Accredited nursing degree programs in Louisiana are growing in importance with changes to the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 41,000 registered nurses in the state of Louisiana as of May 2014. The average salary for nurses in the state is $60,230 which comes to almost $30 per hour. It is possible to become a registered nurse without completing an accredited degree program in Louisiana, but many nurses are choosing to do so due to the opportunity for advancement available for nurses with degrees. In fact, Nurse Anesthetists who must complete advanced college degrees have an average salary in Louisiana of almost $141,000 while Nurse Practitioners earn an average of almost $97,000 per year in the state.

Louisiana College

School of Nursing and Allied Health

The School of Nursing and Allied Health at Louisiana College offers students the opportunity to study the health sciences disciplines. Students at the college are provided professional and paraprofessional studies which are grounded in Christian perspective. In addition, programs through the school focus on the entire person and help them develop academic excellence and professional competence. The school offers a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program as well as an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Nursing (B.S.N.)

The Division of Nursing under the School of Nursing and Allied Health at Louisiana College educates students from a Christian perspective built upon the liberal arts. Students are prepared for personal and professional success in nursing leadership as well as a nurse generalist that will allow them to take positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Students integrate knowledge, values and attitudes in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and nursing. They develop knowledge to assimilate the Neuman Systems Model within a nursing practice in order to promote wellness. Students coordinate care in collaboration of a healthcare team to learn complex problem solving skills, how influences change health and activities in facilities that affect outcomes for families and individuals. Upon graduation, students are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become a licensed registered nurse in the state of Louisiana.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Dr. Kimberly J. Sharp, RN, PhD
Dean, School of Nursing and Allied Health
Cavanaugh Hall, Second Floor
LC Box 556
Pineville LA 71359
Telephone: 318-487-7127
Website: http://www.lacollege.edu/academics/programs/nursing-bsn

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at Louisiana State University Sciences Center is the only nursing school in Louisiana with an academic health sciences center. The school is engaged in academic partnerships with clinical affiliations to ensure that graduates are able to bridge the gap between nursing education and nursing practice. The vision of the school is to be a leader of excellence in nursing education, research, practice, service and community outreach. There are three BSN programs available, including the traditional program, the Career Alternative Registered Nurse Education program for students who already hold an RN degree and the RN to BSN degree program. Students are able to engage in clinical nursing education in settings throughout the community and faculty remain current in clinical nursing practice.

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the School of Nursing at LSU Health is a three-year track of study. Class size is limited and admission is very competitive. Students develop skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the healthcare profession including health promotion, risk prevention, prevention of illness and disease as well as illness management. Students learn to assist patients through the healthcare system while also developing knowledge of information technology, human diversity, global healthcare and policy in providing care. Students must have completed 34 hours of required pre-nursing courses and must have a grade point average of 2.8 in order to be eligible for admission. Students must also successfully complete the HESI Admission Assessment Examination and provide a written statement that explains why they chose nursing, their reasons for wanting to attend LSUHSC and how they will contribute to the mission and vision of the School of Nursing.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

LSUHSC School of Nursing
Office of the Dean
1900 Gravier Street, 4th Floor
New Orleans LA 70112
Telephone: 504-568-4106
Email: nsstuaffairs@lsuhsc.edu
Website: http://nursing.lsuhsc.edu/academicprograms/undergraduate/bsn/bsn.html

Loyola University New Orleans

School of Nursing

The Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing educates professional nurses based on Jesuit values. Graduates are prepared to lead change and translate science into practice with a global outlook on the profession. Students who attend Loyola become innovators in nursing and are prepared for leadership positions in healthcare. The school offers four nursing degrees, including:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • BLEND Program (Bridge to MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Health Care Systems Management
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Loyola University New Orleans is designed for those who hold associate degrees or diplomas in nursing who want to enhance their careers in the healthcare field. Students are provided a broad-based liberal studies program in the Jesuit tradition. The program is 121 semester hours although Loyola does not offer lower division courses. All lower division requirements must be transferred from another accredited college or university. The last 30 credit hours must be completed at Loyola. Courses are available online and students may enter the program during any semester. Flexible practicums are arranged for students who have work, family and social obligations and deferral plans are offered for students with employer reimbursement programs.

