How to Become an LPN in Louisiana 2026
To become an LPN in Louisiana, complete a practical nursing program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, pass the NCLEX-PN, and apply for licensure through the Board’s Nurse Portal. All LPN licenses expire annually on January 31 and must be renewed each year.
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Louisiana LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed physicians and provide direct patient care across a range of settings. They’re regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE), a separate licensing board from the one that oversees RNs in the state. The process from enrollment to first license takes roughly 12 to 18 months for most candidates.
Use the links below to jump to education requirements, the application process, renewal, and salary data for Louisiana LPNs.
- Education requirements
- Application and NCLEX-PN
- License renewal
- Endorsement and compact status
- Work settings
- Salary and job outlook
LPN Scope of Practice in Louisiana
The LSBPNE determines what LPNs may and may not do in Louisiana. LPNs work under the direction of an RN, physician, optometrist, dentist, or other authorized healthcare professional. The Board does not publish a comprehensive list of permitted duties. What an LPN can be asked to do depends largely on demonstrated competence and the care setting.
The LSBPNE identifies common LPN duties, including performing physical assessments, loading and monitoring patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machines, administering oxygen, caring for patients with certain types of catheters, and serving as a first surgical assistant in the OR (but not suturing, dissecting, or cauterizing). In nursing home and long-term care settings, experienced LPNs may supervise and delegate tasks to nursing assistants and other subordinate personnel.
For specific scope-of-practice questions, the LSBPNE issues formal practice opinions. The current list is available on the LSBPNE practice opinions page.
LPN Education Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana requires LPN candidates to complete a practical nursing program approved by the LSBPNE. Programs are typically 12 to 18 months long and lead to a diploma or certificate. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, and geriatric nursing, with clinical rotations integrated throughout.
LPN programs in Louisiana cannot be completed entirely online. The LSBPNE requires in-person clinical hours and laboratory coursework. Some programs offer hybrid formats for didactic instruction, but clinical components must be completed on-site.
A list of LSBPNE-approved programs is published on the Board’s website. Graduating from an unapproved program makes a candidate ineligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Prospective students should verify program approval status before enrolling. Check the LPN programs in Louisiana page for a current list of approved schools.
How to Apply for an LPN License in Louisiana
After graduating from an LSBPNE-approved program, candidates apply for initial licensure through the Board’s Nurse Portal. The process has several required steps before the NCLEX-PN can be scheduled.
Step 1: Create a Nurse Portal account. All applications are submitted online through the LSBPNE Nurse Portal. There is no paper application option for initial licensure.
Step 2: Submit the LPN Initial Exam application and fee. The application and payment must be submitted and accepted before the Board reviews eligibility. Fees are payable by credit, debit, or prepaid card through the Portal. Completing the program does not automatically make a candidate eligible. The Board reviews each application individually.
Step 3: Complete the criminal background check. Louisiana requires a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check for all LPN applicants. Instructions for submitting fingerprints are on the LSBPNE website. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate, but the Board reviews each case.
Step 4: Register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. Once the LSBPNE notifies the candidate of eligibility, they register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE and schedule their exam. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-adaptive exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) that tests entry-level practical nursing competency.
Step 5: Pass the NCLEX-PN and receive licensure confirmation. Official results and initial licensure status are delivered through the Nurse Portal. Louisiana permits candidates up to four attempts within two years of being made eligible, and no later than three years from program completion. Candidates who do not pass within that window must reapply.
The application is valid for one year or until the approved testing attempt is used, whichever comes first.
LPN License Renewal in Louisiana
All Louisiana LPN licenses expire on January 31 of each year, regardless of when the license was first issued. Renewal is completed through the Nurse Portal during the active renewal window, which runs from November 1 through January 31.
The renewal fee is $61.08, payable by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Louisiana does not require continuing education (CE) for LPN license renewal, though individual employers may have their own CE requirements.
A license not renewed by midnight on January 31 automatically becomes inactive-lapsed. Reinstating an inactive-lapsed license costs $162.88. The LSBPNE strongly recommends renewing early in the November-to-January window to avoid penalties. Confirm current fees with the LSBPNE before submitting, as amounts are subject to change.
