For those exploring CNA to RN program options in New Orleans, here’s a quick guide to some of the top accelerated programs in the city:
- LSU Health New Orleans offers the CARE program, an accelerated BSN designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field, ready to transition into nursing.
- Delgado Community College provides an ADN-RN program that integrates academic coursework with practical clinical training, preparing students thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Tulane University features a unique hybrid accelerated BSN program that blends online learning with hands-on clinical and simulation experiences.
- Loyola University New Orleans accelerates the path to a BSN through its hybrid program, emphasizing both online and on-site learning.
- Chamberlain University offers a straightforward BSN pathway with no prerequisites required, enabling completion in just three years of full-time study.
To learn more about each program, including program costs, duration, class schedules, and specific admission requirements, explore the detailed summaries provided.
LSU Health New Orleans
LSU Health New Orleans offers a distinct Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) program for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and are aiming to transition into nursing. This accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is crafted to prepare participants for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, setting a clear path towards a career in professional nursing.
The CARE program is hosted at both the main campus in New Orleans and an off-campus site in Shreveport, with admissions in both fall and spring, reflecting its competitive nature and limited class sizes. This full-time, two-year program emphasizes comprehensive clinical experiences and theoretical instruction tailored to equip students with the skills needed for diverse healthcare settings.
Program Highlights:
- The program leverages its historical backdrop and modern facilities to provide a rigorous nursing education that meets contemporary healthcare demands.
- Students engage in extensive clinical practice, which forms over half of the program’s curriculum, at various healthcare facilities across the region.
- The curriculum is designed to develop graduates who are well-rounded in scientific knowledge, practical nursing skills, and the ethical dimensions of healthcare.
Admission Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Completion of 43 credit hours of specific prerequisite coursework with required grade thresholds.
- Meet a minimum GPA requirement both overall and specifically in science courses.
- Completion of an essay and submission of academic and professional endorsements.
- Participation in an online interview for qualified candidates.
- Proof of academic standing if previously enrolled in another nursing program.
This program is suited for those who have a strong academic background and are prepared to undertake an intensive and focused nursing education that spans critical care, mental health, adult and pediatric care, among other specialties.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 2 years |
| Class Schedules | Fall and Spring admissions, includes evenings and weekends |
| Website | LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing |
| Location | 1900 Gravier Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 |
| Phone | (504) 568-4808 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College’s Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans offers a pathway for CNAs to elevate their careers to Registered Nurses (RNs) through its esteemed Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN-RN) program. This program integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical training, designed to thoroughly prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and a successful nursing career.
The ADN-RN program at Delgado stands out for its commitment to excellence, supported by experienced faculty and a learning environment that emphasizes both the art and science of nursing. Students benefit from extensive clinical experiences that constitute a significant portion of the curriculum, facilitated through partnerships with numerous healthcare facilities across the Greater New Orleans area. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills in real-world settings.
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Completion of specific prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of ‘C’, including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and college-level Math and English.
- Kaplan Pre-Nursing Exam with required scores.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for nursing-related courses and a general GPA of 2.0 at Delgado Community College.
- Comprehensive health screenings and up-to-date immunizations.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency with a valid green card.
By ensuring rigorous academic and health standards, Delgado prepares its nursing students for the demands and responsibilities of professional nursing. This program is ideally suited for CNAs who are committed to advancing their education and skills in a supportive and challenging academic environment.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 2.5 years |
| Class Schedules | Day and evening classes available |
| Website | Delgado Community College Nursing |
| Location | 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
| Phone | 504-671-5000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | Not available |
Tulane University
Tulane University in New Orleans offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program specifically designed for individuals with prior non-nursing college experience. This 16-month program provides three start dates annually, facilitating a quicker transition into nursing for those ready to begin their careers.
Program Structure
Tulane’s BSN program utilizes a unique hybrid curriculum that distinguishes it from many traditional CNA to RN pathways, particularly with its significant online learning component. This model includes extensive online coursework, combined with on-site skills labs and clinical rotations, enabling students to manage their studies flexibly and efficiently.
Learning Components
The online coursework allows students to grasp foundational and advanced nursing concepts at their convenience, which is a significant advantage over programs that only offer in-person classes. This flexibility is complemented by simulation labs at the campus, where students engage in practical, hands-on nursing activities. The clinical rotations, integral to the program, take place in various healthcare settings, providing essential real-world patient care experience.
Student Support
Tulane supports its nursing students through a comprehensive network of academic advisors and success coaches, geared towards guiding them successfully through the accelerated program and towards preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must be obtained from an accredited institution.
- Prerequisite Coursework: 43 credit hours required, with a mandatory grade of B or better in key science courses.
- GPA Requirements: A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required in prerequisite coursework.
- Endorsements: Both academic and professional endorsements are necessary.
