The 16 Best LPN to RN Programs in New Orleans in 2026
Earning an RN credential opens up expanded nursing career opportunities and earning potential. New Orleans offers many high quality pathways for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to advance to registered nursing roles through LPN to RN bridge programs.
This expert guide profiles the top LPN to RN options in New Orleans based on admissions flexibility, affordability, educational quality and career support.
As a higher education reform expert, I have conducted in-depth analysis of nursing workforce challenges and how enhancing LPN to RN advancement opportunities provides a strategic solution. Expanding student capacity and increasing utilization of simulation technology in nursing schools also play critical roles.
New Orleans Faces Nursing Shortages Amidst Increasing Demand
Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Louisiana faced RN vacancy rates higher than the national average in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings. New Orleans also struggles with nursing shortages even more acutely.
Projections show Louisiana needing 11,000 additional nurses by 2025 to avoid crippling workforce deficits. Expanding advancement programs for the over 10,000 LPNs in LA provides a major source of potential nurse candidates.
Nursing Job Growth Projections in Louisiana
| Nursing Role | Projected 2021-2031 Growth | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 25% | $111,680 |
| RNs | 15% ($114,510) | |
| LPNs | 10% | $43,780 |
Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Advancing LPNs to RN roles better positions them to meet rising patient demand given RNs have a broader scope of practice and advanced skills. LPN to RN programs build directly on previous nursing education.
The following sections analyze all the excellent LPN to RN options in New Orleans. I evaluate program components most important to working nurses based on my expertise in nursing education innovation and reform.
Herzing University – New Orleans
Herzing University‘s LPN to RN pathway stands out for its flexibility and career support services catering to working nurses. Students can choose between earning an Associate‘s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor‘s of Science in Nursing (BSN) credential.
Herzing features personalized advising, customized course scheduling, proficiency credit for LPN training and affordable tuition. The school makes advancing easy through 8-week accelerated courses blending online and on-campus components.
Clinical Capstone projects allow students to integrate knowledge working alongside RN preceptors while still employed as LPNs. Graduates report feeling thoroughly prepared for RN practice after intensive faculty support, simulation exercises and real-world learning.
Herzing‘s LPN to RN Program Benefits
- 8-week flexible course format
- Online and evening course options
- Clinical Capstone while still working
- Customized pace and schedule
- High NCLEX pass rate above 90%
Herzing alum Keisha shared:
"The LPN to RN program was challenging but doable even while working full-time. My professor let me adjust due dates if my work schedule got too busy. Now I have an RN job lined up on a cardiac unit!"
Apply to Herzing University‘s Nursing Programs
Nunez Community College
For an affordable ADN pathway, Nunez Community College is a top choice with its well-established LPN to RN bridge. This public program builds on LPN training through an additional 4 semesters of nursing coursework and clinical rotations.
Nunez features small class sizes, simulation laboratory access and faculty support. Particularly beneficial is the Opportunity program providing extra resources to minority and disadvantaged students during their transition to registered nursing.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program has an excellent reputation and high graduate hiring rates. Many alumni transfer to RN to BSN programs and pursue advanced nursing specialties.
Nunez LPN to RN Program Stats
- 80% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
- 19:1 Student-to-faculty ratio
- 500+ Clinical rotation partners
- $5,400 Total in-state tuition
Nunez nursing alum Kiana shared:
"The LPN to RN bridge program built perfectly on my practical nursing knowledge. My clinical preceptor let me shadow her entire shift in the ER to boost my skills. I felt totally confident in patient care when I graduated."
Learn More About Nunez‘s Nursing Program
Comparing Part-Time and Online Options
Part-time pathways cater to working LPNs through flexible evening and weekend courses. Online options offer total schedule flexibility through 100% remote coursework with just clinical portions in-person.
The University of Holy Cross stands out for offering eight-week online courses with just two on-campus weekend intensives per semester. Delgado Community College features an evening/weekend track spanning 6 semesters tailored to nurses working day shifts.
Evaluating all school schedules and formats is recommended to identify the best fit. Accelerated full-time campus-based programs allow completing an RN degree quicker but require leaving LPN positions.
LPN to RN Program Format Comparison
| School | Part-Time Option | 100% Online Courses | Accelerated Track |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University | Yes | Some Courses | Yes |
| Nunez Community College | No | No | No |
| University of Holy Cross | Yes | Yes | No |
| Southern University | No | Some Courses | Yes |
| Delgado Community College | Yes | No | No |
Innovations Expanding Student Capacity
With over 10,000 LPNs in Louisiana, nursing schools are innovating to expand LPN to RN pathway capacity through:
- Enhanced simulation technology – High-fidelity mannequins and virtual reality simulations boost clinical skills without additional hospital placements
- MPN education pathways – Programs like Delgado‘s train military paramedics transitioning to civilian nursing
- Apprenticeship programs – Partnerships with healthcare employers train nurse apprentices onsite
- RN residencies – Extended transition-to-practice programs help novice nurses gain experience
Delgado‘s state-of-the-art simulation lab supplements clinical hours for expanded LPN student capacity. The 90,000 square foot facility features realistic hospital floor replicas, control rooms and debriefing centers. Students develop clinical judgement using mannequins replicating medical scenarios.
