An applicant applying for admission into a practical nursing program must contact the school of their choice to determine admission criteria. (PN program list).

Admission requirements and the selection process may vary school to school. Each student shall submit an online application and applicable fee to LSBPNE, per the direction of the school. Submission of the online student application to LSBPNE does not in itself grant admission into the practical nursing program. Students should NOT submit the online application to LSBPNE unless instructed to do so by the school’s PN coordinator/school official. Note: ALL fee payments are NONREFUNDABLE.

The practical nursing program curriculum shall ensure that program graduates possess the knowledge, skill, ability, and clinical competency to practice safely and effectively as an entry level practical nurse in the state of Louisiana.

The approved practical nursing program shall consist of at least 700 theory and 800 clinical hours of instruction in the following basic arts and sciences:

• Body structure and function
• Introduction to microbiology
• Introduction to practical nursing
• Personal, family and community health
• Nutrition and diet therapy
• Pharmacology
• Principles and practices of nursing (includes medical surgical nursing, IV therapy, geriatric nursing, obstetrical nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing)
• Career readiness

Completion of the practical nursing program does not guarantee licensure. Minimum qualifications to apply for licensure by exam (NCLEX-PN®) to practice as a practical nurse in the state of Louisiana include:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Completion of an approved, accredited practical nursing program, with a grade of 80% or higher in each and every course
• Students from other programs must enroll/transfer to a PN program and complete)
• LSBPNE does not grant non-PN graduates approval to challenge the NCLEX-PN®
• Application for licensure
• Criminal history review (state and FBI); (Criminal Background Information Affecting Application for Licensure)
• Payment of licensure and/or compliance fees

For more information regarding the licensure process, click here.