The employment market is booming for family nurse practitioners in Louisiana! And that market will keep getting hotter and hotter: Within the next decade, job opportunities for the Bayou State’s FNPs are projected to rise by 44 percent. Graduates of FNP programs in Louisiana are trained to deliver primary healthcare to patients of all ages in numerous practice settings, and FNPs are well compensated for their work, earning an average of $117,760 annually. Should becoming a family nurse practitioner be your next professional move? Find out by reviewing the list below of the 10 best FNP programs in Louisiana.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 10 best campus-based and online FNP programs in Louisiana.)
MSN Program Details: If you are searching for the best FNP programs in Louisiana, I recommend the programs offered at Loyola University. The school offers three pathways for registered nurses to pursue a degree or certificate and become a Family Nurse Practitioner, like the MSN-FNP program.
The MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a traditional pathway for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an accelerated pathway for registered nurses who hold an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Students in the accelerated pathway must complete six undergraduate course credits before transitioning to FNP program requirements, completing a total of 54 credits. Traditional MSN-FNP students complete 48 credits.
Classes in the program include Advanced Pathophysiology, Social Justice & Health, and Informatics, Economics, & Health Policy. The curriculum plan includes four FNP clinical courses, each with a corresponding 200-hour clinical practicum. By the time you complete the program, you will have accomplished a minimum of 800 direct care clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Loyola offers bachelor’s-prepared nurses the option to earn a clinical doctorate specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the BSN-to-DNP program. The program offers a three- or four-year plan of study. Admission occurs three times per year in the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Didactic coursework is delivered in an online format.
The BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 78-credit pathway. The curriculum consists of DNP core courses, Advanced Practice courses, FNP specialty didactic courses, and FNP specialty clinical courses. Your program path will include classes like Gerontology in Primary Care, Integrated Behavioral Health, Ethics & Social Justice, and Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics.
This post-bachelor’s FNP program includes 1,260 clinical hours. Direct care clinical hours consist of practicum rotations at various affiliate partner sites where primary care services are provided. Clinical assignments are arranged by program faculty and supervised by either program faculty or approved preceptors.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: At Loyola, as a master’s educated nurse, you can build upon your previous knowledge and experience by earning a Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate. The Post-Master’s Certificate program is the perfect option for working professionals, as it offers asynchronous, completely online coursework.
The Post-Master’s FNP Certificate program can be completed with as few as 18 credits, depending on your previous academic experience and transferable credits. The Loyola FNP Program Director will conduct a GAP analysis of your previous transcripts and create an individualized plan of study. The program integrates at least 500 hours of supervised, direct patient care clinical hours into your plan to ensure you have adequate experiences relevant to the family practice concentration.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Loyola University has a history of educating highly successful nursing students. For example, Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, is an FNP graduate who became president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, an organization that represents more than 85,000 nurse practitioners in the U.S. and its territories.MSN Program Details: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with the option to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program admits students twice each year in the spring and fall semesters. It takes five semesters of full-time study to complete the MSN-FNP program.
Courses for the program are available in an online format online. This FNP program in Louisiana features a 42-45 credit curriculum. Some of the classes you will take include Population-Based Primary Care, Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Health, Business, Leadership, & Health Policy for Nurse Practitioners, and Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing.
The MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program includes a minimum of 600 precepted clinical hours. You will have the option of choosing between completing a Focused Scholarly Project or a Thesis as your culminating project.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The MSN Program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the best in the nation. The program has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its “Best Online Programs” category.BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Louisiana State University- New Orleans offers a few great options for anyone interested in FNP programs in Louisiana. If you have a bachelor’s degree and are ready to pursue a doctorate and become a Family Nurse Practitioner, the school has two pathways to choose from.
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner program admits students in the summer semester each year. The program can be completed in three years or nine semesters and is designed for full-time study.
The PCFNP program is a 92-credit pathway that includes 1,080 practicum hours. You will study Adult Populations & Episodic Disease Management, Pediatric Populations & Reproductive Health, and Health Outcomes: Information Systems, Measurement, Analysis, & Management.
