According to the Louisiana Center for Nursing, Louisiana had 48,300 RNs residing in the state, a 14.5 percent increase since 2006. About three-quarters of the RNs work full-time, 13 percent work part-time, and the remainder are not working for various reasons. While over half of the nurses in Louisiana work in hospitals, hospital employment is declining. The fastest growing place of employment for Louisiana nurses in in physician offices, following by positions in long-term care, and home/community health.
With an average age of 41 years, Louisiana nurses are younger than the national average of 47 years. And when it comes to education, 40 percent of Louisiana nurses have BSN degrees compared to the national average of 37 percent. A greater percentage of qualified applicants are now being admitted to pre-licensure BSN programs than to associate degree programs. If you'd like to join the growing number of Louisiana nurses with BSN degrees, check out some of the RN to BSN programs available in the state.
Programs to consider:
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana (Shreveport). This program offers a flexible, individualized program to its students. Students may take traditional classes at Alexandria during the day or may elect to take online classes instead. Many of the classes can be completed in eight weeks. Clinical requirements can be met in the student's home community.
- Our Lady of the Lake College (Baton Rouge). This unique program allows RNs to complete their BSN degree while working on their MSN at the same time. RNs may select the nurse educator or the nurse administrator track. A full-time student can complete the required nursing classes in two semesters for the BSN, with the MSN taking a total of four semesters.
- Loyola University (New Orleans). Loyola offers only upper division nursing classes. Transfer credit is awarded for associate degree or diploma work. Nursing courses are offered in seven week sessions; most nurses schedule one or two classes per session. Clinical rotations are not required. Instead, the program offers practicum projects to fit into a student's schedule.