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

School of Nursing
6363 St. Charles Avenue
Campus Box 45
New Orleans LA 70118
Telephone: 504-865-2643
Email: nursing@loyno.edu
Website: http://css.loyno.edu/nursing/bachelor-science-nursing

McNeese State University

College of Nursing

The College of Nursing provides education that enables graduates to improve the health and well-being on a global scale. Students are encouraged to become lifelong learners and to enhance the nursing profession. Coursework includes skills such as critical thinking, communication, therapeutic interventions, role development, professionalism and service to the community. All programs are designed with the success of the individual student in mind.

BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the McNeese College of Nursing prepares students to enter into the nursing profession as a generalist, but with the skills to assume leadership roles to improve quality care. Graduates are able to provide safe, quality patient care using effective communication, nursing interventions while also promoting, maintaining restoring health or offering palliative end-of-life care. Students are able to function independently and are asked to commit to community service through education, social policy development, research and improvement of healthcare development. In order to be admitted to the clinical nursing sequence, students must have completed 50 semester hours of non-nursing courses and have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher in all courses. Students must have completed all non-nursing courses with a “C” or better and pass the required nursing admission test.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for American Association Colleges of Nursing

Contact

McNeese State University
College of Nursing
4205 Ryan Street
Hardner Hall
PO Box 90415
Lake Charles LA 70609-0415
Telephone: 337-475-5820 or 800-622-3352, Extension 5048
Email: bpeterson@mcneese.edu
Website: https://www.mcneese.edu/nursing/undergraduate

Nicholls State University

College of Nursing and Allied Health

The College of Nursing and Allied Health at Nicholls State University understands what a vital profession nursing is which is why they prepare graduates to make a difference in society. Students are prepared to enter an industry that is exploding, advancing and expanding as society changes. Graduates are ready to meet the challenges of healthcare not only in their community but on a global scale as well.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares graduates for entry-level positions in many different healthcare settings. In addition, students are prepared to further their education at the graduate level as well. The passage rates on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination by graduates of the Nicholls program exceed both the state and national averages and the faculty are focused on the future of every student who enters the program. In fact, students develop a connection with an assigned faculty member who follows them throughout their BSN program. Students must complete the first 35 hours of their BSN curriculum with at grade no lower than “C” and have a grade point average of no less than 2.75 in the first 35 hours of curriculum. Transfer students must meet minimum admission and progression requirements for the BSN program and must provide a letter from the nursing program from which they transfer stating they are in good standing as well as that they are eligible for readmission should they choose to do so.

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

College of Nursing and Allied Health
161 Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall
PO Box 2143
Thibodaux LA 70310
Telephone: 985-448-4696
Email: lauren.lasserre@nicholls.edu
Website: http://www.nicholls.edu/nursing/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

College of Nursing

The College of Nursing at Northwestern State University of Louisiana provides well-educated, highly skilled nurses. The school is aligned with hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations as well as national nursing associations. Northwestern was the first public institution to establish bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the state of Louisiana. They not only offer nursing courses at their main campus in Natchitoches, but also in Shreveport, Alexandria, and Leesville/Fort Polk. The first students attended the nursing school in 1949 and faculty consists of experienced healthcare professionals who are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Of the 120 credit hours required to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, 64 credits must be in the nursing major. Courses required to complete the degree include:

  • Behavioral Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Communication
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Nursing – 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses
  • Allied Health
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Fine Arts
  • History

Students who complete the program are prepared for entry-level positions in the nursing profession with the ability to either move into leadership positions or continue their education at the graduate level. Graduates are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Northwestern State University
175 Sam Sibley Drive
Natchitoches LA 71497
Telephone: 318-357-6011 or 800-327-1903
Website: https://nursing.nsula.edu/bachelor-in-nursing-bsn-program/