- Written Statement and Interview: Completion of an essay and an online interview are required.
- Previous Nursing Education: Applicants with previous nursing studies must submit proof of good academic standing.
Tulane University’s accelerated BSN program stands out due to its online coursework component, providing flexibility that many other CNA to RN programs lack, enabling students to tailor their learning to their personal schedules while still gaining the comprehensive training needed to thrive as registered nurses.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 16 months |
| Class Schedules | Includes online coursework with on-site labs and clinical rotations |
| Website | Tulane University ABSN |
| Location | 131 S. Robertson St., Suite 429, New Orleans, LA 70112 |
| Phone | (855) 481-7373 |
| Not specified | |
| Online Classes | Yes, as part of a hybrid learning model |
Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans offers an innovative path for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to swiftly transition into the nursing field. Their Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, set in a hybrid format, allows completion in just 17 months. This accelerated pathway is enhanced by its hybrid model, which blends online synchronous learning with on-site clinical and simulation experiences in New Orleans. This distinct structure is designed to equip students rapidly with comprehensive nursing skills while allowing the flexibility of online learning.
Key to the program’s appeal is its commitment to providing guaranteed clinical placements through partnerships with local healthcare facilities. This ensures that students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, an essential component of nursing education. Moreover, Loyola maintains a low faculty-to-student ratio during clinical training, fostering a more personalized and intensive learning environment.
The accelerated nature of Loyola’s BSN program is perfect for individuals eager to enter the nursing profession without delay, offering three start dates per year to maximize accessibility. By integrating a robust online curriculum with critical real-world experiences, the program prepares graduates to confidently sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, paving the way for a career as a registered nurse upon licensure.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
- Prerequisites: Completion of specific science and psychology courses with required grade points before program start.
- Full-time Commitment: Designed for full-time study; part-time employment is feasible but full-time work is not recommended.
- Clinical Work: Must be able to complete clinical rotations in the Greater New Orleans area.
- Location Commitment: Students need to attend synchronous online sessions and on-site clinical and lab sessions.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 17 months |
| Class Schedules | Hybrid format with online and on-site components |
| Website | Loyola ABSN |
| Location | 6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118 |
| Phone | 504-865-3550 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | Yes, part of the hybrid learning format |
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at its New Orleans campus offers a streamlined pathway for CNAs aiming to become Registered Nurses. This program provides a unique structure with no prerequisites and the ability to complete the BSN in as few as three years, year-round. The accelerated pace and the absence of prerequisite requirements make it particularly appealing to CNAs who wish to transition swiftly into the RN role. Chamberlain’s educational alliance with Ochsner Health is a significant advantage, providing guaranteed clinical placements and additional hands-on training through its high-tech SIMCARE CENTER™.
The hands-on experience offered at Chamberlain stands out, with students gaining real-world patient care training at Ochsner Health facilities and other local healthcare settings. Students also have access to the Nurse Technician Honors Program in their third year, enhancing their clinical expertise. The program’s hybrid model includes online coursework for general education and nursing courses, offering flexibility, while the on-site clinicals ensure students receive essential patient-care experience.
Additionally, the student support structure at Chamberlain is robust, offering services like the Center for Academic Success (CAS), tutoring, and NCLEX preparation. This focus on support and practical training ensures graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX and for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements:
- No prerequisites required for admission.
- Complete the online readiness assessment if taking online courses.
- Apply through Chamberlain’s admissions portal.
- Financial aid options, including scholarships and tuition assistance, are available for qualifying students.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 3 years |
| Class Schedules | Year-round, including summer |
| Website | Chamberlain University New Orleans |
| Location | 400 Labarre Road, Jefferson, LA 70121 |
| Phone | 877-751-5783 |
| Online Classes | Available within the curriculum |
Our Recommendation
When considering CNA to RN programs in New Orleans, we recommend that potential students carefully review each program’s offerings to determine which aligns best with their career goals and educational needs. As tuition details are not universally provided and can vary based on numerous factors including residency status, prior educational credits, and financial aid eligibility, it is advisable to directly contact each institution to obtain the most accurate and personalized tuition information. This will ensure that financial planning is as precise and tailored as possible.
Each program offers unique advantages, such as LSU Health New Orleans with its CARE program designed specifically for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and Tulane University’s hybrid program, which incorporates significant online learning opportunities. Loyola University New Orleans and Chamberlain University provide accelerated pathways to a BSN, ideal for those looking to quickly transition into nursing roles. Meanwhile, Delgado Community College offers a robust ADN-RN program with extensive clinical training.
By reaching out to each school, you can discuss your specific circumstances with admissions counselors, who can provide guidance on prerequisites, program duration, and detailed cost breakdowns. This proactive approach will help you make a well-informed decision that best suits your educational needs and career aspirations in nursing.