Louisiana LPN to RN/BSN Programs

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 19, 2025

LPNs in Louisiana are turning to LPN to RN programs in order to advance their careers and move up in the nursing field. The state offers both LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN programs to meet this increasing need, as many LPNs are seeing how the autonomy, wider variety of nursing pathways, and higher salaries of RNs can help them reach their goals. RNs in Louisiana make an average of $25,300 more per year than LPNs do, making it an easy choice for many.

If you are looking for more information on the LPN to RN educational pathway, learn about the the NCLEX-RN exam and check out the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for information on licensing and available associations for registered nurses in the state.

2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Louisiana

Looking for the best LPN to RN programs in Louisiana? PracticalNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Start your journey to becoming an RN today with our trusted recommendations. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, LA - Public 4-Year - ulm.edu

Associate - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's LPN to BSN program is tailored for LPNs aiming to elevate their nursing career to a baccalaureate level. This campus-based program merges online flexibility with in-person learning, ideal for working nurses. It requires a Louisiana LPN license, a 2.8 GPA in pre-nursing courses, and covers essential topics like pharmacology and health assessment. The curriculum is designed to broaden nursing competencies, including adult health nursing and practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse roles in healthcare. Admission is available in February and September, offering a structured pathway to a BSN degree.

  • Campus-based program.
  • Requires current LA LPN license.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8 required.
  • Courses in pharmacology and health assessment.
  • Blend of online and campus learning.
  • Total degree hours: 120.
  • Admission deadlines in February and September.
  • Focus on adult health nursing.
  • Includes practical skills training.
  • Prepares for a wide range of nursing roles.
  • Emphasis on theoretical knowledge.
  • Pathway for LPNs to BSN.
  • Comprehensive curriculum.
  • Accommodates working professionals.
  • Includes nursing research course.

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the LPN to BSN program is a rigorous 120-credit journey designed for LPNs seeking a bachelor's degree. This program stands out for its focus on transforming practical experience into academic achievement, with a curriculum that spans pre-nursing, bridge, and professional nursing courses. It emphasizes clinical skills and research-based practice, requiring a 2.8 GPA and a current Louisiana LPN license for admission. Tailored for working professionals, it prepares students for advanced nursing roles through a comprehensive education in healthcare specialties.

  • 120 total credit hours
  • 2-year full-time program
  • Minimum 2.8 GPA required
  • Professional nursing focus
  • LPN license prerequisite
  • Multiple semester progression
  • Clinical skill development
  • Research-based curriculum
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Dillard University

New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - dillard.edu

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Dillard University stands out with its LPN to BSN program, blending hybrid learning for flexibility with a rich curriculum spanning 120 credit hours. It's distinguished by its status as Louisiana's oldest accredited baccalaureate nursing program, emphasizing service learning with a 30-hour community engagement requirement. The program supports LPNs through advanced placement options, cutting-edge simulation labs, and tailored advising, fostering skills in critical thinking and leadership for the evolving healthcare landscape.

  • 120 total credit hours
  • Hybrid learning format
  • State Board of Nursing approved
  • Advanced placement options
  • Service learning requirement
  • Modern nursing simulation labs
  • Personalized academic advising
#3

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Alexandria, LA - Public 4-Year - lsua.edu

Associate - LPN to ASN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Louisiana State University-Alexandria's LPN to ASN program is designed for LPNs ready to elevate their nursing career to the RN level. With a curriculum that blends online prerequisites with on-campus nursing courses, students engage in a comprehensive clinical program lasting three to four semesters, influenced by competency testing results. Clinical experiences are hosted in Rapides Parish, providing real-world nursing practice. The program stands out for its personalized advising, ensuring each student's success from application through graduation. Accredited and offering scholarships like the Lettie Pate, it prepares graduates for diverse nursing roles, including critical care and maternal-child health, with a solid foundation in both theory and practice.

