Fletcher Technical Community College — 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate AND 100% job placement in 2024
Fletcher Technical Community College achieved something remarkable in 2024: 100% of students passed their NCLEX-PN on the first attempt AND 100% found job placement upon graduation. The program spans five semesters, integrates classroom instruction, skills labs, supervised clinical experiences, and service-learning components — with an on-campus nursing lab featuring hospital-grade equipment and simulation technology. This is one of the strongest outcomes records of any LPN program in Louisiana.
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Louisiana
All programs below are approved by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners with strong NCLEX-PN track records. Louisiana LPN programs run 12–18 months.
- CampusesSix locations across central Louisiana
- Program lengthFive semesters full-time
- CredentialsThree credential exit points
- TOPS TechTOPS Tech scholarship eligible
- AidPell Grant eligible
- NCLEX-PN pass rate100% first attempt (2024)
- Job placement100% (2024)
- Credits64 credit hours
- LabHospital-grade simulation lab
- TOPS TechTOPS Tech scholarship eligible
- Credits59 credit hours — 4 semesters
- NCLEX pass rateOutstanding — consistent results
- StartFall semester on Acadian campus
- BridgeLPN-to-RN entry track available
- LocationBaton Rouge — state capital
- Credits51 credit hours
- Exit pointsMultiple credential exit points
- LocationNorth Shore — near New Orleans
- TOPS TechTOPS Tech scholarship eligible
- AidPell Grant eligible
- Start datesFall or spring — varies by campus
- LocationMonroe + multiple northeast LA campuses
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- TOPS TechTOPS Tech scholarship eligible
- AidPell Grant eligible
- LocationShreveport — northwest Louisiana
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- BridgeRN pathway available at SUSLA
- AidPell Grant eligible
- NoteHistorically Black University — strong mission
⚠️ Tuition based on 2024–2025 IPEDS data and published program costs. Always contact schools directly for current costs. CLTCC $2,495 figure per published program data — verify directly.
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LPN Salary in Louisiana — What You Can Expect to Earn
Louisiana LPN salaries average $53,930/year statewide per BLS May 2024 data. New Orleans leads at $58,800/year — the highest-paying market in the state. Louisiana has the 15th lowest cost of living in the U.S., which gives these salaries solid real purchasing power. New Orleans LPNs can also earn up to $88,497 at the top of the pay scale.
| City / Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 New Orleans / Metairie | ~$58,800 | ~$28.27 | Highest-paying LA market — major medical hub |
| 🥈 Baton Rouge | ~$54,000–$57,000 | ~$25.96–$27.40 | State capital — strong healthcare demand |
| 🥉 Shreveport | ~$52,000–$55,000 | ~$25.00–$26.44 | Northwest LA hub — growing market |
| Lafayette | ~$51,000–$54,000 | ~$24.52–$25.96 | Acadiana region — steady demand |
| Statewide Average (BLS) | ~$53,930 | ~$25.93 | BLS May 2024 |
| Top earners (New Orleans) | Up to $88,497 | Up to $42.55 | Upper range — experienced LPNs |
Financial Aid & Free Money for Louisiana LPN Students
Louisiana has several powerful funding programs including the TOPS Tech scholarship and the MJ Foster Promise Program that can significantly reduce LPN tuition costs.
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Tech Award covers full tuition at Louisiana technical colleges and community colleges for eligible Louisiana high school graduates. Most CLTCC, Fletcher Technical, and other Louisiana technical programs qualify. Apply through LOSFA at mylosfa.la.gov.
At CLTCC's $2,495 program cost, a full Pell Grant covers the entire tuition with over $4,900 left over for books, supplies, and living expenses for eligible students. Always file FAFSA at studentaid.gov first — your most powerful financial tool.
The MJ Foster Promise Program provides financial aid to Louisiana adults pursuing high-demand workforce credentials including nursing and healthcare. Contact your school's financial aid office for current eligibility requirements and award amounts.
