Launch a career that saves lives, transforms communities, and leads the future of healthcare — right here at Northwestern State University.
Nursing Programs
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
Preferred deadline October 15, Final deadline January 15
- NURB 3030/3050 FALL 2025 Application
- NURB 3030/3050 SPRING 2026 Application
- ASN Spring 2026 Clinical Applications
- BSN Spring 2026 Clinical Applications
- Accelerated BSN Summer 2026 Application
- LPN to ASN Clinical Application
- Military Medic/Paramedic to ASN RN Application
- Request to Repeat/Re-enroll/Re-enter
- Request for Waiver to APDG Policies (Committee meets August 14, 2025)
- Undergraduate Student Handbook 2022
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 | $225/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:
Ms. Tiffany Rogers | rogersti@nsula.edu
Dr. Leah Pearce | pearcel@nsula.edu
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.
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.
Bossier Parish Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Prepare for roles in advanced practice, education, or administration. The MSN program accepts applications from January 1 to March 31 annually (Fall start only).
Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Education
Administration
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 (PMC)
Designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking a new specialty. Clinical hours and lab participation may be required on-site.
The MSN and PMC programs nurse practitioner concentrations may require students to attend courses, labs, and/or simulation activities on the main campus or off-campus learning sites. Students must obtain direct care (in person) clinical hours as specified by the curriculum pattern. Presently, NP clinical hours are obtained in Louisiana.
Applications for the MSN and PMC programs are processed through the Graduate School at Northwestern State University. The application period is from January 1st to a priority deadline of March 31st for the Fall semester.
Students must apply to the Graduate School and upload all required documents to be considered for admission
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 (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% |