Endorsement and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Louisiana is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), effective July 1, 2019. LPNs who hold a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Louisiana without obtaining a separate Louisiana license, provided Louisiana is not their primary state of residence. Nurses who move to Louisiana and establish residency must apply for a Louisiana license within 60 days.
Out-of-state LPNs who need a Louisiana license can apply by endorsement through the Nurse Portal. Endorsement requires an active, unencumbered license in good standing from another U.S. licensing authority. The LSBPNE verifies that the applicant meets Louisiana’s licensure standards before issuing the endorsed license.
LPNs looking to advance their careers can explore becoming an RN in Louisiana or research LPN-to-RN bridge programs that accept credit for prior practical nursing coursework.
LPN Work Settings in Louisiana
Louisiana LPNs work across a wide range of healthcare settings. They’re most concentrated in long-term care and home health. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies together account for a large share of LPN employment in the state. Hospitals also employ LPNs, though in smaller proportions than long-term care settings. Rural health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) tend to have a higher ratio of LPNs relative to RNs.
LPNs in Louisiana also work in physician and specialty practices, including family medicine, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care. Assisted living facilities hire LPNs to administer medications, coordinate with other care providers, and assist residents with daily activities. The practical nursing credential opens work across most healthcare environments where patients have predictable, sub-acute care needs.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Louisiana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Louisiana earned a median annual wage of $57,470 as of May 2025. Employment for the occupation in the state stood at 17,600.
| Metric | Louisiana LPNs |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $57,470 |
| Mean annual wage | $56,590 |
| Total employed | 17,600 |
Projections Central estimates 7.5% employment growth for Louisiana LPNs between 2022 and 2032, from 19,230 to 20,670 positions. The state averages approximately 1,650 LPN job openings per year across all causes of separation, including retirements and career transitions.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LPN in Louisiana?
Most candidates complete an LSBPNE-approved practical nursing program in 12 to 18 months. After graduating, the time to licensure depends on how quickly you submit your application, complete the background check, and schedule the NCLEX-PN. The full process from enrollment to first license typically takes 12 to 24 months.
Does Louisiana require continuing education for LPN renewal?
No. Louisiana does not require continuing education for annual LPN license renewal. The renewal fee is $61.08 and must be submitted through the Nurse Portal between November 1 and January 31. Some employers may impose their own CE requirements, but the LSBPNE does not.
Is Louisiana an NLC compact state for LPNs?
Yes. Louisiana joined the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) on July 1, 2019. LPNs who hold a multistate license issued by another NLC state can practice in Louisiana without a separate state license, as long as Louisiana is not their primary state of residence.
Can I apply for a Louisiana LPN license if I’m already licensed in another state?
Yes, through endorsement. Louisiana issues licenses by endorsement to out-of-state LPNs who hold an active, unencumbered license and meet Louisiana’s licensure standards. Applications are submitted through the LSBPNE Nurse Portal. If you’re already licensed in an NLC compact state and Louisiana is not your primary residence, you may practice in Louisiana under your existing multistate license.
What happens if I don’t renew my Louisiana LPN license by January 31?
Your license automatically becomes inactive-lapsed after midnight on January 31. Reinstating a lapsed license costs $162.88, compared to the standard renewal fee of $61.08. The LSBPNE recommends renewing as early as possible in the November-to-January window to avoid the higher reinstatement cost.
Key Takeaways
- LSBPNE-approved program required — Louisiana LPN candidates must graduate from a program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN.
- All applications go through the Nurse Portal — Initial licensure, renewal, and reinstatement are all handled through the LSBPNE Nurse Portal. There is no paper process.
- Annual renewal deadline is January 31 — Louisiana LPN licenses expire each year on January 31. Renewal costs $61.08. Reinstating a lapsed license costs $162.88.
- No CE required for renewal — Louisiana does not mandate continuing education for LPN license renewal, though employers may set their own requirements.
- Louisiana is an eNLC compact state — Louisiana joined the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact in 2019, allowing LPNs with multistate licenses to practice across NLC member states.
Search for LSBPNE-approved practical nursing programs in Louisiana, including program length, format, and application requirements.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.