Nursing Schools and Degrees in Louisiana, LA
There are many options for nurse education within the state of Louisiana. Specifically, there are 25 RN programs, as listed by the Louisiana Center for Nursing, with about half offering a Bachelor’s Degree option—of course, it is usually possible to exit early and take the NCLEX-PN and become a Licensed Practical Nurse in many of these education programs. For LPN specific training, the Louisiana State Board of Licensed Practical Nurse Examiners lists 44 LPN-specific training program locations throughout the state. With this many options, it is in your best interest to explore several different colleges and campuses at the very least to see which is right for you—differences in pricing, courses, NCLEX pass rates and more could make a big difference on which school best suits your needs.
Nursing Schools Through Online Degree Programs in Louisiana
The fact that the Louisiana Center for Nursing lists so many accredited nursing schools is almost as helpful as it is overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start in deciding which program to attend in Louisiana. Fortunately, the process doesn’t have to be daunting, especially with a few simple steps to complete. The first step is to decide whether a traditional classroom or distance education program is best for you.
Advantages of Online Nursing Schools
In the not-too-distant past, earning an education on the internet was unheard of, especially in a highly specialized field such as nursing. Thanks to a boom in technology and online programs that seamlessly incorporate didactic coursework with hands-on training, earning an online nursing degree isn’t just possible; it’s often the most convenient.
- When you enroll in an online nursing school, you immediately become a part of a unique classroom. You will likely find your communication skills improve through online discussions and interactions. This is because you will have to rely solely on written word, without the use of body language or facial cues.
- Nurses are required to work independently in their careers and need to possess self-confidence to do so. Because of the independence required of online nursing programs, you will sharpen your self-discipline skills and be that much more ahead of the game when you enter your career.
- Taking online nursing courses does not mean abandoning everything else in life. Thanks to the flexibility of online education programs, you can choose when you study and take exams. This means attending family functions and not having to quit your job.
Online Nursing Degrees
When you are researching which online nursing school to attend, it is helpful to know what nursing degrees they offer. This is particularly helpful if you want to return to the online nursing school at a later date in order to advance your online nursing degree. The following are the most widely pursued online nursing degrees.
- Earning a Diploma in Licensed Practical Nursing takes about a year. After graduation, students are prepared to assist registered nurses and doctors and may have some interaction with patients.
- An Associate’s Degree in Nursing involves more in-depth instruction, including hands-on clinical training and takes approximately two years. Following graduation, students sit for the NCLEX, a national registered nursing certification exam. A passing grade on the NCLEX earns the student licensure as a registered nurse.
- The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program takes four years to complete and involves more intense medical training. Often, students who earn a BSN do so in order to work toward an MSN.
- After completing the seven-year Master of Science in Nursing program, students are highly trained in a specialized area of nursing. Most have earned their MSN to work as a nurse practitioner and take a national certification exam to be able to do so.
Career Expectations For Nurses in Louisiana
Reports predict that the registered nursing occupation will expand significantly in the coming years thanks, in large part, to technology. [1] In Louisiana, a state that boasts 900 registered nurses per 100,000 population, there will likely be a need for nurses in the years to come as well.[2] As current registered nurses retire, advance within their careers, leave the occupation, or relocate, their positions will need to be filled.
Registered nurses in Louisiana earn between $53,540 and $62,640, depending upon the area within the state.[3] When you compare these wage reports to the $42,528 overall reported income of Louisiana, it is clear that an occupation in nursing is not only rewarding but gainfully so.[4]
Cities in Louisiana, LA Most Likely To Have Nursing School Programs: Looking for a nursing school program or course in your area? Chances are there is a campus close by. If not, don’t give up too soon. Nursing Degrees and Schools in Louisiana can be available via online programs, which are accredited and very useful to enter the health care sectors in Louisiana, LA. Commonly nursing schools are available from or in the following cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Kenner, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Houma, Marrero, New Iberia, Laplace, Slidell
[1] BLS.gov Registered Nurse Overview
[2] statehealthfacts.org Registered Nurses per 100,000 Population in LA
[3] BLS.gov Registered Nurse wage in Louisana
[4] statehealthfacts.org Louisiana Earnings Overview
Cities in Louisiana, LA with Nursing School Campuses in Close Locations: In smaller populated cities Nursing School Programs are not as widespread, therefore you may have to research nearby locations to find a nursing school course or be open to online nursing programs. Online classes have been found to be a convenient route to attaining a nursing degree. The following cities in Louisiana, LA may have a near campus:
Prairieville, Central, Terrytown, Ruston, Sulphur, Harvey, Hammond, Bayou Cane, Shenandoah, Natchitoches, Gretna, Chalmette, Opelousas, Estelle, Zachary
|