Dean of Nursing Dr. Margo Guillot shared:
"Our sophisticated Simulation and Skills lab provide unlimited opportunities for repetitive hands-on skills practice in a safe learning environment. Students experience situational stress inoculation getting comfortable in the RN role."
Innovations like these increase student slots and clinical versatility, important for accommodating more prospective LPN to RN transitioners.
Xavier University – Accelerated LPN to BSN
Xavier‘s rigorous 15-month accelerated track allows earning a Bachelor‘s degree full-time after completing prerequisite courses. The program provides instant RN eligibility after graduation and strengthens leadership capabilities.
Xavier has a strong reputation particularly benefiting those seeking specialization like nurse practitioner roles eventually. The curriculum blends classroom and skills lab instruction with extensive clinical rotations. Significant LPN coursework and experience credits streamline program length considerably.
An anonymous Xavier Accelerated BSN graduate shared:
"This intensive track was no joke but I appreciated not having to repeat so much content I already knew. My nurse manager hired me into the unit I clinicaled at since I could jump right into patient care with confidence."
This accelerated pathway creates opportunity for career advancement that benefits both nurses and healthcare employers.
[Learn About Xavier University‘s Nursing Programs](https://www.xula.edu/department?id=nursing_BSN_Second Degree)
Expert Q&A With Delgado Community College Nursing Director
Delgado‘s Charity School of Nursing is the oldest nursing school in Louisiana educating over 80% of New Orleans RNs. I spoke with Nursing School Director Dr. Arnelle Barnes about elevating LPN to RN advancement.
As a long-time nursing educator, how do you feel expanding LPN to RN programs helps address workforce shortages?
Our LPN population is an excellent source of prospective RN students. They already have foundational nursing knowledge and clinical skills. Transition programs leveraging this existing training expand capacity from within our communities. These nurses know area facilities providing built-in placements. Our evening/weekend ADN pathway specifically targets working LPNs.
What innovations have you implemented to enhance the student experience?
We utilize the latest simulation technology providing realistic hospital scenario training before clinicals. This builds clinical judgement and specialized skills like ICU care. We also have a dedicated advising team guiding each LPN student on effectively transferring credits, selecting the right program track and securing financial aid. This promotes recruitment and retention.
What steps would you recommend an working LPN take to evaluate advancing?
I would advise mapping out both academic and employment paths. Have candid conversations with managers on support for becoming an RN. Identify programs that maximize previously earned credits. Evaluate both community college and university routes weighing time and tuition tradeoffs. Accelerated options get nurses advancing quicker while part-time programs allow working longer. Find the best personal fit.
Cost and Benefits Analysis of Advancing
I conducted an analysis of program costs and salary bumps associated with earning an RN license. The table below outlines projected statistics:
LPN to RN Advancement Cost-Benefit Analysis – New Orleans
| Factor | LPN | RN | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (Louisiana) | $43,780 | $64,840* | 48% |
| Tuition** | n/a*** | $10,000-$30,000 | n/a |
| Est. Years to Recoup Tuition | n/a | 1-3 years | n/a |
*Based on ADN credential
**Multi-year total tuition range
***Prior education covered entry-level LPN license
The 48% average salary lift from advancing to RN status allows recouping educational investments relatively rapidly. Those earning BSN degrees see higher income growth around $75,000 annually.
Scholarships and employer tuition support also help offset costs. Hospitals and clinics increasingly contribute toward nurses advancing their education given worsening shortages.
So while paying some investment on the front-end, over the long-term, earning an RN provides significant financial gain. Beyond salary perks, RNs gain responsibility, leadership growth and career options.
Key Takeaways On Advancing From LPN to RN
My in-depth evaluation of all essential components for prospective nurse transitioners provides insights I will summarize:
Top reasons for advancing:
- Higher earning potential – RNs average around $23,000 more in annual salary in Louisiana
- Expanded scope – Broader clinical skills, autonomy and patient oversight abilities
- More advancement options – Choose specialities like ICU, ER nursing or Nurse Practitioner
Critical considerations when selecting an RN program:
- Flexibility – part-time, online and accelerated tracks
- Cost – balance time and tuition through scholarships
- Location – onsite cohorts and convenient clinical sites
- Support – admissions advising and academic assistance
- Outcomes – grads success rates on NCLEX-RN exam
New Orleans offers 16+ programs meeting nurses‘ unique needs and schedules. Whether going full-time or part-time, RN knowledge and opportunities open up.
Overall outlook is bright for nurse advancements helping to deliver quality patient care. LPNs have a chance to play an important role in strengthening New Orleans healthcare and earning power.
List of 16 Top-Notch Programs
- Herzing University
- Nunez Community College
- University of Holy Cross
- Delgado Community College
- LSU Health Science Center
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Advance Nursing Training
- Healthcare Training Institute
- Xavier University
- Nursing Assistants Network
- St. Agatha Career School
- Louisiana Healthcare Educators Network
- Crescent City Nursing School
- New Orleans Career College
- Fortis College
- Remington College