Northwestern State University admitted its first baccalaureate Nursing students in 1949. Over the past six decades, more than seven thousand students have received degrees from the NSU College of Nursing, making it the oldest state supported nursing program in Louisiana.

In the mid 1940’s the visionary nursing community in Shreveport recognized the need for a collegiate-based nursing program. Following the recommendations of a national consultant, five hospitals agreed to phase out their diploma programs opening the door for Northwestern State University to create a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

During the early years of the NSU College of Nursing, students were given two options. They could exit the program at the end of three years of study with a diploma, or complete a fourth year and earn a baccalaureate degree. The diploma option was phased out in the late 1950’s.

Dedicated to fulfilling a statewide need for academic opportunities in nursing, NSU established major clinical nursing campus sites in Alexandria-Pineville, Baton Rouge, Monroe and Shreveport. Beginning in the late 1950’s, Northwestern also offered registered nurses the chance to earn a baccalaureate degree through a special program (RN to BSN).

Following many successful years of offering nursing courses over a large geographic area, the College of Nursing consolidated its clinical campuses to Shreveport in 1970. Two years later the College of Nursing initiated two new programs, the Associate Degree and the Master’s of Science in Nursing.

In 1968, the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) program was implemented in the Department of Life Sciences. This program was placed in the College of Nursing in 1994. The Radiologic Sciences program is offered on both the Shreveport Campus and the Alexandria Rapides Hospital Campus. Radiologic Technology was changed to the Radiologic Sciences program Degree Program in 2008. The Radiologic Sciences program is now housed under the New College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.

The School of Allied Health (SAH) also has the Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences (MSRS) which started in 2009.  This is the only MSRS program in Louisiana and one of only a handful in the nation.  Additionally, the SAH houses the Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health (BASAH) that started in 2012.  The BASAH program was the first applied science degree in Louisiana.

The RN to BSN and master’s programs continue course offerings in the Alexandria area. In fall 1999, RN to BSN course offerings were initiated via the Internet for those diploma and associate degree graduates who are interested in seeking a baccalaureate degree.

Beta Chi, the first chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International in Louisiana, was chartered in 1976 at Northwestern State University.

The College of Nursing and School of Allied Health strives to be an innovator and a pacesetter in the educational preparation of individuals in nursing and allied health.
Northwestern State University College of Nursing and School of Allied Health serves an increasingly diverse student population while advancing the mission of the University by offering excellent and innovative undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and continuing education programs that are designed to assist individuals in achieving their goals to become responsible and contributing members of an interprofessional global community that improves the health of our region, state, and nation.

Excellence

  • Pursue highest standards
  • Uphold quality
  • Exceed challenging goals
  • Act as good stewards of resources

Respect

  • Embrace Free Expression
  • Treat people fairly
  • Value diversity
  • Promote inclusion

Caring

  • Empathize
  • Exhibit openness
  • Express sensitivity

Teamwork

  • Involve Others
  • Challenge with Respect
  • Communicate Effectively

Professionalism

  • Demonstrate integrity
  • Persevere
  • Display Accountability
  • Maintain expertise
  • Act ethically

Innovation

  • Seek/focus on future transformations that advance our mission
  • Display passion
  • Commit to continuous quality improvement
  • Provide state-of-the-art learning environments
To make a gift the the College of Nursing and Allied Health, Click here and choose ‘College of Nursing and Allied Health’ in the ‘Choose category’ drop-down menu.

2017 Best College Reviews

In 2017, Best College Reviews ranked the BS in Computer Information Systems at NSU as the best online management information systems program in the country based on its cost, concentration offerings, and "wow" factor.

NSU Ranks in the Top 30

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is identified as one of the top 30 schools for an online computer science degree, according to Best Choice Schools. NSU is the only school in Louisiana to make their list.

Links
Contact Us

Shreveport Campus · Nursing
(318) 677-3100 or 1 (800) 454-9567
1800 Line Avenue
Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
Undergraduate Nursing 318.677.3015
Graduate Nursing 318.677.3131
nursing@nsula.edu

Natchitoches Campus · Nursing
(318) 357-6877 or 1 (800) 730-8973
Fournet Hall, College of Nursing, NSU
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497
nursing@nsula.edu

CENLA Campus · Nursing
(318) 484-2184 Ext. 109
1410 Neel Kearby Blvd
Alexandria, Louisiana 71303
nursing@nsula.edu

Rapides Medical Center Extension of CENLA Campus
NSU College of Nursing & School of Allied Health
(318) 449-7991
Medical Arts Building 2nd Floor
211 Fourth Street
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
nursing@nsula.edu

Leesville Campus · Nursing
3329 University Parkway
Leesville, Louisiana 71446
(337) 392-3100
nursing@nsula.edu

School of Allied Health
1800 Line Ave
Shreveport, LA 71101
Dr. Kelli Haynes
318-677-3100
haynesk@nsula.edu

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