How to Become an RN in Louisiana: 5 Steps

Ready to learn how to become an RN in Louisiana? The process includes earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX exam, and applying for licensure — plus understanding state-specific requirements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

The Pelican State offers numerous benefits for healthcare professionals, including a strong job market, an affordable cost of living, and the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings — from world-class hospitals in New Orleans to community clinics in rural parishes. Let’s explore how to become an RN here, from getting licensed to starting your first nursing job.

How to Become an RN in Louisiana: Interesting Facts

• High demand: Louisiana’s healthcare system faces a nursing shortage, requiring thousands of new RNs annually to fill the gap.
• Top-rated healthcare facilities: Louisiana is home to prestigious hospitals, including the nationally recognized Ochsner Medical Center.
• Affordable cost of living: Louisiana’s cost of living is about 10% lower than the national average, meaning you’ll likely be able to make more of your paycheck.
• Quality of life: Louisiana is home to beautiful beaches, numerous parks, scenic bayous, and lively festivals like Mardi Gras.
• Great for families: Louisiana is a family-friendly state, with affordable housing, strong community ties, and quality schools.

Becoming an RN in Louisiana: A Snapshot Into the Role

There are many exciting opportunities waiting for you once you complete the steps for how to become an RN. In Louisiana, RNs can work in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health, and community care facilities. While your specific job duties will vary based on the work setting, some of the core responsibilities include:

• Provide patient care: Conducting patient assessments, administering treatments, managing medications, and developing care plans.
• Educate patients and families: Teaching about disease management, explaining treatment options, and providing guidance on adopting healthier habits.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams: Working closely with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best patient outcomes.
• Assist in emergency situations: Participating in code blue events, stabilizing critically ill patients, and responding to national or local disasters.
• Advocate for patients: Helping patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring they understand their rights and receive the appropriate care and attention.
• Maintain accurate documentation: Maintaining up-to-date patient charts, entering progress notes into electronic records, and witnessing informed consent.

Moreover, your day-to-day duties can vary widely based on your nursing specialty. Here are a few examples to consider:

• Geriatric nursing
• Labor and delivery nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Oncology nursing
• Operating room nursing
• Pediatric nursing

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Louisiana?

It takes two to four years to become an RN, depending on your education path. Below is a breakdown of each option and how long it typically takes:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year program commonly offered at community colleges and focused on core nursing skills and patient care.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program offered at universities and nursing schools that provides a comprehensive education, including leadership and research.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN): A fast-track option for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, which commonly takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
• Bridge program: A pathway designed for individuals with prior medical education, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or paramedics. It typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete and builds on existing skills.

How to Become an RN in Louisiana: 5 Steps

Now that you know the education options, let’s break down the essential steps involved in earning an RN license in Louisiana.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

The first step toward becoming a licensed RN in Louisiana is enrolling in and completing an accredited nursing program. Whether you choose an ADN or a BSN, your education will provide the foundation for patient care, medical procedures, and ethical decision-making. Be sure to select a program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) to ensure eligibility for licensure.

Louisiana has a variety of nursing programs to choose from. Here are some top-ranking programs to consider:

Nursing school is an investment in your future, but that doesn’t mean it has to drain your savings. Here are some practical ways to fund your nursing degree without overwhelming your budget:

• Explore nursing scholarships and grants.
• Enroll in a federal work-study program.
• Apply for student nurse jobs in LA to boost both your income and resume.
• Research student loans.
• Consider programs offering loan repayment assistance.
• Explore employer-sponsored tuition assistance opportunities.

Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

The next big step in your journey of how to earn your RN license in Louisiana is to pass the NCLEX-RN — the essential exam that evaluates your nursing knowledge and skills. This exam is a critical milestone, ensuring you’re equipped to provide safe and effective care to patients across various healthcare settings.

Here are the steps to successfully navigate this step:

• Submit an application through the Louisiana Nurse Portal. You’ll be required to fill in the form and submit the supporting documents (such as a copy of a current government-issued photo identification and proof of residency) and pay a $100 application fee.
• Mail the Affidavit of Verification to the LSBN, making sure it is original, signed, and notarized.
• Complete the criminal background check through the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by submitting your fingerprints at an IdentoGO location of your choice.
• Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE, the official exam provider, and wait for your authorization to test (ATT) to pick the date and time of your test. The registration fee is $200.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The test consists of 85 to 150 questions, and you’ll have up to five hours to finish.

Tip: If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake it. However, if you’ve attempted the exam four times without success, or if it’s been over four years since you graduated, you’ll need to meet additional requirements before reapplying for RN licensure in Louisiana.

Step 3: Wait for Your Louisiana RN License

After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you’ll need to wait for the LSBN to review your application and process your license. You can check the status of your RN license by visiting the LSBN verification portal. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your RN license, officially granting you the authority to begin professional practice.

As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Louisiana offers its RNs the benefit of a multistate license, which allows them to practice in over 40 states. This flexibility gives you access to career opportunities across the nation and travel nursing assignments.

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

The journey of learning how to become an RN in Louisiana ends with an exciting milestone — finding your first RN job in Louisiana. With healthcare making up 16.8% of the state’s total employment, Louisiana offers a wealth of opportunities across major hospitals, specialty clinics, and research-driven institutions. Check out these hospitals to start your job search journey:

• Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
• LCMC Health
• Northlake Behavioral Health System
• Oceans Healthcare
• Ochsner Health
• Opelousas General Health System
• Terrebonne General Health System
• Rapides Regional Medical Center
• St. Tammany Health System
• Willis Knighton Health

If bedside care isn’t your cup of tea, you can explore opportunities in local care centers like Louisiana Community Care, government facilities such as the Louisiana Department of Health, and research institutions like Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Need to update your RN resume? Discover tips to help you catch employers’ attention:

Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date

You’ll need to renew your Louisiana nursing license every two years by completing at least 30 continuing education hours or 900 hours of clinical practice, along with submitting a renewal application. Staying up to date with your license ensures that you remain current with the latest practices and standards in healthcare.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Louisiana?

On average, RNs in Louisiana earn around $84,110 a year. However, your salary can vary depending on factors like experience, education, and the type of healthcare setting you work in.

Salaries may be higher in larger cities. To get started on your job search, consider exploring opportunities in Louisiana’s five most populous cities:

• New Orleans
• Bouton Rouge
• Shreveport
• Metairie
• Lafayette

Helpful Resources for Louisiana Nurses

Still have questions about how to become a registered nurse in Louisiana and launch a successful career? Here are some valuable resources to help you find the answers:

• Louisiana Hospital Association
• Louisiana League for Nursing
• Louisiana Nurse Practice Act
• Louisiana Organization for Nursing Leadership
• Louisiana State Nurses Association

Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?

You’ve mastered how to become an RN in Louisiana — now it’s time to explore opportunities that match your skills and preferences. Receive IntelyCare’s job alerts to stay updated on the latest RN openings in your specialty and preferred location.