Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Interested in an APRN opportunity in the Bayou State that offers solid pay, job security, and enough variety to keep things interesting on a day-by-day basis? Consider enrolling in one of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Louisiana. As a PNP in Louisiana, you'll command a salary of $116,530 a year, and you'll be at the top of every healthcare job recruiter's list: Within the next decade, job opportunities for pediatric nurse practitioners are expected to shoot up by 44 percent. Every day you'll face fresh challenges as different as the young lives you care for. Could this be the right career for you? Read our guide to the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Louisiana.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Louisiana.)
1. Grambling State University - Grambling
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: As a nurse educator, I love sharing insight about outstanding nursing programs. As a nurse from Louisiana, I am especially pleased to have opportunities to share information about programs and colleges in my home state. If you are a registered nurse with a love for pediatric care and you are considering advancing your career and becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Louisiana is an excellent place to pursue your degree!
For instance, Grambling State University is home to a top pediatric nurse practitioner program in Louisiana. The post-baccalaureate Master of Science in Nursing program offers the opportunity to specialize in pediatric primary care. The program is a 21-month (five-semester) program designed for full-time completion.
The MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is a 43-credit pathway. Campus-based lectures, intensives, and simulations complement online didactic coursework. The curriculum features classes such as Health Policy for Families & Communities, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Health Management, and Advanced Nursing Research. The program also includes a minimum of 668 hours of clinical experience. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively between students and faculty and occur as close to the student’s geographic location as possible.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the Grambling State University MSN program is competitive. The first step is to apply to the School of Graduate Studies. After acceptance to the School of Graduate Studies, you must apply to the School of Nursing Graduate Program.
To be eligible for admission consideration, you need a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN-accredited nursing program. In addition to submitting admission applications, you are required to provide three letters of professional/academic recommendation, official GRE scores (taken within the previous five years), and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for all nursing degree courses. Additionally, transcripts should reflect the completion of a statistics course with a grade of “C” or better and a graduate-level writing course. An interview with the School of Nursing graduate faculty will be conducted prior to the official offer of admission being granted.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are searching for a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program in Louisiana with a legacy of excellence and empowerment, Grambling State University is an awesome choice! GSU is a Historically Black University (HBCU) with a rich history of academic excellence, community service, and cultural pride. The school, founded in 1901, is recognized as a beacon of opportunity for students seeking an education grounded in advocacy, leadership, and social justice.• Endless opportunities to learn, grow, and advance your career are just one of many reasons nursing is an excellent career choice. Grambling State University offers opportunities to not only earn a master’s degree and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, but you can also pursue a Post-Master’s Certificate program that is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-to-Family Nurse Practitioner option.
• As a nurse educator, I believe in the importance of finding a nursing program with highly qualified, dedicated faculty. After all, the faculty’s job is to prepare you to be the best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner you can be! Grambling State University’s PNP program boasts an outstanding faculty that brings academic rigor, clinical expertise, and a deep commitment to student success.
2. Northwestern State University of Louisiana - Natchitoches
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Northwestern State University is home to another of our featured primary care pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Louisiana. The program is a post-baccalaureate pathway that culminates in a Master of Science in Nursing degree. New students are admitted once each year in the fall semester, and the program takes eight semesters to complete. Coursework is entirely online and combined with periodic campus-based intensives, making this program an excellent choice for busy working nurses.
The curriculum is designed to build your expertise in diagnosing and managing common pediatric conditions. The MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program features a 42-credit curriculum, which includes MSN core courses, clinical courses, role courses, and clinical practicums. You will study Evidence-Based Practice, Pediatric Primary Care Concepts, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology, and learn to conduct developmental screenings, prescribe medications, and educate patients and families.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana partners with healthcare facilities across Louisiana, providing you with access to a diverse range of clinical experiences. Clinical sites include urban hospitals, rural clinics, school-based health programs, and other settings. The program incorporates 720 hours of clinical practicum.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, you must meet admission criteria for both the University’s Graduate School and the School of Nursing. Eligible applicants will have a current, unencumbered Louisiana state or Compact State RN license and a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program.