Ochsner Health System — Louisiana's largest health system — sometimes sponsors nursing training for employees. Contact Ochsner nursing recruitment directly in New Orleans. Similarly, LCMC Health and Tulane Medical Center may have employee education programs.
If you work in healthcare as a CNA or aide at major Louisiana employers like Ochsner, LCMC Health, or Willis-Knighton Health, ask HR about tuition reimbursement before enrolling in your LPN program.
Veterans and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover full LPN tuition at Louisiana's technical colleges plus a monthly housing allowance. Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport and Fort Polk in Leesville create significant veteran population.
Louisiana WIOA programs help displaced workers, single parents, and low-income adults enter high-demand healthcare careers. Contact your local Louisiana Workforce Commission office for current training grant programs.
With TOPS Tech + Pell Grant potentially covering full CLTCC tuition ($2,495), loans should rarely be needed at Louisiana technical colleges. Complete FAFSA to access if required. Louisiana's below-average cost of living helps with repayment.
Smart Tips for Louisiana Moms Considering an LPN Career
Here's what experienced Louisiana nursing students wish they had known before starting their LPN journey.
- 🎷 CLTCC's $2,495 program is extraordinaryCentral Louisiana Technical Community College's $2,495 LPN program cost is one of the lowest in the entire country. With a Pell Grant covering the full cost and leaving money to spare, this is one of the best educational investments available in Louisiana healthcare. Six campus locations across central Louisiana make it accessible across a wide geographic area.
- ⭐ Fletcher Technical's 100% outcomes are rare anywhere100% NCLEX pass rate AND 100% job placement in the same year is an exceptional achievement. Fletcher Technical in the Houma/Schriever area is clearly doing something right — hospital-grade simulation labs, strong clinical partnerships, and outstanding graduate support. If you can attend Fletcher Tech, the outcome data speaks for itself.
- 🎷 TOPS Tech + Pell Grant = zero out-of-pocketLouisiana's TOPS Tech Award covers full tuition at eligible technical colleges. Combined with a Federal Pell Grant, eligible Louisiana students can complete their LPN education with zero out-of-pocket costs. Apply for TOPS through mylosfa.la.gov and file FAFSA at the same time — don't miss this combination.
- 🌆 Target New Orleans for Louisiana's highest LPN salaryNew Orleans LPNs earn $58,800/year on average — $4,870 more than the state average. The city's major health systems (Ochsner, LCMC, Tulane Medical) are large, well-funded employers. If you can commute to or relocate to the New Orleans metro, it's the clear salary target in Louisiana.
- ⚠️ Louisiana is NOT currently an NLC stateUnlike most states we cover, Louisiana is not currently an NLC compact member. Your Louisiana LPN license is valid only in Louisiana. If you might want to practice in other states in the future, be aware you'll need to apply for separate licensure in each state. Check current NLC status at nursecompact.com.
- 🎓 BRCC's LPN-to-RN track is Louisiana's best bridgeBaton Rouge Community College offers a direct LPN-to-RN entry track — one of the most accessible bridge pathways in Louisiana. Louisiana RNs earn significantly more than LPNs. Planning your bridge from day one at BRCC saves the most time and credits on your path to RN.
LPN to RN in Louisiana — Should You Skip Straight to RN?
LPN first, or go straight to RN?
Louisiana LPN salaries average $53,930/year with New Orleans reaching $58,800. With CLTCC programs at just $2,495 and TOPS Tech potentially covering all costs, starting as an LPN in Louisiana carries almost zero financial risk. If you need income quickly, this is one of the strongest value propositions in the South.
If time and money are not immediate barriers, going directly to an ADN or BSN program is worth considering. Louisiana RNs earn significantly more per year. BRCC's LPN-to-RN entry track is an excellent bridge option. Louisiana State University and Tulane offer strong BSN programs. Our sister site covers all Louisiana LPN-to-RN options in detail.
Explore LPN to RN Programs in Louisiana →Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions
Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in Louisiana. Our sister site offers 50 free practice questions covering pharmacology, patient care, ethics, and more.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Frequently Asked Questions — LPN Programs in Louisiana
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