Launch a career that saves lives, transforms communities, and leads the future of healthcare — right here at Northwestern State University.
College of Nursing
Northwestern State University is a trailblazer in nursing education. We were the first public university in Louisiana to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing, welcoming our first class in 1949. We were also the first in the state to launch a master’s in nursing.
Undergraduate Studies in Nursing
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Our ASN degree prepares you to become a registered nurse through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice. Graduates are ready to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and a variety of healthcare settings—and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
☎️ Schedule advising: 318-677-3015
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
📍 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326
📞 (404) 975-5000
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Our four-year BSN program combines liberal arts and nursing education to prepare graduates for a wide variety of healthcare roles—from critical care and school health to community outreach. After three semesters of coursework and clinical acceptance, students complete five semesters of clinical training in Shreveport or Alexandria.
Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and can later pursue advanced degrees.
☎️ Schedule advising: 318-677-3015
Approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
📍 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001
📞 (202) 887-6791
Accelerated BSN
For Students with a Prior Bachelor’s Degree
Already earned a bachelor’s? Fast-track your path to nursing with our Accelerated BSN, a 16-month intensive program. All general education coursework must be completed before enrolling in nursing classes.
☎️ Contact: 318-677-3100
The Program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, 225-755-7500. The BSN Program is the first program in Louisiana to be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington , DC 20001 P: (202) 887-6791 F: (202) 887-8476
LPN to ASN and LPN to BSN
Advance your nursing career with specialized pathways designed for Licensed Practical Nurses.
☎️ Advising: 318-677-3015
Military Medic–Paramedic to ASN RN
If you’ve served in the military or worked as a paramedic, this pathway honors your experience and accelerates your RN goals.
RN to BSN – 100% Online
100% Online | $249/credit hour | No Fees
Busy working nurse? Our RN to BSN program is built just for you—affordable, flexible, and nationally recognized. You can finish in as little as 12 months.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Heather Hayter | hayterh@nsula.edu
Program Advisors:
Dr. Windy Jaep | jaepw@nsula.edu
Mrs. Emily Horton | hortonem@nsula.edu
Dr. Leah Pearce | pearcel@nsula.edu
Approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
Phone 225-755-7500
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-887-6791
Northwestern State University and the following Universities have agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for articulation with associate degree in nursing programs. The articulations will allow students to complete their Associate Degree in Nursing and transfer their credit hours to Northwestern State University in partial fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Northwestern State University (NSU), College of Nursing and School of Allied Health provides learning opportunities for registered nurses to build upon baccalaureate nursing education, as well as experiential professional knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The MSN program at NSU prepares registered nurses to function and excel in various advanced nursing roles.
NOTICE: 2025 MSN AND PMC APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED
Applications for the MSN and PMC programs are processed through the Graduate School at Northwestern State University. The application period is from
January 1st through a priority deadline of March 31st.
The MSN & PMC programs accept applications in a cohort model with coursework beginning every Fall semester. Applications will continue to be accepted pending space availability until a final deadline of June 1st. The MSN & PMC programs do not have rolling admissions.
Students are encouraged to apply in January 2026 through the Graduate school by uploading all required documents in the application portal. Applicants with completed submissions will be considered for admission in the Fall.
The master’s degree in nursing at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing (PMC)
The Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing (PMC) program at Northwestern State University (NSU), College of Nursing and School of Allied Health provides learning opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses to build upon previous graduate nursing education (MSN, DNP, PhD). Advanced practice nurses can expand their care delivery at NSU by earning a certificate in one of three specialty population concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner or
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The PMC program at NSU prepares graduate trained nurses to grow into one of these three populations with a curriculum that is uniquely planned in conjunction with previous graduate nurse education. A GAP analysis compares a student’s previous graduate training with current education trends to ensure excellent education experience while also avoiding repetitive coursework.
NOTICE: 2025 MSN AND PMC APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED
Applications for the MSN and PMC programs are processed through the Graduate School at Northwestern State University. The application period is from
January 1st through a priority deadline of March 31st.
The MSN & PMC programs accept applications in a cohort model with coursework beginning every Fall semester. Applications will continue to be accepted pending space availability until a final deadline of June 1st. The MSN & PMC programs do not have rolling admissions.
Students are encouraged to apply in January 2026 through the Graduate school by uploading all required documents in the application portal. Applicants with completed submissions will be considered for admission in the Fall.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP is a practice-focused doctorate for nurses ready to lead at the highest levels. Choose from:
- Nurse Anesthesia (36 months)
- Executive Leadership (24 months)
- Educational Leadership (24 months)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, nurse anesthesia role (Nurse Anesthesia Program) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) (http://coacrna.org, 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906 Rosemont, IL 60018-5603, and can be reached at 224-275-9130 or via email at accreditation@coacrna.org), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The nurse anesthesia program received COA accreditation in May 2021 and the next accreditation review will be in 2026.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, 225-755-7500.
Applicants to the Executive Leadership (ExL) & DNP Educational Leadership (EdL) programs must complete applications through both:
1) NSU’s graduate school admissions portal located at NSU Graduate School Application where you will select DNP Program, Nursing Practice DNP and then the appropriate concentration ExL (901E) or EdL (901D)
AND
2) the NursingCas portal located at NursingCAS, the centralized application for nursing. Applicants must apply through both website portals. When starting in NursingCas create an account or or log into your existing account. Visit the Add Program page to select our nursing program and complete the steps to fill out and submit your application. If you need help with NursingCAS, visit the applicant help center or contact applicant support with questions.
The application period for the DNP ExL and EdL programs is February 15-July 15 for the following Spring semester.
Applicants to the BSN to DNP NA program must complete applications through both:
1) NSU’s graduate school admissions portal located at NSU Graduate School Application where you will select DNP Program, Nursing Practice DNP and then the appropriate concentration ExL (901E) or EdL (901D)
AND
2) the NursingCas portal located at NursingCAS, the centralized application for nursing. Applicants must apply through both website portals. When starting in NursingCas create an account or or log into your existing account. Visit the Add Program page to select our nursing program and complete the steps to fill out and submit your application. If you need help with NursingCAS, visit the applicant help center or contact applicant support with questions.
The application period for the DNP NA program is February 15-July 15 for the following Spring semester.
DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program Statistics
| Cohort | # of Students Admitted | Average Undergraduate GPA | Average GRE | # of Students Graduated | NSU NCE Pass Rate % (1st Time) | National NCE Pass Rate % (1st Time) | Average # of Anesthesia Cases | % of Students Employed as CRNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 3.42 | 301 | 17 | 88.23% | 84.90% | 1032 | 100% |
| 2024 | 16 | 3.49 | 298 | 14 | 78.57% | 89.30% | 1047 | 100% |