RN NLC Compact State

Louisiana RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Louisiana

Processing Time
4-12 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$355
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
30 hours

1 Education Requirements

Program Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Additional Requirements

  • Complete an approved pre-licensure nursing program
  • Program must be approved by state board or equivalent
  • Foreign-educated nurses must meet CGFNS requirements

Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program

2 NCLEX-RN Examination

Exam Name

NCLEX-RN

Administered By

Pearson VUE

Exam Fee

$200

Tip: Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the state board.

Need NCLEX-RN prep? Archer Review has a affordable prep, high pass rate.

3 Background Check

IdentoGO fingerprinting
Louisiana State Police and FBI background check
IdentoGO fingerprinting required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $100
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $55
Total $355

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $100

Continuing Education Requirements

30
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Required Topics

  • - General Nursing CE: 30 hours

Career Advancement

Many RNs advance their careers by pursuing advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Phone
(225) 755-7500

Verify a License

Look up any Louisiana nursing license status online.

Verify License

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NLC Compact Member

Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. With a multistate license, you can practice in multiple states.

Learn about NLC benefits →

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 4 official sources Last verified: January 2025