The PCFNP and PMHNP Dual concentration combines the Primary Care FNP role with the Psychiatric Mental Health NP role. The program admits students in the summer semester. It takes four years to complete the dual degree program on a full-time basis. Upon completion of the dual degree pathway, you will be eligible to take national board certification examinations for both specialties.
The PCFNP/PMHNP Dual degree program features a 123-credit curriculum. In this pathway, you will take advanced core courses and specialty courses relevant to both populations. Some of your classes will include Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, & Mental Health, Family PCNP: Vulnerable Populations & Chronic Disease Management, and Evidence-Based Practice. This dual degree FNP program in Louisiana also includes 1,710 practicum hours.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse seeking a new APRN role as a Family Nurse Practitioner, the MSN-to-DNP program at LSU Health-New Orleans is an excellent program option! The program is designed in a full-time format and can be completed in as few as six semesters.
The post-master’s DNP-FNP program requires the completion of at least 68 credits. Upon admission, your master’s level clinical hours and completion of the 3 P’s will be verified; if necessary, clinical hours and/or the 3 P’s will be added to your plan of study. The MSN-to-DNP curriculum includes 960 practicum hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At LSU New Orleans, you will learn from highly qualified, dedicated faculty. The FNP programs offered at the school boast faculty with several decades of combined experience in both the classroom and clinical settings. They bring a wealth of knowledge and insight combined with a true passion to strengthen the nursing profession by equipping future healthcare providers and leaders like you!MSN Program Details: The University of Louisiana at Monroe is home to another excellent master’s-level Family Nurse Practitioner program. The program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for your goals. Part-time students can complete the program in three years, while full-time students can anticipate graduating in as little as two years. New classes are admitted each year in the summer semester.
At ULM, it takes 40 credits to earn the Master of Science in Nursing degree. The curriculum includes classes like Health Policy & Global Health, Genomics & Family Healthcare Across the Lifespan, FNP: Primary Care of Adults, and FNP Women’s Health in Primary Care.
The MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program includes 640 clinical hours. Clinical practicums are arranged by program faculty and supervised by approved clinical preceptors. Your clinical experiences will encompass primary care of patients of all ages in various settings, including adult, women’s, pediatric, and geriatric care.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As you search for available FNP programs in Louisiana, it is important to find out how well the program ranks. Programs with good reputations and high rankings have a history of proven success, which is what you want when it comes to paying for an education. For example, the MSN program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe has been ranked as one of the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs by Fortune Education.MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Southeastern Louisiana University is one of the best online FNP programs in Louisiana. The program admits new students in the summer semester annually and is offered part-time or full-time. It takes five semesters to complete the program.
All students in the MSN-FNP program complete either a Focused Scholarly Project or a Thesis. If you choose to complete a Scholarly Project, you will complete a 42-credit plan of study. Students who choose the Thesis pathway must earn 45 credits. From prerequisite nursing courses, including Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing and Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice, to Advanced Practice Nursing clinical courses and practicums, you will develop theoretical knowledge and hone essential skills needed to successfully transition your career and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program includes 600 hours of direct patient care through preceptor-supervised clinicals in various primary care settings.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Southeastern Louisiana University also offers a post-bachelor’s DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program. The program admits students in the summer semester and takes nine semesters or three years of full-time study to complete.
The BSN-to-DNP FNP program features a 70-credit curriculum. In this pathway, you will study Clinical Scholarship & Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, Epidemiology & Preventive Care for Populations, Organizational & Systems Leadership, and Ethics & Healthcare Policy. Most coursework for the DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner program is presented online. However, occasional campus visits are required for orientation, defense of your DNP Project, and to participate in laboratory intensives and simulated learning as part of the Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice course.
