Nurse, Registered License in Louisiana
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Louisiana, you must be a high school graduate, complete an approved nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-RN. A background check is required. Louisiana is an NLC compact state with annual renewal. Estimated costs are approximately $400.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $400 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 1 year
Requirements
Nurse, Registered registration in Louisiana
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $400
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Nurse, Registered license in Louisiana. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Louisiana licensing board.
Nurse, Registered Salary in Louisiana
Entry Level
$62,830
Median
$78,880
Experienced
$111,810
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse, Registered in Louisiana.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Nurse, Registered Licensing in Louisiana: What to Know
Louisiana requires applicants to be high school graduates, graduate from an approved nursing school with a nursing degree conferred, and have no grounds for denial. A background check is required. CE is required for renewal. Louisiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The Louisiana State Board of Nursing oversees licensing. New Orleans and Baton Rouge have strong healthcare sectors, while rural Louisiana faces nursing shortages. Louisiana renews annually, which is more frequent than most states. The state's unique healthcare challenges include high rates of chronic disease and hurricane response preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in Louisiana?
- The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in Louisiana?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in Louisiana?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nurse, Registered requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.