How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana State Board of Nursing (RN)

Louisiana State Board of Nursing (RN)

"Board" means the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=94509

Licensure; qualifications; examination; renewal; temporary permits

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN applicants must complete a Board-approved nursing education program preparing them for initial RN licensure.

RN applicants must complete a Board-approved nursing education program preparing them for initial RN licensure.

Has completed the requirements of a nursing education program approved by the board which prepares him for initial licensure as a registered nurse.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN applicants must pass an examination to the Board's satisfaction.

RN applicants must pass an examination to the Board's satisfaction.

Passes an examination to the satisfaction of the board.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN licensure is administered by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.

LPN licensure is administered by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.

The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners is hereby created within the Louisiana Department of Health

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN renewal is annual, on or before January 31; the certificate covers the current calendar year.

LPN renewal is annual, on or before January 31; the certificate covers the current calendar year.

Every person licensed under the provisions of this Part shall annually renew his license on or before January 31 of each year. issue to the applicant a certificate of renewal for the current calendar year.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN applicants must complete an approved practical-nursing program or a registered-nursing program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

LPN applicants must complete an approved practical-nursing program or a registered-nursing program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Successfully complete an education program for practical nurses at a program approved by the board. Successfully complete an education program for registered nurses at a program approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Louisiana law requires licensure before practicing or offering to practice as an RN.

Louisiana law requires licensure before practicing or offering to practice as an RN.

any individual practicing or offering to practice nursing or using the title "registered nurse" or "advanced practice registered nurse" shall be licensed before engaging in such practice.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Practical-nursing practice requires licensure under the applicable law.

Practical-nursing practice requires licensure under the applicable law.

No person shall engage in any of the following activities: Practice practical nursing unless duly licensed to do so under the provisions of this Part.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN endorsement is available to qualified nurses licensed in another state, territory or country, subject to the statutory education, examination and other Board criteria.

RN endorsement is available to qualified nurses licensed in another state, territory or country, subject to the statutory education, examination and other Board criteria.

The board may by endorsement issue a license to practice as a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse to any applicant who is duly licensed as a registered nurse under the laws of another state, territory, or country, Had passed an examination for licensure and met, upon graduation, all other qualifications for licensure as a registered nurse in this state at the time he was initially licensed as a registered nurse. Meets other criteria established by the board.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026