All students in the BSN-to-DNP program complete a total of 1,050 clinical hours. You will complete 600 hours of advanced practice clinical practicum focused on family health across the lifespan. 450 residency hours will be dedicated to the completion of the DNP Scholarly Project.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Southeastern Louisiana University is committed to your success and provides a broad array of academic resources to ensure you have the tools you need. All students in the FNP program have an assigned nursing faculty advisor who remains their mentor throughout the duration of the program. Your advisor will counsel you to ensure you stay on track with your plan of study and to help address any needs or concerns throughout your time at SLU.MSN Program Details: The MSN program at McNeese State University offers an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and expand your clinical expertise as you prepare to sit for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program is a fully online degree program, which means you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home or wherever you choose.
The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner concentration requires the completion of at least 42 credits. Students who choose to complete a Thesis instead of a Focused Scholarly Project will follow a 45-credit pathway. The rigorous curriculum features classes, including Applied Statistics for Health Sciences, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Population-Based Primary Care, and Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice Nursing.
Clinical training is a crucial part of the FNP program. At McNeese State University, you will spend between two and three semesters in precepted clinical experiences. You will work with experienced clinical nursing faculty, advanced practice nurse preceptors, and physicians. On average, MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner students complete at least 600 direct care clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I have witnessed the positive impact that networking opportunities have on nursing students and their professional success. One of the things I like about the graduate nursing program at McNeese State University is it is part of Louisiana’s Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing. The Consortium provides MSN students with networking opportunities with partner schools, which often opens doors to increased professional opportunities. Students can also participate in the McNeese Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse looking for a master’s-level FNP program in Louisiana, I recommend considering Nicholls State University. At Nicholls, the MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program admits students each year in the fall semester. The program takes five semesters to complete.
Theory-based courses for the MSN program are offered primarily in a distance-learning format utilizing web-based instruction. Some courses require campus attendance to complete lab skills and simulations. Local clinical placements are determined by program faculty and occur in various primary healthcare settings in Louisiana.
The MSN-FNP curriculum features classes, including Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing, Applied Statistics for the Health Sciences, Business Leadership & Health Policy for Nurse Practitioners, and Population-Based Primary Care. Students complete 42-45 credits, including three clinical courses, which have corresponding clinical practicums. You will participate in direct patient care at designated clinical sites providing primary care services and will complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• When it comes to finding the right school to pursue your degree, knowing how well a program ranks and whether students are successful is crucial. I always recommend prospective students check program web pages to see if there are links to any special recognition, mentions of being nationally ranked, or student success scores. For example, Nicholls State University is ranked as one of the Nation’s Top 50 Nursing Programs by Money Magazine!MSN Program Details: Southern University and A&M College offers one of the top Master of Science in Nursing FNP programs in Louisiana. The program admits students in the fall and spring and is available part-time or full-time, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for you. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters or two years, while part-time students typically take three years to graduate.
The MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program features a 41-credit curriculum. Courses you will take in this program include Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice, Primary Healthcare of Families, and Design & Methods of Nursing Research.
The program includes 768 total clinical hours, including 640 direct patient care FNP clinical hours. You will complete two FNP practicum courses focused on advanced nursing practice in primary care. Your clinical experiences provide opportunities to collaborate with preceptors in the management of care of individuals and families across the lifespan in various primary and family care settings.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Family Nure Practitioner certification exam pass rates for graduates of the Southern University School of Nursing FNP program consistently exceed national averages. National exam pass rates are something I encourage all potential students to consider when searching for the right program, as they give a good indication of a program’s strength.MSN Program Details: When it comes to finding a great FNP program in Louisiana, Northwestern State University is another school worth considering. The program admits students in the fall semester annually. The part-time format is designed to be completed in eight semesters. While some coursework and assignments may be completed online, students are also required to attend classes, labs, and simulation activities on campus and at off-campus learning sites.
The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program features a curriculum consisting of a sequence of 45 credits. The pathway includes MSN core courses, four clinical courses, role courses, an advanced assessment course, and 720 clinical hours. The plan of study includes classes like Genomics for Nursing Practice, Informatics for Nursing Practice, and Role of the NP in Business.
Clinical practicum assignments are arranged by program faculty and supervised by either faculty or approved preceptors. All NP clinicals must be completed in the state of Louisiana.