  • LPN to ASN pathway
  • 72 credits for degree
  • Face-to-face and online prerequisites
  • On-campus nursing courses
  • Clinical sites in Rapides Parish
  • Personalized nursing advisor
  • Three to four semesters clinical program
  • Competency testing required
  • Supports transition to RN role
  • Offers Lettie Pate Scholarship
  • Program accreditation available
  • Career opportunities in various nursing fields
  • Includes critical nursing, ER, maternal child nursing
  • Access to School of Nursing Student Handbook
  • Program outcome data provided
#4

McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA - Public 4-Year - mcneese.edu

Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

McNeese State University's LPN-to-BSN program is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This campus-based program seamlessly integrates practical nursing experience with advanced academic training, offering a robust curriculum that covers patient care, leadership, and healthcare innovation. Ideal for working professionals, it provides the flexibility needed to balance studies with employment. Graduates emerge ready to take on higher responsibilities in various healthcare environments, equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the nursing field. 'Requires ACT/SAT' for admission, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the rigorous academic journey ahead.

  • Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree
  • Program for Licensed Practical Nurses
  • Career Advancement Pathway
  • Builds on Existing Nursing Experience
  • Supports Working Nurses
#5

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, LA - Public 4-Year - southeastern.edu

Associate - LPN to RN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southeastern Louisiana University's LPN to RN program is a campus-based initiative designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nurse status. It combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive hands-on clinical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare. The program emphasizes both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, facilitated by direct access to experienced faculty and state-of-the-art resources. Ideal for LPNs looking to elevate their careers, it requires an active LPN license and completion of prerequisite courses for admission.

  • On-campus program
  • LPN to RN transition
  • Focus on practical skills
  • Theoretical knowledge emphasis
  • Hands-on experience
  • Direct faculty access
  • Comprehensive nursing education
  • Admission requires LPN license
  • Prerequisite coursework needed

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Option

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The LPN to BSN Option at Southeastern Louisiana University offers a hybrid learning model, blending online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Tailored for working LPNs, this program provides a flexible route to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, enhancing clinical expertise and opening doors to advanced nursing roles. It leverages students' practical nursing experience while introducing comprehensive BSN curriculum, including leadership and research. This pathway is designed for those aiming to expand their professional scope and impact in healthcare, with a format that accommodates the busy schedules of practicing nurses.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Designed for practicing LPNs
  • Career advancement pathway
  • Flexible learning options
  • Builds on practical nursing experience
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2023).

List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in LA

Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Louisiana. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.

Jump to City:

Alexandria, LA

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

  • Associate - LPN to ASN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ASN pathway
    • 72 credits for degree
    • Face-to-face and online prerequisites
    • On-campus nursing courses
    • Clinical sites in Rapides Parish
    • Personalized nursing advisor
    • Three to four semesters clinical program
    • Competency testing required

Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Entry Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Competitive nursing program entry
    • 27 prerequisite credit hours
    • Minimum 2.8 GPA required
    • TEAS exam minimum 65%
    • Challenge exams for advancement
    • Multiple campus locations
    • SACSCOC accredited program

Bossier City, LA

Bossier Parish Community College

  • Associate - Nursing, LPN to RN Transition Track, AS

    Campus Based - Website

    • 72 total credit hours
    • Designed for practicing LPNs
    • Competitive admission process
    • Extensive clinical experience
    • NCLEX-RN preparation
    • Multiple clinical specialty rotations
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Day program format

Eunice, LA

Louisiana State University-Eunice

  • Associate - LPN to ASN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ASN program.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Advanced standing credit for LPNs.
    • Integrates electronic learning technologies.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Requires unencumbered LPN license.
    • Focuses on compassionate nursing care.

