How long does it take to get a Louisiana nursing license?

Louisiana is a wonderful place to live and work for many reasons. The state boasts a vibrant cultural scene, top-notch regional cuisine, a welcoming environment, and a reasonable cost of living. The job market in this city is extremely developed and challenging, especially for medical professionals. No matter your level of experience or whether you recently completed one of the many nursing programs the state has to offer, the first step in beginning your nursing career in Louisiana is applying for a license. Is it possible to get a Louisiana nursing license in a few months? In short, yes. It could take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to get a license.

How to Obtain a Nursing License in Louisiana by Exam?

First Step: Education

Many nursing schools in Louisiana offer bachelor's, associate's, and diploma programs and have been approved by the nursing board. You must first receive one of these nursing degrees or complete an approved school outside the state before you can apply for a state permit.

Process of Application

You need to fill out the nursing license applications through LA’s Nurse Portal because the state no longer accepts paper applications.

Before applying for your initial registered nursing permit via examination, you must provide the following:

• PDF version of your photo ID from the government
• LA residency proof

• Any supporting documents (in PDF format) for any "yes" responses to questions on the application
• A credit card to pay the $100 application and the $39.25 criminal background check fees
• The LA State Board of Nursing the criminal background check package and statement of verification by US postal mail
• Uploaded and submitted requests for accommodations as well as proof of out-of-state testing, if necessary

Candidates must submit their requests before registering for the NCLEX-RN exam. They also have to pay a $200 registration fee online or over the phone at 1-866-496-2539.

Generally, the Licensing Board will not qualify the applicant if:

• the applicant has ever received disciplinary action from a nursing or other health governing agency
• he or she doesn’t speak English fluently
• he or she is currently under investigation for a civil or criminal offense
• the applicant doesn’t have a U.S. Social Security number.

Applicants for registered nursing licenses must mail an original signed, notarized, Affidavit of Verification addressed to the Louisiana Board of Nursing at the following address:

Louisiana State Board of Nursing

17373 Perkins Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Until you get your full license, Louisiana grants a 90-day temporary graduate permit that enables you to work as a nurse there. You must also pay an extra $100 to apply for a 90-day temporary permit.

Submission of Transcripts

The administrator of your program will review and approve graduates to take the NCLEX-RN following graduation if your nursing education program was accredited by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. A list of candidates from their program will be compiled and presented to the board. Program graduates should not submit transcripts.

Later, you need to send an Affidavit of Graduation form to the nursing program if you have completed an out-of-state nursing education program. The Louisiana Board of Nursing's Education Department should receive an official transcript from the institution noting the degree awarded at

Louisiana State Board of Nursing

17373 Perkins Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Candidates need to complete a criminal background check after completing their application for licensing. They’d send the packet, which includes the payment receipt, two authorization forms, and two FBI fingerprint cards, directly to the board of nursing by U.S. mail.

Pass the NCLEX

The last step on your path to licensing is to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

You will get your Louisiana nursing license after you have completed the NCLEX.

If you don't pass, you can use the Nurse Portal to apply to retake the test. Additionally, you will have to reapply for the exam. Once 45 days have passed since your initial test date, you can request a test.

Candidates must pass the exam in four attempts and within four years of graduation, including exams in other states, to qualify for licensure in Louisiana.

Endorsement-based Licensing (already have RN licensure)

You must submit your application for licensing in Louisiana through the state's Nursing Portal. It must be completed only if you already have a valid nursing license from another state.

As soon as your application is complete, the Louisiana State Board of Nursing will need confirmation of your license from both the initial state where you took your nursing board exam and the state where you are now licensed. If the state's Board of Nursing is not involved, this should be done through the NURSYS system.