Post Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse who already holds a master’s degree but want to expand your scope of practice to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, NSU of Louisiana has a Post-Master’s Certificate option that could be the perfect option for you. The Post-Master’s FNP program admits students once yearly in the fall. Students who are accepted into the program progress with a clinical cohort.
The curriculum plan for the Post-Master’s FNP program is based on the traditional MSN curriculum but will vary depending on the coursework you completed during your master’s nursing program. A GAP analysis will be completed to compare your formal graduate transcript and supervised clinical experiences to the MSN curriculum requirements. If you completed a required course or its equivalent in your MSN program, you may be eligible for a course waiver. Therefore, the total number of credits, clinical hours, and amount of time it takes to earn the Post-Master’s Certificate will be determined after consideration of all these factors.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Northwestern State University introduced its first nursing program in 1949. The school was the first College of Nursing in Louisiana to offer a master’s degree in nursing program. The school’s long tradition and dedication to providing high-quality nursing education means you can feel confident in your choice to pursue your degree at NSU.MSN Program Details: If you are searching for a master’s-level FNP program in Louisiana, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has a great program to consider! The university offers traditional and expedited BSN to FNP pathways. The traditional pathway is for registered nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree. The expedited pathway is designed for currently enrolled BSN students, allowing you to transition from your bachelor’s degree program directly into the MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program.
The traditional pathway can be completed in two or three years, depending on whether you choose part-time or full-time study. The expedited entry pathway is a three-year pathway.
The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program requires you to complete 44 credit hours and a minimum of 600 clinical hours. The program features a flexible, hybrid program comprised of online and in-person learning. You will gain specialized knowledge and hands-on learning experiences through the program’s rigorous curriculum and diverse, high-quality practicums.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The Post-Master’s Certificate FNP program at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a hybrid program that features both online and in-person courses. The program can be completed in one or two years.
In the Post-Master’s Certificate FNP program, you will complete between 18 and 29 credits, based on whether you qualify for waivers for pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment courses. Seminar and practicum courses are designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide advanced, family-focused primary healthcare. The program includes a minimum of 600 clinical hours to provide you with opportunities to practice hands-on care in various primary care settings.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The FNP faculty at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is comprised of highly skilled nursing professionals. The faculty come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of clinical expertise and educational experience.| Hourly | $41.65 |
| Weekly | $1,666 |
| Monthly | $7,220 |
| Annual | $86,640 |
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $41.65 | $1,666 | $7,220 | $86,640 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.13 | $1,885 | $8,170 | $98,030 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $55.63 | $2,225 | $9,640 | $115,720 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $61.96 | $2,478 | $10,740 | $128,870 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $74.04 | $2,962 | $12,830 | $154,000 |
| Hourly | $56.62 |
| Weekly | $2,265 |
| Monthly | $9,810 |
| Annual | $117,760 |
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Alexandria | $51.49 | $2,059 | $8,920 | $107,090 |
| Baton Rouge | $57.41 | $2,296 | $9,950 | $119,410 |
