Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,930 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $53,930, Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana earn 13% below the national median of $62,340. Louisiana ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$53,930Hourly estimate
$25.9313% below national median
Difference: -$8,410
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLicensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $79,700 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $77,940 |
| #3 | Alaska | $77,670 |
| #4 | California | $77,170 |
| #5 | Oregon | $76,570 |
Nearby States Comparison
Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $53,930 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $51,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,850 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $60,150 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
131 Airline Drive, Suite 301, Metairie, LA, 70001
Phone: 5048385791
Related Careers in Louisiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | 6 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $75,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana?
Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Practical Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana is $53,930. Salaries range from $42,860 (10th percentile) to $64,240 (90th percentile).
How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana earn 13% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $53,930.
How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 18,630 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to Louisiana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.lsbpne.com/.
How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.