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How to become a registered nurse (RN) in Louisiana. NCLEX-RN required. NLC compact member state. ADN or BSN accepted. CE hours: 30. Total initial fees: ~$350. Verified 2026-03-20. Data verified 2026-03-20. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Registered Nurse
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
78% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NCLEX Required
Yes
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
30 hrs
CE Hours
900 hours per 2-year licensure period (alternative to 30 CE hours)
Practice Hours
~$350
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
LSBN-approved nursing program; ACEN or CCNE accreditation recognized
Accepted Degree Types
Program Length
2-4 years depending on degree type
Clinical Hours
500 hrs
Prerequisite Education
High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs
Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNCLEX-RN Required
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
CAT Format
75-145 Questions
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Passing Standard
$200
NCLEX Fee
Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
45-day waiting period between attempts; must re-register and pay $200 fee for each attempt
The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) administered by the NCSBN. The exam adapts to each candidate, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 145 questions. A jurisprudence exam on state-specific nursing laws may also be required depending on the state.
NLC / eNLC Membership
Mostly verifiedNLC Member State
Yes
Multistate License
Available
Compact Privileges
Louisiana is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing RNs with a multistate license to practice in all other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.
Permitted Activities & Career Pathways
VerifiedAllowed
Patient Assessment
Allowed
Care Planning
Allowed
Medication Administration
Allowed
IV Therapy
Allowed
Delegation to LPN
Allowed
Delegation to CNA
Allowed
Telehealth
Restricted Activities
Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MSN or DNP required; national certification (ANCC or AANP) and state APRN licensure through LSBN
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state APRN licensure through LSBN
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
DNP required (effective 2025); NBCRNA certification required for CRNA practice
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
MSN or DNP required; AMCB certification required for CNM practice
Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Licensure by examination fee; non-refundable; paid through Nurse Portal | $100 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Background Check Fee Criminal background check via IdentoGO/Live Scan; fee varies by vendor location | $45 |
Renewal Fee Annual renewal; late renewal incurs additional $50 fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees $100 application + $200 NCLEX + ~$50 background check (varies) = ~$350 | ~$350 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
900 hours per 2-year licensure period (alternative to 30 CE hours)
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$100
Annual renewal fee; $50 late fee applies after December 31
Regulatory Board
Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NLC Member
Yes
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Louisiana has separate boards for RNs (LSBN) and LPNs (LSBPNE). Renewal is annual ($100) but CE requirements are tracked on a 2-year cycle (30 hours or 900 practice hours). LSBN randomly audits 3% of licensees for compliance. The state is an NLC member allowing multistate practice, with a $50 conversion fee for existing licensees.
Louisiana is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), enabling multistate practice.
LSBN regulates RNs and APRNs; LPNs are regulated separately by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE).
Licenses expire December 31 annually; renewal window is October 1 through December 31.
30 CE contact hours per 2-year licensure period OR 900 practice hours per 2-year period (alternative).
Conversion to multistate license costs $50 for existing single-state licensees.
LSBN randomly audits 3% of licensees for CE/practice hour compliance.
Late renewal incurs an additional $50 fee.
Temporary 90-day permit available for endorsement applicants ($100 additional).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Cost
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141)
Entry Level
$67,420
25th percentile
Median
$78,880
-16% vs. national avg ($93,600)Experienced
$93,600
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
46,790 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Registered Nurses (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+199,400
over 10 years
Annual Openings
193,100
per year (avg.)
3.2M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+317% salary growth potential
You are here
Registered Nurse
$78,880
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$30,240
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$53,930
You are here
Registered Nurse
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$78,880
MSN or DNP + national certification
$125,980
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NCLEX-RN — 2024National rate
91.2%
Pass Rate
Based on 186,208 candidates
Source: NCSBN NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (2024)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 110–224 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Louisiana State Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks after NCLEX
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana State Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-20
Accessed 2026-03-20
Updated January 2026
Accessed 2026-03-20
Louisiana requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, Louisiana offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.