| Hammond | $57.97 | $2,319 | $10,050 | $120,570 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $62.97 | $2,519 | $10,910 | $130,970 |
| Lafayette | $58.96 | $2,358 | $10,220 | $122,630 |
| Lake Charles | $56.04 | $2,242 | $9,710 | $116,560 |
| Monroe | $54.50 | $2,180 | $9,450 | $113,360 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $56.89 | $2,276 | $9,860 | $118,330 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $57.56 | $2,302 | $9,980 | $119,720 |
| Average Louisiana FNP Annual Salary | Average National FNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $117,760 | $127,510 | -$9,750 | -7.65% |
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $160,310 | -$42,550 | -26.54% |
| Nevada | $147,540 | -$29,780 | -20.18% |
| Washington | $144,290 | -$26,530 | -18.39% |
| New Jersey | $143,920 | -$26,160 | -18.18% |
| Oregon | $143,840 | -$26,080 | -18.13% |
| Massachusetts | $142,910 | -$25,150 | -17.60% |
| New York | $141,740 | -$23,980 | -16.92% |
| Connecticut | $135,940 | -$18,180 | -13.37% |
| New Mexico | $135,730 | -$17,970 | -13.24% |
| Minnesota | $133,980 | -$16,220 | -12.11% |
| District of Columbia | $133,820 | -$16,060 | -12.00% |
| Rhode Island | $132,440 | -$14,680 | -11.08% |
| Hawaii | $131,600 | -$13,840 | -10.52% |
| Arizona | $131,550 | -$13,790 | -10.48% |
| Delaware | $130,110 | -$12,350 | -9.49% |
| Iowa | $129,820 | -$12,060 | -9.29% |
| New Hampshire | $129,740 | -$11,980 | -9.23% |
| Texas | $129,020 | -$11,260 | -8.73% |
| Wisconsin | $127,350 | -$9,590 | -7.53% |
| Maryland | $127,010 | -$9,250 | -7.28% |
| Utah | $126,850 | -$9,090 | -7.17% |
| North Dakota | $126,790 | -$9,030 | -7.12% |
| Pennsylvania | $126,480 | -$8,720 | -6.89% |
| Illinois | $125,930 | -$8,170 | -6.49% |
| Alaska | $125,210 | -$7,450 | -5.95% |
| Vermont | $125,140 | -$7,380 | -5.90% |
| Montana | $123,690 | -$5,930 | -4.79% |
| Idaho | $123,600 | -$5,840 | -4.72% |
| Oklahoma | $123,380 | -$5,620 | -4.56% |
| Wyoming | $122,620 | -$4,860 | -3.96% |
| Indiana | $122,380 | -$4,620 | -3.78% |
| Maine | $122,000 | -$4,240 | -3.48% |
| Ohio | $121,930 | -$4,170 | -3.42% |
| Colorado | $121,060 | -$3,300 | -2.73% |
| Nebraska | $120,750 | -$2,990 | -2.48% |
| North Carolina | $120,660 | -$2,900 | -2.40% |
| Georgia | $120,230 | -$2,470 | -2.05% |
| South Dakota | $120,060 | -$2,300 | -1.92% |
| Virginia | $119,950 | -$2,190 | -1.83% |
| Michigan | $119,760 | -$2,000 | -1.67% |
| Florida | $118,800 | -$1,040 | -0.88% |
| Kansas | $118,360 | -$600 | -0.51% |
| Louisiana | $117,760 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Mississippi | $116,590 | +$1,170 | +1.00% |
| South Carolina | $116,050 | +$1,710 | +1.47% |
| Missouri | $115,790 | +$1,970 | +1.70% |
| West Virginia | $112,580 | +$5,180 | +4.60% |
| Arkansas | $112,550 | +$5,210 | +4.63% |
| Kentucky | $109,530 | +$8,230 | +7.51% |
| Alabama | $109,180 | +$8,580 | +7.86% |
| Tennessee | $102,930 | +$14,830 | +14.41% |
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $218,770 | -$101,010 | -46.17% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $117,760 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $80,760 | +$37,000 | +45.81% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $78,780 | +$38,980 | +49.48% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $51,700 | +$66,060 | +127.78% |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,420 | +$87,340 | +287.11% |
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $170,450 | -$52,690 | -30.91% |
| Dentist | $164,340 | -$46,580 | -28.34% |
| Optometrist | $131,460 | -$13,700 | -10.42% |
| Pharmacist | $124,770 | -$7,010 | -5.62% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,280 | -$5,520 | -4.48% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $117,760 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $115,450 | +$2,310 | +2.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $97,830 | +$19,930 | +20.37% |
| Occupational Therapist | $93,110 | +$24,650 | +26.47% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,510 | +$29,250 | +33.05% |
| Chiropractor | $79,800 | +$37,960 | +47.57% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,980 | +$38,780 | +49.10% |
| Audiologist | $75,210 | +$42,550 | +56.57% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $74,390 | +$43,370 | +58.30% |
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| 10 |
| $56.62 |
| $2,265 |
| $9,810 |
| $117,760 |
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +43.62% |










Darby Faubion BSN, RN