Hammond, LA

Southeastern Louisiana University

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Designed for practicing LPNs
    • Career advancement pathway
    • Flexible learning options
    • Builds on practical nursing experience
  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • On-campus program
    • LPN to RN transition
    • Focus on practical skills
    • Theoretical knowledge emphasis
    • Hands-on experience
    • Direct faculty access
    • Comprehensive nursing education
    • Admission requires LPN license

Lafayette, LA

South Louisiana Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Transition Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated 3-semester pathway
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Clinical rotations in Acadiana
    • ACEN and LSBN accredited
    • Average RN salary $80,760
    • Transfer options available
    • TEAS exam required
    • Financial aid options

Lake Charles, LA

McNeese State University

  • Bachelor's - LPN-to-BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree
    • Program for Licensed Practical Nurses
    • Career Advancement Pathway
    • Builds on Existing Nursing Experience
    • Supports Working Nurses

SOWELA Technical Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
    • Campus-based Associate Degree
    • 74 Total Program Hours
    • Advanced Placement for LPNs
    • National Council Licensure Exam Preparation
    • Summer Semester Entry
    • Comprehensive Clinical Training
    • Prerequisite Courses Required

Monroe, LA

Louisiana Delta Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
    • Two Admission Tracks Available
    • 91.67% NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate
    • Clinical Partnerships with Regional Hospitals
    • 37 Credit Hours Supporting Courses
    • Multiple Campus Locations
    • Science Courses Maximum 5 Years Old

University of Louisiana at Monroe

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • 2-year full-time program
    • Minimum 2.8 GPA required
    • Professional nursing focus
    • LPN license prerequisite
    • Multiple semester progression
    • Clinical skill development
    • Research-based curriculum
  • Associate - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program.
    • Requires current LA LPN license.
    • Minimum GPA of 2.8 required.
    • Courses in pharmacology and health assessment.
    • Blend of online and campus learning.
    • Total degree hours: 120.
    • Admission deadlines in February and September.
    • Focus on adult health nursing.

Natchitoches, LA

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 100% Online Program Option
    • Multiple Campus Locations
    • Flat Rate Tuition
    • Accelerated Completion Path
    • First Louisiana Public Nursing Program
    • Accredited Nursing Program
    • Experienced Nursing Faculty

New Orleans, LA

Delgado Community College

  • Associate - LPN-RN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two program track options
    • Limited enrollment
    • Applicant rating system
    • Guaranteed admission for Delgado PN graduates
    • Selective admission process

Dillard University

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • Hybrid learning format
    • State Board of Nursing approved
    • Advanced placement options
    • Service learning requirement
    • Modern nursing simulation labs
    • Personalized academic advising

Schriever, LA

Fletcher Technical Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ASN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 70 credit hours required
    • Five semester duration
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA required
    • HESI A2 score required
    • Financial aid available

Shreveport, LA

Southern University at Shreveport

  • Associate - Nursing (LPN/RN Fast Track)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Associate Degree in Nursing.
    • Accelerated LPN-RN Track.
    • Eligibility for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Focus on liberal arts and sciences.
    • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
    • Supports professional and personal growth.
    • Recognizes LPN/LVN experience.

Thibodaux, LA

Nicholls State University

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Articulation

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to BSN Articulation track
    • Validates existing nursing credits
    • Accredited nursing program
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
    • Campus-based professional nursing education
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Evidence-based curriculum
*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

Louisiana LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area

Salary Comparison Tool

This tool will allow you to easily search and compare the average salaries of nurses for many cities and locations across the U.S. You can search by city and state. Salary data is provided through the BLS.

Select Career Type

Select State

Select City

The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was retrieved from the BLS for LPNs and RNs in Louisiana.

On average an RN in Louisiana earns $39,918, which is 17% less than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).

City/AreaAvg LPN SalaryAvg RN Salary% Diff
New Orleans, Metairie - LA$42,520$66,73056.9%
Baton Rouge - LA$38,460$60,42057.1%
Shreveport, Bossier City - LA$39,480$64,73064.0%
Lafayette - LA$39,450$62,93059.5%
Alexandria - LA$40,440$63,96058.2%
Monroe - LA$37,810$61,32062.2%
Houma, Thibodaux - LA$39,000$59,48052.5%
Lake Charles - LA$39,180$60,74055.0%
Hammond - LA$40,470$66,27063.8%

Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm