Louisiana Online NP Programs
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“While online programs offer flexibility for working nurses or those with busy schedules, it’s not an entirely hands-off or easy process. Students still need to be highly self-motivated and organized.”
Kathy Kennedy, DNP, Assistant Professor, University of Louisiana, Monroe
The demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) in Louisiana is growing rapidly, making it an excellent time for aspiring healthcare professionals to pursue this rewarding career. Online NP schools in Louisiana offer flexible and accessible educational pathways for students who are juggling work, family, and other obligations.
These programs provide the same high-quality instruction as traditional in-person courses, preparing students to deliver exceptional patient care in various settings. Many of these schools also offer specialized tracks, allowing students to focus on areas like family medicine, pediatrics, or adult-gerontology, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the unique healthcare needs of Louisiana’s diverse population.
Nurse practitioners in Louisiana play a critical role in addressing the healthcare provider shortage, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This need has fueled significant growth in the NP profession within the state. According to data from 2022, there were 4,470 nurse practitioners working in Louisiana, and CareerOneStop.org (2025) projects that number to rise to 6,420 by 2032—a 44 percent increase in just ten years.
This trend highlights the importance of advanced nursing education programs, including those offered online, as they help equip the next generation of NPs to serve communities across the state effectively and compassionately.
Meet the Expert: Kathy Kennedy, DNP, APRN, CNM-BC
Dr. Kathy Kennedy serves as an assistant professor within the College of Health Sciences at the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. She holds tenure and specializes in maternal-child health nursing and nursing synthesis courses. She earned her BSN from Northeast Louisiana University, after which she embarked on a dedicated career in maternal-child healthcare.
Dr. Kennedy further advanced her education at Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky, where she obtained her MSN with a focus on certified nurse-midwifery, followed by a DNP.
An active leader and mentor, Dr. Kennedy serves as president-elect of Sigma Theta Tau International’s Lambda Mu Chapter and is affiliated with professional organizations such as AWHONN, the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American College of Nurse Midwives. She also acts as a faculty counselor for the Student Nurses Association, engaging with students in community and medical service projects.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Louisiana?
Dr. Kennedy: When it comes to online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Louisiana, there are a few key points I think the public should understand. It’s essential to ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This ensures the program meets high academic and clinical standards, and graduates are eligible for licensure.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Kennedy: Even though the program is online, students are still required to complete a certain number of clinical hours in person. These hours are essential for gaining hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. Louisiana has specific requirements, so it’s important for prospective students to verify that the program can facilitate this aspect.
While online programs offer flexibility for working nurses or those with busy schedules, it’s not an entirely hands-off or easy process. Students still need to be highly self-motivated and organized. The rigor of online programs, especially in a clinical field like nursing, requires a strong commitment to learning and time management.
Online programs might seem like an affordable option, but costs can vary widely. Louisiana residents may be eligible for state-specific financial aid or scholarships, which can be a big help in making an advanced nursing degree more accessible.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Louisiana (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Southeastern Louisiana University |
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| McNeese State University |
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| Nicholls State University |
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| University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
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| Loyola University New Orleans |
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NP Practice Authority in Louisiana
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Louisiana?
| United States | Louisiana | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 4,480 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $124,850 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $95,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $107,870 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $125,980 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $135,190 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $156,030 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of May 2025 | ||
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Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.