Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana

The first thing the comes to mind when most people think of Louisiana is New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Louisiana is well known for its vibrant celebrations and carefree lifestyle. But there is much more to Louisiana than fun and festivities. It is also known for its unique mix of Creole and Cajun cultural, rich heritage, diverse music, sporting events, exquisite foods and more.

In 2005, the state was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, causing many fatalities and injuries. At the time the state was already experiencing a nursing shortage, which worsened following the hurricane. With a statewide population of just over 4.5 million, the demand for healthcare services seems never-ending. Qualified healthcare professionals are in high demand and there is a particularly high demand for qualified nurses. In fact, many employers, including hospitals, offer signing bonuses and other incentives to attract nurses.

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Some of the top employers of nurses in Lousiana include CHRISTUS Schumpert Saint Mary Place, Willis-Knighton Medical Center, Saint Francis Medical Center, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

If you’re interested in working as a nurse in Louisiana, you’ll need to earn a diploma, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. While many students opt for a diploma, since it’s the easiest to obtain, more students pursue the associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), with the latter being the most popular. Earning a diploma will qualify you to become a licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). An LPN will allow you to qualify for entry-level nursing and nurse support positions at hospitals and healthcare facilities. However, most employers are looking for registered nurses (RNs). To become an RN you’ll need to earn your ADN or BSN. While either degree will do, the BSN provides for much greater career advancement opportunities and is the degree of choice among employers.