Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana
Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Louisiana?
As time passes, the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) seems to be increasing as physician shortages take root. Many NPs who choose primary care careers will see an increased demand for their knowledge and services, especially in rural and remote areas of Louisiana. It seems very likely that many practices in different states will see an exponential rise in nurse practitioners. Across the states, the need for nurse practitioners in the workforce means that NPs can expect to enjoy full and satisfying careers.
Nurse practitioners are autonomous mid-level health care providers who are trained to offer advanced medical care. NPs can prescribe medication, provide medical care without a physician's supervision, heal sick patients with treatment plans, order and interpret laboratory tests, and care for an aging population.
Nurse practitioners who choose to specialize in medical fields beyond primary care, like neonatal nursing, oncology, or family practice, often receive advanced skillsets and training. NPs must complete either a master’s degree (MSN) or doctoral nursing degree (DNP). Nurses who already hold an MSN degree but wish to change specialties can enroll in a post-graduate certificate program. At all levels, students are able to choose from a number of specialty areas to work with the patient population they desire.
Nurse practitioners play a critical role in the health care field, many times providing advanced health care that would otherwise not be available to underserved areas of the state.
2024 Top Ranked Louisiana Online NP Programs
Today's registered nurses have an abundance of options if they wish to continue their education. For those looking to specialize, a nurse practitioner career can be an excellent option - and online programs have made the process more convenient than ever. If you're a Louisiana resident trying to narrow down the best NP programs, don't worry - we've got you covered! We've ranked the best online nurse practitioner programs in the state to help you advance your career. Check out our rankings below and learn more about our rankings process on our methodology page.
Natchitoches, LA
Overview:Nurses can develop long-term relationships with patients across their lifespan when they pursue their MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner online at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The primary care and practical application-focused program prepares students for FNP certification.
Highlights:
- Some courses, labs, or simulations may be on-site
- Students follow a clinical course sequence
- The state's first public institution of higher learning
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Campus
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Campus
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP), Campus
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP) Campus
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Online
Lake Charles, LA
Overview:Nurses can learn to diagnose health conditions as well as offer preventive health services and treatment plans when they study one of the online MSN-NP programs at McNeese State University. The Family and Mental Health NP options enable RNs to transition to advanced practice nurses in less time.
Highlights:
- Experiential learning with preceptor-led clinicals
- Advanced clinical simulation labs
- An established yet small state university
Hammond, LA
Overview:Southeastern Louisiana University enables RNs to elevate patient care and the larger nursing profession when they enroll in an MSN-NP online program. Family and mental health theory-based courses are completed online and clinicals are completed in-person within the state.
Highlights:
- Students can access all 4 state universities
- A well-recognized grad nursing program
- Affordable with excellent faculty
List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Louisiana
Lousiana is known for its vibrant and well-preserved culture, foods, and festivals. Any nurse practitioner who chooses to practice in Louisiana will be able to enjoy a rich cultural experience.
Online nurse practitioner programs allow NPs to fulfill their educational and vocational requirements in the comfort of their own homes without compromising their salary. Students complete a series of classes – core courses, specialty nursing courses, and hands-on clinical experiences. While the coursework can be completed either entirely online or in a hybrid online/on-campus format, the clinical requirements will need to be completed in-person at a healthcare facility in the student’s local area.
Family Nurse Practitioner
A popular nurse practitioner specialty, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cares for patients of all ages, often acting in a primary care role. Prospective FNPs can enroll in any of the 7 online programs in Louisiana below:
MSN-FNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-FNP Programs
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Nurses who wish to focus on the care of adult patients from the teen years through the geriatric years, whether in a primary or acute care setting, can opt for the following online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program in Louisiana.
MSN-AGNP Programs
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners focus their care on children from birth through adolescence. To become a Pediatric NP, students in Louisiana can enroll in the following online program.
MSN-PNP Programs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are tasked with caring for patients with a range of mental health illnesses and disorders. As the demand for mental health practitioners continues to grow, prospective PMHNPs in Louisiana can earn their specialized degree by enrolling in one of the 5 online programs below.
MSN-PMHNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-PMHNP Programs
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Women's health issues range from reproductive and gynecologic health to childbearing to menopause and everything in between. Women's Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) help women through these unique health challenges. To become a WHNP, students in Louisiana can enroll in the following online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program.
MSN-WHNP Programs
Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.