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.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- LPN to ASN
- LPN to BSN
- RN to BSN
- Military Medic–Paramedic to ASN RN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing (PMC)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Transition to RN (ASN) ( Formally LPN to ASN and Medic/Paramedic to ASN)
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
The Associate of Science in Nursing program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana located in Shreveport, Louisiana and offered at the Natchitoches, Alexandria, and Leesville instructional sites, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding this program at:
Transition to RN (ASN)
( Formally LPN to ASN and Medic/Paramedic to ASN)
Nursing Transition to Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a bridge program designed to build on students’ prior health care experience. The program focuses on developing advanced critical thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex patient care. Through experiential learning, mentorship, and structured clinical experiences, it bridges the gap between previous health care roles and the expanded scope of practice of a registered nurse. Graduates are prepared to sit for—and successfully pass—the NCLEX-RN examination and transition into professional nursing practice.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about the program and get your questions answered one-on-one. Our team is ready to help you explore your next steps and guide you through the application process.
Finish in 12 Months
Complete the program in three consecutive semesters.
Hybrid Learning Format
Enjoy the flexibility of online coursework combined with in-person lab and
clinical experiences making it easier to balance school, work and family.
Clinical Scheduling Options
(dependent on site availability)
Career Focused Training
Hands on clinical experience prepares you for real nursing environments,
from hospitals to community care settings.
Support Every Step of the Way
Dedicated faculty, academic advising and NCLEX preparation built into
the program.
Students with a healthcare background who
• have successfully completed an allied health or nursing certificate/degree
program (e.g. LPN, Paramedic, Military Medic, Respiratory Therapy, Occupational
Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant);
• have worked full-time for at least one year in that respective healthcare field;
• hold a current, unencumbered certificate/license to practice in that healthcare
field.
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.
The post-graduate APRN certificate program 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.
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 program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603; (224) 275-9130; http://coacrna.org. The program’s next review by the COA is scheduled for October 2026.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program has full approval of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
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 Nurse Anesthesia (901C)
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 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 1-June 30 for the following Spring semester.
DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program Statistics
| Cohort | # of Students | Average Undergraduate GPA | Average GRE | # of Students Graduated | Attrition Rate % | 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 | 15% | 88.23% | 84.90% | 1032 | 100% |
| 2024 | 16 | 3.49 | 298 | 14 | 12.5% | 78.57% | 89.30% | 1047 | 100% |
| 2025 | 20 | 3.36 | 299 | 20 | 0% | 1159 |