Along with your admission applications, you need to provide two professional letters of recommendation (one from an immediate supervisor and one from a former faculty member), official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities, evidence of at least one year of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse, and a copy of your current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate coursework or a 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• After more than 20 years in the nursing profession, I have come to realize that one of the most unfortunate aspects of the healthcare industry is that several underserved populations remain, and pediatrics is one of them. One of the things I like about the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at NSU is its commitment to preparing nurse practitioners with the ability to serve diverse, underserved populations. When you pursue your degree at NSU, you will learn to deliver care that is more than evidence-based; it is holistic and culturally-responsive.• Northwestern State University of Louisiana believes that everyone should have access to an affordable education. The school offers competitive tuition rates and several financial assistance options, including scholarships, grants, and assistantships. Financial aid advisors are committed to helping you find every available resource so that your dream of obtaining your degree and becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner can become a reality!
• As a nurse educator, I encourage nursing students and licensed nurses alike to seize every opportunity available to them to learn and grow. Northwestern State University promotes lifelong learning by introducing students to continuing education opportunities offered by Louisiana-based institutions, such as CHNOLA Grand Rounds and the Louisiana American Academy of Pediatrics' Pediatric Gumbeaux series.
• The NSU College of Nursing and Allied Health was established over 70 years ago. Through collaborative efforts of faculty and staff throughout the years, the school has built a reputation for producing some of the most highly skilled, compassionate, and ethical nursing professionals, including Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. This history of nursing excellence is just one of many reasons NSU is home to one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Louisiana.
• In keeping with advances in technology, the PNP program at NSU Louisiana does not use textbooks. Instead, the program utilizes a subscription called Up-to-Date, which enables students to access the most recent, evidence-based information and guidelines in real-time. Up-to-Date is used nationwide by practicing clinicians.
3. Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans - New Orleans
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, AGACNP & PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER-AC Dual, and PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER-PC & PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER-AC Dual
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at LSU Health offers four pathways to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. You can choose between Primary Care or Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, or opt for a dual degree pathway, specializing in both Acute and Primary Care Pediatrics or Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric Acute Care. The program
While some classes are delivered via a distance learning format, campus attendance is required at times to complete simulations and other scheduled events. The Acute Care and Primary Care PNP programs each feature a 91-credit curriculum and include 1,200 hours of practicum experience. The AGACNP and Pediatric ACNP and Pediatric Primary Care and Acute Care dual degree pathways require the completion of 115 total semester credits and include 1,920 clinical hours. LSUHSC School of Nursing secures clinical sites and preceptors to ensure adequate experiences with qualified preceptors.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: LSU Health utilizes the Centralized Application for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS) to receive and review applications, as well as supporting documentation. To be eligible to apply for admission to the program, you need a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program, a current, unrestricted RN license, and at least two years of experience working as a Registered Nurse in an acute care pediatric center (within five years of applying).
In addition to completing an admission application, you are required to submit three letters of reference and official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree-granting school. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for all undergraduate coursework. Additionally, you are required to provide a copy of your current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program at LSU Health is another excellent option for nurses seeking a pediatric nurse practitioner program in Louisiana. The program admits new students each year in the summer semester and is available for part-time or full-time enrollment. Full-time students typically complete the DNP degree in four semesters, while part-time students complete it in seven semesters.
This post-master's DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program offers the option to specialize in either Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatrics. Both pathways feature a 65-credit curriculum plan. The study plans include 960 clinical hours. However, the total number of clinical hours may be reduced based on the number of hours that can be transferred from your master’s nursing program. The Program Director must approve any changes in clinical hours.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program at Louisiana State University Health, you must hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, have an unencumbered Louisiana Registered Nurse and APRN license, hold national APRN certification, and have at least one year of APRN experience.
You should begin the admission process by applying to the program via NursingCAS. You will need to pay a $100 application fee and provide other documentation. For instance, you should submit one example of a published or unpublished scholarly paper, a current resume, a completed Verification of Graduate Practicum Hours Form, three letters of recommendation, and a copy of your BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Louisiana State University Health is dedicated to helping students maximize their educational experience. As a student in one of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs, you opt to take additional classes to specialize in an advanced specialty. Currently, you may choose Advanced Emergency Nursing, Advanced Nephrology Nursing, and Advanced Oncology Nursing.• Through the years, I have had the privilege of working with nursing student recruitment services. When I asked potential students what questions or concerns they had, most voiced concerns about the cost of attending school. The rigor of graduate nursing programs often leads students to reduce their work hours or take time off from work, which makes this a legitimate concern. At LSU Health, the Student Financial Aid Office has advisors who work closely with you to identify financial aid options that can help reduce the cost of the program. The school administers loans, grants, scholarships, and part-time work-study programs.
