Want to work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Louisiana?
That’s an excellent choice!
However, becoming an LPN requires time, effort, and resources. You must work to get your LPN license.
But don’t fret — we’ve compiled a complete guide on how to become an LPN in Louisiana.
This will help you navigate the process more easily.
We’ll also answer some FAQs, such as:
- What is the time required to become a licensed practical nurse in Louisiana?
- How much does an LPN in Louisiana make?
- Is Louisiana an NLC state?
With this, you will know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
Let’s begin!
How to Become an LPN in Louisiana in 4 Steps
Here are the 4 steps to becoming an LPN in Louisiana:
- Complete an approved LPN program
- Prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam
- Register for your Louisiana LPN license
- Find a job
Let’s look at the details.
Step #1: Complete an Approved LPN Program
All aspiring LPNs in Louisiana are required to first complete a state-approved LPN program.
Enrolling in a state-approved school is one of the best methods to make a name for yourself in the job market.
Employers choose to hire graduates of these institutions because of the excellent quality of their education. That’s why it’s so effective in getting you considered for the top positions in the state.
But more than just giving you an advantage, it’s also necessary to qualify you for licensure.
The Louisiana Board of Nursing (BON) won’t even consider your application if you didn’t finish a state-approved program.
For a comprehensive directory of approved LPN nursing schools in Louisiana, we’ve attached a link here.
Course Content
The goal of every nursing school is to provide future nurses with the knowledge and abilities they’ll need to provide quality care to patients.
Common topics included in LPN programs include
- Pharmacology
- Mental health
- Geriatric care
- Nursing in a maternal and child health setting
- Management and administration
Although this may sound like a lot, you shouldn’t be too worried as you are only expected to learn the fundamentals.
Aside from course content, you will be assigned to different healthcare industries where you will gain clinical experience under the supervision of an RN.
You will get to practice the skills necessary for all LPNs.
Program Length
With the approved LPN programs offered by Louisiana, you can get a variety of program lengths, ranging from just 1-year to lengthy, in-depth 3-year programs.
Our recommendation would be: Go with that which suits you!
Factor in tuition costs, accommodation costs, your plans, how long you want to study, etc, and then make your decision.
However, it’s wise to go with a lengthier course as that is more profound and beneficial.
Step #2: Prepare for the NCLEX-PN Exam
Now that you’re done with your education, it is time to prepare for your board examinations – the NCLEX-PN.
All aspiring LPNs need to take and pass this national exam to get their LPN licenses.
It is meant to evaluate if you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work as an LPN.
The exam is challenging and passing it is crucial, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
There are around 85-205 questions, mostly in multiple-choice question format.
Questions cover topics previously studied in nursing school such as basic nursing care, administration, pharmacology, ethics, and much more.
Thorough and diligent preparation is needed, but thankfully there are a lot of resources to help you out. There are even practice exams that mimic the format and type of questions that you can find in the NCLEX.
But before you can take the exam, you need to register and apply for it from the Louisiana Board of Nursing (BON).
We will discuss this in more detail below.
Step #3: Register for Your Louisiana LPN License
Getting your LPN license is the mark that you are ready and able to start working as an LPN.
So, how can you acquire a license in Louisiana?
There are 2 main ways to get a Louisiana LPN license, depending on where you are in the nursing journey.
These are the two ways:
- Examination
- Endorsement
Licensure by Examination
You need to comply and submit the following requirements to the Louisiana BON:
- Complete your Louisana online LPN application. Information such as photographs, ID cards, work arrangements, and addresses will be required.
- Make sure the official transcripts from your LPN program are sent by the school directly to the Louisiana BON.
- Complete a criminal background check form.
- Complete payment for the application and background check. It is $100, and $39 respectively.
- Register with Pearson Vue.
How to Register with Pearson Vue
To take the NCLEX, you’ll need to register with the body known as Pearson VUE. It provides scheduling and appointment services for the exam.
Complete registration by following this link down below: https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/profile/create/SignUp/NCLEXTESTING
You will also need to pay an examination fee of $200.
Candidates and applicants who have been deemed eligible to take the exam by the Louisiana BON will receive an Authorization to Test(ATT) email.
This email is evidence you have successfully enrolled for the NCLEX and will be your evidence for subsequent exam appointments.
Use the instructions given to schedule your exam and choose your testing center.
After you pass the exam, you will be given your LPN license! What a big accomplishment!
But don’t stress if you don’t succeed right away. After waiting 45 days, you may retake the test. However, keep in mind that only 4 attempts are allowed, so tread carefully.
Licensure by Endorsement
Endorsement is another method of acquiring licensure, but this is only for those who are already active LPNs in another state.
How can one get a license through endorsement?
If you want to move to Louisiana and do not come from a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, then you can benefit from endorsement. The following needs to be provided:
- Submit a License Application in Louisiana.
- Submit the official transcripts from your state-approved nursing program.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Submit confirmation of out-of-state certification.
However, if you have a multistate license from an NLC state, then you do not need to go through the endorsement process anymore.
Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can easily work in Louisiana as an LPN as long as you have an active multistate license.
Step #4: Find a Job
You may be under the impression that finding a job is going to be very hard and challenging. While it isn’t easy, it’s not that hard either.
As an LPN, opportunities are everywhere, you just need to look in the right places.
Some of the places to start are skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare services, and other long-term care facilities.
You can also apply in local hospitals and clinics. Get in touch with the administration there and find out if jobs are available; directly asking clinics isn’t a bad idea either.
There are other unconventional yet exciting options out there as well. For example, you could be a nurse for a sports club, youth club, or local school.
Opportunity comes knocking on the door for those who start looking, so go out there and start searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an LPN in Louisiana
Now that we’ve covered the steps to becoming an LPN in Louisiana, let’s answer some important questions.
What is the time required to become a licensed practical nurse in Louisiana?
The time it takes to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) ranges from 12 months to 18 months, depending upon whether you pursue full-time or part-time education.
How much does an LPN in Louisiana make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Louisiana have a mean annual wage of $43, 900.
This is lower than the national mean wage for LPNs.
However, your salary can still increase depending on what city you are in, what institution you work for, how many years of experience you have, and if you have specializations or extra certifications.
How often do I need to renew my LPN license in Louisiana?
Is Louisiana an NLC state?
Yes, it is!
This means that LPNs in Louisiana who hold a multistate license can practice in any other NLC state without having to go through the hassle of licensing by endorsement.
This opens up a lot of opportunities for the LPN since they are not limited to working in Louisiana only!
On the other hand, LPNs from other NLC states can also work in Louisiana.
Wrapping it Up
The path to LPN certification isn’t smooth, but it’s not impossible, either.
To succeed in your pursuit of a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, you must be willing to put in a lot of hard work and have high expectations for yourself.
If you commit yourself fully to the process outlined above and never give up, you will achieve your goal of becoming a licensed practical nurse.
We wish you all the best!
We hope this will help you in your journey to becoming an LPN.