BSN Programs in Louisiana
By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021
Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in the United States, where the more training and experience gained; the better job opportunities an employee will receive. Graduates of a BSN program in Louisiana not only take courses that expand their knowledge of human anatomy, medical procedures, and patient care, but they also come closer to assuming job positions that demand a higher level of responsibility, such as operating room nurse or nurse educator at a community college.
Schools With BSN Programs in Louisiana
- The School of Nursing at Grambling State University (GSU) has both a traditional four-year BSN program, as well as the RN to BSN Flexible Option Program. The nursing curriculum at GSU is broken down into two parts: pre-nursing (three academic semesters) and professional nursing courses (five academic semesters). Some of the pre-nursing courses that a student may take include History, Biology, English, Math, and Chemistry. Afterward, they will encounter a nursing core that explores subjects, such as Child Health Nursing, Management in Nursing, and Abnormal Psychology.
- After fulfilling general education requirements, registered nurses pursuing an RN-to-BSN degree at Grambling State typically complete the program in two semesters. The BSN programs at the university are approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, as well as accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
- Classes for the Generic BSN program at William Carey University are taken through the Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing, which also offers instruction on three different campuses after a student has completed their pre-requisite course requirements. Students are allowed to apply only to one campus program, where they will take all of their nursing courses. Admission to the BSN program is competitive and entry is based on a pre-admission TEAS exam score that is administered on the Hattiesburg or Tradition campus. Offered twice yearly, an appointment is needed to take the test on the date designated by each campus.
- The School of Nursing at Louisiana State University-Health Sciences Center (New Orleans) provides a four-year BSN curriculum that is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students may fulfill any required pre-nursing courses from an accredited college or university before submitting a separate application for admission through the Office of Student Affairs. To graduate, students must satisfy 123 semester hours related to the curriculum, which includes a required 60 semester hours of upper-division credit courses at the 3000-4000 level. The RN-to-BSN program at the University is designed specifically to educate an RN who possesses an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing.
- Students pursuing a BSN from Northwestern State University of Louisiana take classes through the College of Nursing & Allied Health. The school offers a four-year traditional degree option, as well as other specific baccalaureate nursing degree programs, such as an LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN for nurses who already have some sort of credentials under his or her belt. The BSN Program was actually the first program in Louisiana to gain accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and is currently accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Students attending the traditional four-year BSN program offered through the School of Nursing at Southeastern Louisiana will complete approximately 60 hours of pre-requisites before entering the clinical nursing portion of the curriculum. The University also offers alternative bachelor’s degree options for aspiring healthcare professionals. For instance, students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field will enter the University’s accelerated BSN program. There are also RN-to-BS and LPN-to-BS programs.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a BSN program for traditional four-year students (eight semesters), as well as RNs interesting in getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The flexible RN-to-BSN program is for registered nurses who already have an associate degree. Offered 100% online and with multiple start dates throughout the year, RNs can earn their degree in 12 months.
- The College of Nursing at McNeese State University offers a BSN program comprised of 120 credits divided amongst 52 general education credits and 68 nursing major credit hours. During a student’s first and second semesters, he or she will complete courses, such as Introduction to Biology I, Introduction to Psychology, Integrated Chemistry, and Psychology of Human Development.
Louisiana BSN Checklist
- Apply to a college or university that offers an appropriate accredited BSN program for an applicant’s current circumstances – such as entering a second degree BSN program when possessing a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- Upon graduation, pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam in Louisiana.
- Gain licensure as a registered nurse in Louisiana – submit an application to the Louisiana Board of Nursing, and pay the application fee of $100 and $45.50 fee for a background check.
- When applicable, renew RN license every year.
- Based on employment, RNs must complete five, 10, or 15 contact hours every year as part of continuing education requirements for the state of Louisiana.
Degree Guides
Louisiana Nurse Salary & Job Outlook
Across the nation, the majority of RNs with a baccalaureate degree typically make more money than nurses with an associate degree or nursing diploma. Because of the skills and experience they acquire during a bachelor’s degree program, RNs tend to face a higher chance of being employed in specialty medical offices and surgical hospitals that pay more money. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)reports that registered nurses working in Louisiana typically earn a median salary of $61,260.
The student that earns a BSN degree by taking online courses or attending classes on a college campus gains an education centered on how to administer effective, compassionate nursing care. Nowadays, an increasing number of healthcare professionals are exploring their options in distance learning so that they may enjoy a more flexible schedule while still being able to work while taking classes.
Additional Louisiana Program Rankings
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