A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Louisiana
Navigating Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Louisiana
Louisiana offers numerous appealing factors for living and working, such as its rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine, pleasant weather, and affordable living costs. For those starting or advancing their nursing careers in Louisiana, obtaining a nursing license is an essential first step.
This guide will discuss:
The process for obtaining a nursing license by examination How to secure a license through endorsement Steps for renewing a nursing license Costs associated with licensing Continuing education prerequisites Contact information for the Board of Nursing
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Acquiring a Nursing License by Exam
Step 1: Education
Louisiana hosts numerous board-approved nursing programs, offering diploma, associate, and bachelor's degrees. Completion of any of these or an accredited program outside the state is vital for licensure.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Accelerated BSN for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree who wish to transition to nursing.
Step 2: Application
All license applications in Louisiana must be submitted online via the Nurse Portal, as paper applications are no longer accepted.
For your RN license by examination, ensure you:
Upload a government-issued photo ID in PDF Confirm Louisiana as your primary residence Upload any related documents for affirmative responses in your application Pay the application and background check fees online Send the completed background check forms and affidavit to the Board of Nursing via mail Submit any accommodation requests or verify out-of-state testing if required
After applying, register for the NCLEX-RN exam online or by phone and pay the fee.
Eligibility for a Louisiana license is denied if there are disciplinary actions, pending legal charges, insufficient English proficiency, or no U.S. Social Security number.
Applicants must mail an original, signed, and notarized Affidavit of Verification to the Board of Nursing.
Louisiana offers a temporary 90-day graduate permit to practice nursing until full licensure is granted, with an additional fee for this permit.
Step 3: Transcripts
For graduates of Louisiana-approved programs, the program administrator will use the Graduation portal to verify applicants for the NCLEX-RN. No transcript submission is needed for these graduates.
Graduates from out-of-state programs should send an Affidavit of Graduation and have their school send an official transcript noting the degree to the Board's Education Department.
Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)
Applicants need to download forms post-application for the CBC, following the provided instructions and submitting the packet, including payment receipt, authorization forms, and fingerprint cards to the Board via mail.
Step 5: Taking the NCLEX
Upon meeting state licensing needs, the Board will inform Pearson VUE to send you the Authorization to Test. The NCLEX-RN exam is the final licensure step, covering topics from your nursing education:
Safe and Effective Care Management Safety and Infection Control Health Promotion Psychosocial and Physiological Integrity Basic Care and Comfort Pharmacological Therapies
Passing the NCLEX results in license issuance. Failing requires reapplication and registration, with a 45-day wait between attempts.
Louisiana allows up to four exam attempts within four years of graduation, including tests in other states.
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Licensing by Endorsement (For Existing RNs)
For RNs licensed elsewhere seeking Louisiana licensure, apply via endorsement through the Nurse Portal. Prepare to:
Upload a photo ID in PDF Show Louisiana residency, e.g., a Louisiana driver’s license, tax return, or military document Upload related documents for affirmative responses Pay fees for the application and background check online Send completed CBC forms and verification affidavit to the Board via mail
Applicants must have their original licensing state and current practice state submit license verification directly to the Board, using NURSYS unless unavailable.
An original, signed, notarized Affidavit of Verification must be mailed to the Board as part of the process.
To meet CBC requirements for endorsement, download and follow instructions for form submission, including payment receipt, authorization forms, and fingerprint cards.
Louisiana also offers a 90-day temporary permit for practice pending full licensure by endorsement, with an additional fee for this permit.
Renewing Your Nursing License
Step 1: Renewal Timeline
RNs in Louisiana must renew their licenses biennially between October 1 and December 31. Late fees apply to applications after December 31. Licenses expire if not renewed by January 31 of the following year.
Step 2: Continuing Competency
The Board requires RNs to meet one of these during their valid license period:
30 board-approved continuing education hours; 900 practice hours verified by an employer; Initial RN licensure by exam or endorsement in the previous year; Current specialty certification by an approved certifying body.
Proof of continuing education is only needed if selected for an audit. Free CEU credits are available to assist nurses in meeting these requirements.
Step 3: Application Submission
Renewal applications and fees are exclusively processed online via the Nurse Portal.
Nursing Licensing Fees in Louisiana
Fees apply whether you’re new to nursing or moving from another state. Visit the Louisiana licensing page for details. Separate LPN license info is on the Practical Nurse Examiners page. Louisiana participates in the Multi-State Compact for multi-state licensing.
Licensing fees for first-time examinees include:
NCLEX fee Application fee CBC fee
Endorsement licensing fees include:
Application fee Temporary permit CBC fee
Renewal fees:
Application fee
*Note: Fees can change.
Continuing Education Requirements
RN
Every two years, complete one option:
30 board-approved education hours; or 900 practice hours verified by an employer.
LPN
Annual renewal requires one option:
1600+ practice hours in a year; 5 contact hours of accredited education annually; 160-1599 practice hours; 10 contact hours annually; Less than 160 practice hours; 15 contact hours annually.
Nurses with 15+ contact hours need no employer verification if audited.
APRN
Every two years, complete all:
30 advanced-level CEUs relevant to role/population; 6 hours in pharmacotherapeutics for prescriptive authority; 3 hours for Controlled Substance Authority renewal (once-off requirement).
ANCC-accredited courses are available online for free and are Board-accepted.
Contacting the Board of Nursing
