Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Louisiana
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Louisiana, aspiring nurses must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) is the official licensing body. Applicants must submit an initial exam application and fee through the Nurse Portal, and a state and federal criminal background check is required. Louisiana is also a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice without additional licensure, provided they meet the uniform licensure requirements.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application Fee | $185 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Application fee includes a background check fee. All applicants for an initial or reinstated Louisiana LPN license must complete state and federal criminal background checks via the IdentoGO/Live Scan process. Louisiana LPN licenses are issued on a calendar-year cycle and expire every year on January 31, regardless of the issuance date. LPNs must renew online via the Nurse Portal between November 1 and January 31. There are no age requirements specified, but applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enter an LPN program. If IV therapy was not included in the nursing program curriculum, applicants must complete an IV therapy course with a minimum of 12 clock hours. |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Louisiana
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Louisiana is $53,930 per year, which is 13.5% below the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,860 |
| 25th | $48,270 |
| 50th (median) | $53,930 |
| 75th | $59,880 |
| 90th (experienced) | $64,240 |
Louisiana employs approximately 18,630 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.