Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse practitioner in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite)
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$125,980 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of 125,980, Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana earn 2% below the national median of $129,210. Louisiana ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$125,980Hourly estimate
$60.572% below national median
Difference: -$3,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Practitioner Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 166,610 |
| #2 | New Jersey | 149,620 |
| #3 | Alaska | 145,450 |
| #4 | New York | 145,390 |
| #5 | Oregon | 144,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $125,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $113,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $119,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $129,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70810
Phone: 2257557500
Related Careers in Louisiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $75,740 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $97,450 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $56,980 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $38,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana?
Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Practitioners.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Nurse Practitioner salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana is 125,980. Salaries range from $95,960 (10th percentile) to $156,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Nurse Practitioner salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana earn 2% below the national median of $129,210, with a state median of 125,980.
How many Nurse Practitioners work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 4,480 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner license to Louisiana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.lsbn.state.la.us/.