (318) 876-2801

9. Compass Career College

   42353 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, LA 70403 (985) 419-2050

10. Delgado Community College

    500 N Theard St, Covington, LA 70433 (985) 893-6286

11. Delta College

    7380 Exchange Pl, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 928-7770

12. Delta College

    19231 N 6th St, Covington, LA 70433 (985) 892-6651

13. Delta College

    200 Republic Ave Suite F, Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 988-5455

14. Delta College

    105 Gause Blvd W, Slidell, LA 70460 (985) 643-7730

15. Fletcher Technical Community College

    310 St Charles St, Houma, LA 70360 (985) 857-3655

16. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

    5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 768-1700

17. Louisiana Delta Community College

    7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA 71203 (318) 345-9000

18. Louisiana Delta Community College

    1010 James St, Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 251-4145

19. Louisiana Delta Community College

    132 Old US Hwy 65, Tallulah, LA 71282 (318) 574-4820

20. Louisiana Delta Community College

    609 Vocational Pkwy, West Monroe, LA 71292 (318) 397-6100

21. Louisiana Delta Community College

    1710 Warren St, Winnsboro, LA 71295 (318) 435-2163

22. Louisiana Delta Community College - Margaret Surles Extension

    833 1st St, Lake Providence, LA 71254 (318) 559-0864

23. Northshore Technical Community College - Florida Parishes

    College, Greensburg, LA 70441 (225) 222-4251

24. Northshore Technical Community College Area

    111 Pride Dr, Hammond, LA 70401 (985) 543-4120

25. Northwest Louisiana Technical College

    943 Oxford Rd, Mansfield, LA 71052 (318) 872-2243

26. Northwest Louisiana Technical College

    9500 Industrial Dr, Minden, LA 71055 (318) 371-3035

27. Nunez Community College

    3710 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043 (504) 278-6200

28. River Parishes Community College

    7384 John Leblanc Blvd, Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 675-8270

29. Soewla Technical Community College

    1230 N Main St, Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-4811

30. South Central Louisiana Technical College

    181 Regala Park Rd, Reserve, LA 70084 (985) 536-4418

31. South Louisiana Community College

    1933 W Hutchinson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526 (337) 788-7521

32. South Louisiana Community College

    1101 Bertrand Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506 (337) 521-9000

33. South Louisiana Community College

    332 E South St, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337) 943-1518

34. South Louisiana Community College

    1124 Vocational Dr Ward 1, Ville Platte, LA 70586 (337) 363-2197

35. South Louisiana Community College - Evangeline

    600 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr, St Martinville, LA 70582 (337) 394-6466

36. South Louisiana Community College - Gulf Area

    1301 Clover St, Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-4984

37. Southern University at Shreveport

    3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107 (318) 670-6000

38. Sowela Technical Community College

    3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615 (337) 421-6565

Neighboring States: Arkansas | Mississippi | Texas

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

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 $47,590 per year, which is equal to $22.88 per hour. This is less than the national average pay for LPNs, which is $54,620, or $26.26 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:

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.