How to Get Your LPN License in Louisiana (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana Louisiana is one of only a handful of states in the country where licensed practical nurses are regulated by an entirely separate board from registered nurses. This distinction matters for applicants: LPN licensure in Louisiana is handled by the **Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE)**, not the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (which handles RN licensure). Understanding which board to contact, and which fees and requirements apply, will save you significant time during the application process. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Practical Nursing Program Louisiana offers practical nursing programs at Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College (New Orleans), Louisiana Delta Community College, Nunez Community College, and several other institutions. Programs run 12 to 18 months and must be approved by the LSBPNE or hold ACEN accreditation. Curriculum covers fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical care, maternal and newborn care, geriatrics, and clinical hours in New Orleans-area hospitals, SNFs, and clinics as well as rural settings across the state. ### Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam Pearson VUE testing centers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette administer the NCLEX-PN. Key facts: - **Format:** CAT — 85 to 150 questions - **Fee:** approximately $200 - **Time limit:** 6 hours - **Important:** Submit your LSBPNE application and receive authorization before scheduling with Pearson VUE Quick Results are available within 48 hours. The LSBPNE typically posts verified licensure status within a few business days of processing your NCLEX-PN pass. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Louisiana LPN License Submit your application to the **Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE)** (lsbpne.com) — NOT to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (lsbn.state.la.us), which only handles RN, APRN, and CNA matters. This is a common point of confusion for candidates. Requirements include: - Completed LSBPNE application and fee (approximately $50–$75) - Official transcripts from an LSBPNE-approved nursing program - Criminal background check (Louisiana State Police and FBI fingerprints via IdentoGO) - NCLEX-PN scores transmitted electronically from Pearson VUE Endorsement applicants from other states should apply to LSBPNE with verification of current LPN licensure. Processing typically runs 4–8 weeks. ### eNLC Compact Membership Louisiana is a member of the **enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)**. Your Louisiana LPN license functions as a multistate license valid in all 40+ compact member states. This is particularly relevant for Louisiana LPNs near state borders: Arkansas (compact), Mississippi (compact), and Texas (compact) are all eNLC members, creating a broad practice corridor for travel and per-diem work. Primary Louisiana residency is required to hold compact privileges. ### Continuing Education Requirements Louisiana requires **30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years** for LPN renewal through the LSBPNE. CE must be from LSBPNE-approved providers. Topics can include pharmacology updates, wound care, infection control, geriatric care, and other nursing-relevant subjects. Online CE through ANA-approved and LSBPNE-approved providers satisfies the requirement. Renewal fees are approximately $50–$75 and are paid to the LSBPNE separately from any LSBN fees. ### Louisiana LPN Salary Ranges Louisiana LPNs typically earn between **$38,000 and $56,000 annually**. New Orleans and Baton Rouge pay above the statewide average; rural north Louisiana markets pay less. Ranges by setting: - **Skilled nursing facilities:** $38,000–$50,000 - **Home health agencies:** $40,000–$52,000 - **Hospital inpatient:** $40,000–$54,000 - **Correctional facilities:** $42,000–$56,000 - **Physician offices:** $36,000–$46,000 Louisiana's large Medicaid population and significant home health utilization among elderly and post-acute patients drive robust demand for home health LPNs, particularly in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and the River Parishes. ### Top Employers for LPNs in Louisiana - **Ochsner Health** — Louisiana's largest private employer and health system, with hospitals and clinics from New Orleans to Shreveport; extensive LPN presence in medical-surgical, ambulatory, and home health settings - **Tulane Health System (HCA Healthcare)** — New Orleans academic medical center with inpatient and specialty clinic LPN roles - **Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center** — Baton Rouge flagship of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, with strong inpatient and SNF LPN demand - **Willis-Knighton Health** — Shreveport-based system serving northwest Louisiana with four hospitals and multiple outpatient sites - **LSU Health New Orleans / University Medical Center** — safety-net academic center with LPN clinical and support roles - **Amedisys / LHC Group (Optum)** — both are Lafayette-based home health giants with national reach and large Louisiana LPN workforces Remember: if you have questions about your LPN license status, renewal, or CE requirements, contact the **LSBPNE** directly at (225) 763-3570 — not the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, which will not have your records.