Southeastern Louisiana University

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides students with knowledge and skills in a wide range of health professions, including:

  • Nursing
  • Speech Language Pathology
  • Health
  • Wellness and Fitness
  • Human Development

Students are prepared to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry. More than 3,700 students are enrolled at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. In addition, the college has partnerships with more than 100 agencies who provide students with hands-on opportunities in a diverse population. The nursing school is recognized as a leader in the preparation of qualified, dedicated nurses. At the undergraduate level, students may choose from a traditional degree, an accelerated option, LPN to RN programs or an RN to BSN program. At the graduate level, students may choose a master’s or doctorate level degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The School of Nursing offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. There are approximately 60 hours of prerequisites required prior to entering the nursing program. Admission to the clinical nursing program requires submission of an application to the School of Nursing and is based on a cumulative GPA on required prerequisite courses.

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Southeastern Louisiana University
Office of Admissions
Hammond LA 70402
Telephone: 800-222-7358 or 985-549-5637
Email: admissions@southeastern.edu
Website: http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/depts/nurs/undergrad_degree/index.hml

Southern University and A&M College

School of Nursing

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences was granted approval by the Louisiana Board of Nursing in 1985 and now offers four degrees in the nursing profession. The school has four funded Endowed Professorships through the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the Louisiana State Board of Regents and three area healthcare agencies. In addition the School of Nursing was recently named “Nursing School of the Year” for the second time in the past three years by the Louisiana State Nurses Association and Louisiana Nursing Foundation.

Undergraduate Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Southern enhances a student’s professional development and prepares new nurses for a broader scope of practice. Students are provided an in-depth understanding of social sciences, research, public health, management and the humanities. Students are also provided knowledge related to culture, politics, economics and social issues that can have an impact on the nursing profession. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.60 on all university coursework and have a minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite nursing courses.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Colleges of the southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

BSN Program
Southern University and A&M College
School of Nursing
PO Box 11784
Baton Rouge LA 70813
Telephone: 225-771-4500
Website: http://www.subr.edu/index.cfm/page/75/n/220

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

College of Nursing & Allied Health Professionals

The College of Nursing & Allied Health Professionals offers education based in hands-on experience with a global focus. Students may choose degree programs in nursing, dietetics, health information management, health services administration and pre-dental hygiene as well as nursing. The college understands that there are a range of specialties as diverse as the student population and strives to prepare graduates for the challenges they will face in their chosen healthcare profession.

Nursing

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Nursing & Allied Health Professionals offers a BSN degree program. Students are prepared for the changing world of nursing and prepares graduates to become leaders in the profession. Students develop the skills to advance in their nursing career or to further their education at the graduate level. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse but should review the requirements in Louisiana and other states before applying for the examination.

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
V.L. Wharton Hall Room 254
411 East Saint Mary Boulevard
Lafayette LA 70503
Telephone: 337-482-5604
Email: nursing_student_services@louisiana.edu
Website: http://nursing.louisiana.edu/node/22

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Kitty DeGree School of Nursing

The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing was founded in 1960 in response to a need for increased health services. At that time, it was known as the Department of Nursing and offered the only professional nursing program in northeastern Louisiana. In 2012, the school was named after a local philanthropist, Kitty DeGree. Over 28 years, Ms. DeGree became the largest individual donor to the university, resulting in the creation of several signature facilities including the Kitty DeGree Speech and Hearing Center, the College of Pharmacy Library and the Kitty DeGree Clock Tower. She received an honorary Doctorate of Law in 1989. Graduates of the DeGree School of Nursing are prepared to work in a wide range of nursing environments. On five separate occasions since 2008, graduates have scored 100 percent on the NCLEX.

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact

Kitty DeGree School of Nursing
700 University Avenue
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe LA 71209
Telephone: 318-342-1640
Email: doughty@ulm.edu
Website: http://www.ulm.edu/nursing/

With the healthcare industry growing and the population aging, the need for nurses will continue to increase over the next ten years. Those who successfully complete accredited nursing degree programs will have more success than those who do not complete such degrees.