MSN Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana MSN Programs

MSN programs in Louisiana are a great tool to help nurses meet their career goals. While it is possible to work as a registered nurse with an associate's or a bachelor's degree, having a master's in nursing opens the door to many job opportunities that one would not have had without this more advanced education. Graduates of MSN programs can go on to become advanced practice nurses, educators, or managers.

MSN programs in Louisiana take a couple different forms. Some programs are offered on campuses across the state, while others are offered online by schools across the country. Different programs have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is best to consider all the available option before making a decision. Choosing a program is the first step to a more rewarding nursing career.

Online vs. Traditional MSN Programs

Traditional classroom-based MSN programs are beneficial to students because they allow for in-person contact with instructors and fellow students. For some, this helps the learning process because they feel more focused and know that they can ask a question in the middle of a lecture if necessary. These programs may not be convenient for all students, though, as they are required to travel to campus to attend classes at scheduled times.

Online programs do not necessarily allow students to have the same face-to-face interaction, but they are still a great resource. These programs are accredited by the same organizations at the more traditional programs, and have been developed to provide an effective learning environment. The main benefit to online MSN programs is that students can log in and complete coursework anywhere and at any time, allowing school to fit flexibly into one's schedule.

An example of an accredited online MSN program is that offered by South University. South University offers two different MSN pathways. Students can earn an MSN in Nurse Administration, Nurse Education, or Nursing Informatics. Students can also pursue an MSN Nurse Practitioner program, with the choice to become either an Adult Health Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner. The more administrative MSN pathway requires students to complete 48-52 credits, and the curriculum for those who complete the MSN Nurse Practitioner program consists of 62 credits.

Admission Requirements

The following admission requirements are common for MSN programs both in Louisiana and online:

  • Application and fee
  • BSN from accredited program
  • 2.7 GPA or higher (many schools require a minimum 3.0)
  • Official transcripts
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Completion of undergraduate statistics course with 'C' or better
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essay or goal statement
  • Resume/CV

Tuition

The cost to earn an MSN is different for each program, and there is quite a range between some schools. Any current tuition information is subject to change. Program cost at South University is estimated to range from 40,470-53,690, depending on the specialty track.

Additional Resources

MSN Schools Near You & Online in Louisiana

Our Lady of the Lake College

  • 7434 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808
    Programs: ADN, BSN, LPN, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Physician Assistant, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (225) 768-1700

Southeastern Louisiana University

  • SLU 10720 Hammond, LA 70402
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (985) 549-2068

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette

  • 600 East Saint Mary Boulevard Lafayette, LA 70503
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (337) 482-0911

Northwestern State University

  • 715 University Parkway Natchitoches, LA 71497
    Programs: ADN, BSN, MSN, Nursing Administration, RN
    (318) 357-6011

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

  • 1900 Gravier Street New Orleans, LA 70112
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Physician Assistant, Psychiatric Nursing, Public Health Nursing, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (504) 568-4106

Loyola University New Orleans

  • 6363 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118
    Programs: BSN, DNP, MSN, RN to BSN
    1(800)456-9652

William Carey College

  • 4103 Chef Mentuer Hwy New Orleans, LA 70126
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (504) 286-3275

Louisiana Technical College

  • 2010 N Market St. Shreveport, LA 71107
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, CNA, LPN, MSN, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (318) 675-5000