• Finding a pediatric nurse practitioner program with a proven track record of success is crucial. I recommend prospective students search for a program that is highly ranked by well-known, reputable sources. For example, Louisiana State University Health is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Grad Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN LOUISIANA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $41.22 |
| Weekly | $1,649 |
| Monthly | $7,140 |
| Annual | $85,730 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $41.22 | $1,649 | $7,140 | $85,730 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $46.63 | $1,865 | $8,080 | $97,000 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $55.05 | $2,202 | $9,540 | $114,510 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $61.31 | $2,452 | $10,630 | $127,520 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $73.26 | $2,931 | $12,700 | $152,390 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA?
| Hourly | $56.02 |
| Weekly | $2,241 |
| Monthly | $9,710 |
| Annual | $116,530 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF LOUISIANA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Alexandria | $50.95 | $2,038 | $8,830 | $105,970 |
| Baton Rouge | $56.81 | $2,272 | $9,850 | $118,160 |
| Hammond | $57.36 | $2,294 | $9,940 | $119,310 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $62.31 | $2,492 | $10,800 | $129,600 |
| Lafayette | $58.34 | $2,333 | $10,110 | $121,340 |
| Lake Charles | $55.45 | $2,218 | $9,610 | $115,340 |
| Monroe | $53.93 | $2,157 | $9,350 | $112,170 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $56.29 | $2,252 | $9,760 | $117,090 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $56.96 | $2,278 | $9,870 | $118,470 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Louisiana Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $116,530 | $126,175 | -$9,645 | -7.64% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$42,100 | -26.54% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$29,460 | -20.18% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$26,250 | -18.38% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$25,890 | -18.18% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$25,810 | -18.13% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$24,890 | -17.60% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$23,730 | -16.92% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$17,980 | -13.37% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$17,780 | -13.24% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | -$16,050 | -12.11% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | -$15,890 | -12.00% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | -$14,530 | -11.09% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | -$13,690 | -10.51% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | -$13,640 | -10.48% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | -$12,220 | -9.49% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | -$11,930 | -9.29% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | -$11,850 | -9.23% |
| Texas | $127,670 | -$11,140 | -8.73% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | -$9,490 | -7.53% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | -$9,150 | -7.28% |
| Utah | $125,520 | -$8,990 | -7.16% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | -$8,930 | -7.12% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | -$8,620 | -6.89% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | -$8,080 | -6.48% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | -$7,370 | -5.95% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | -$7,300 | -5.90% |
| Montana | $122,390 | -$5,860 | -4.79% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | -$5,780 | -4.73% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | -$5,560 | -4.55% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | -$4,800 | -3.96% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | -$4,570 | -3.77% |
| Maine | $120,720 | -$4,190 | -3.47% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | -$4,130 | -3.42% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | -$3,260 | -2.72% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | -$2,960 | -2.48% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | -$2,870 | -2.40% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | -$2,440 | -2.05% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | -$2,270 | -1.91% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | -$2,160 | -1.82% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | -$1,980 | -1.67% |
| Florida | $117,550 | -$1,020 | -0.87% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | -$590 | -0.50% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$1,160 | +1.01% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$1,700 | +1.48% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$1,950 | +1.70% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$5,120 | +4.60% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$5,160 | +4.63% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$8,150 | +7.52% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$8,490 | +7.86% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$14,680 | +14.41% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN LOUISIANA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $218,770 | -$102,240 | -46.73% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $116,530 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $80,760 | +$35,770 | +44.29% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $78,780 | +$37,750 | +47.92% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $51,700 | +$64,830 | +125.40% |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,420 | +$86,110 | +283.07% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN LOUISIANA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $170,450 | -$53,920 | -31.63% |
| Dentist | $164,340 | -$47,810 | -29.09% |
| Optometrist | $131,460 | -$14,930 | -11.36% |
| Pharmacist | $124,770 | -$8,240 | -6.60% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,280 | -$6,750 | -5.48% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $116,530 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $115,450 | +$1,080 | +0.94% |
| Physical Therapist | $97,830 | +$18,700 | +19.11% |
| Occupational Therapist | $93,110 | +$23,420 | +25.15% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,510 | +$28,020 | +31.66% |
| Chiropractor | $79,800 | +$36,730 | +46.03% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,980 | +$37,550 | +47.54% |
| Audiologist | $75,210 | +$41,320 | +54.94% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $74,390 | +$42,140 | +56.65% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Louisiana?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Louisiana?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Louisiana?
| $56.02 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Louisiana?
| $2,241 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Louisiana?
| $9,710 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Louisiana?
| $116,530 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Louisiana?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +43.62% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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