Northwestern State University of Louisiana Nursing: Programs, Costs & Requirements (2026)
Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH) is Louisiana’s oldest state-supported baccalaureate nursing program (first class in 1949) and offers ASN, multiple BSN entry paths, RN-to-BSN, MSN nurse practitioner tracks, Post-Master’s Certificate options, and a DNP including the only nurse anesthesia program in the University of Louisiana System. This guide cites NSU’s 2025–2026 fee sheet, Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) annual report 2024 Appendix B1 (first-time NCLEX-RN candidates, calendar year 2024), and the college’s ASN Program Effectiveness PDF.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
NSU CONSAH runs nursing instruction at Shreveport, Natchitoches, Alexandria (CENLA), and Leesville/Fort Polk, so you can often stay closer to home for labs and clinicals while earning a public university credential. The college also highlights Louisiana-only pathways such as the Military Medic/Paramedic to ASN transition and the University of Louisiana System’s only DNP Nurse Anesthesia concentration—confirm seat availability and entry requirements with the program directly.
Overview & Why Students Choose NSU CONSAH
From Shreveport and Alexandria to Natchitoches and Fort Polk, Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health spreads pre-licensure and completion nursing education across north and central Louisiana—useful if you want a public university with multiple instructional sites rather than a single urban campus. The college traces its nursing roots to 1949 as Louisiana’s first state-supported BSN program and today stacks associate and baccalaureate RN licensure paths, a fully online RN-to-BSN, and graduate options that include nurse practitioner specialties and a DNP Nurse Anesthesia concentration unique within the UL System.
Applicants should expect limited-access clinical sequencing: the college publishes separate deadlines for clinical applications (for example, April 15 for Fall ASN/BSN clinicals) and uses TEAS scheduling links for many undergraduate applicants. Always download the current Undergraduate Nursing Handbook and APDG policies from the college site before planning prerequisites.
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) annual report, Appendix B1 — Performance of First Time Candidates … January 1 – December 31, 2024 — Northwestern State University shows 98.10% first-time pass rate for associate programs (103 of 105) and 96.72% for baccalaureate programs (177 of 183). Louisiana’s baccalaureate aggregate in that same appendix was 94.60%. Confirm newer cohorts in the latest LSBN PDF.
Reasons students choose Northwestern State
Multi-site Louisiana footprint
Clinical programming reaches multiple cities and military-adjacent communities, which can reduce relocation pressure compared with a single flagship campus.
Documented NCLEX performance (LSBN)
LSBN’s 2024 report places Northwestern State above the statewide baccalaureate average in Appendix B1 for first-time NCLEX-RN candidates—use as a regulatory snapshot, not a guarantee of future cohort results.
Stacked pathways
ASN, Transition-to-ASN, Traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN let students move from LPN, paramedic, or prior RN credentials to the BSN level on timelines published by the college.
Graduate breadth
MSN nurse practitioner tracks, Post-Master’s certificates, and DNP concentrations—including nurse anesthesia—support advanced practice goals without leaving the NSU network.
Published ASN outcomes
NSU’s ASN Program Effectiveness PDF lists calendar-year NCLEX pass rates by track (for example, aggregate 98% with 103 of 105 first-time passers in 2024 in that document).
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects the Northwestern State University College of Nursing program page and CONSAH overview. Programs are grouped into pre-licensure (ASN/BSN), RN completion, graduate (MSN/PMC), and doctoral (DNP).
Pre-licensure (ASN & BSN)
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
ACEN-accredited ASN with classroom and clinical experiences at Natchitoches, Alexandria, and Leesville instructional sites per the college page; prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN.
Transition to ASN
Bridge tracks for eligible LPNs, paramedics/military medics, and selected allied health professionals with experience—hybrid format with condensed timelines (for example, three consecutive semesters for some tracks per NSU).
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Four-year BSN; after acceptance to the clinical sequence, students complete five semesters of clinical training in Shreveport or Alexandria per the college page.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—NSU describes a 16-month intensive for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree; all general education must be completed before nursing coursework. Accelerated BSN clinical entry follows the college’s Summer-cycle rules (preferred/final deadlines posted on the nursing site).
Post-licensure (RN)
LPN to BSN
Dedicated LPN advancement pathway listed on the college page; confirm prerequisite and licensing rules in the current handbook.
RN to BSN
100% online completion program with a stated $249 per credit hour flat rate on the college page; articulation agreements exist with multiple Louisiana community colleges.
Graduate (MSN & PMC)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSU’s CONSAH overview lists nurse practitioner concentrations (for example Family, Women’s Health, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatric, Psychiatric-Mental Health) plus Educational Leadership and Executive Leadership—verify active tracks on the MSN program page.
Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC)
Population-focused certificates (for example AGACNP, FNP, PMHNP) for APRNs building on prior graduate nursing education per the college page.
Doctoral (DNP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP concentrations listed by NSU include Nurse Anesthesia (COA-accredited), Executive Leadership, and Educational Leadership. DNP applicants use both the NSU Graduate School portal and NursingCAS per the college instructions.
Tracks, campus assignments, and application portals change. Confirm the current catalog, Undergraduate Nursing Handbook, and graduate pages on nsula.edu before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) annual report, Appendix B1 — Performance of First Time Candidates … January 1 – December 31, 2024 — Northwestern State University shows 98.10% first-time pass rate for associate programs (103 of 105 first-time candidates) and 96.72% for baccalaureate programs (177 of 183). The same appendix lists Louisiana’s combined baccalaureate average at 94.60% for that calendar year.
NSU also publishes track-level ASN NCLEX data in its ASN Program Effectiveness PDF (for example, aggregate 98% with 103 of 105 first-time passers in 2024 in that school document). Compare definitions and years between LSBN and school PDFs before interpreting differences.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (associate, Northwestern State University) | 98.10% (103 of 105; calendar year 2024, LSBN Appendix B1) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (baccalaureate, Northwestern State University) | 96.72% (177 of 183; calendar year 2024, LSBN Appendix B1) |
| Louisiana baccalaureate average (same appendix) | 94.60% (all LA baccalaureate programs, 2024) |
| Source | LSBN annual report 2024 (Appendix B1). Confirm current data with LSBN and NSU CONSAH. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and Northwestern State University College of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Northwestern State University publishes international admission requirements; nursing applicants must also satisfy clinical clearance, immunization, and any Louisiana State Board of Nursing rules for NCLEX eligibility. This section is guidance only—not legal, immigration, or licensing advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL, IELTS, or other tests and minimum scores listed on NSU international admission requirements.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow NSU instructions for official transcripts; determine whether WES, CGFNS, or another evaluation is required for prior coursework.
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure eligibility, NCLEX authorization, and internationally educated nurse pathways, work directly with LSBN.
- Immigration & visa: Pre-licensure nursing requires in-person labs and clinicals; confirm F-1 or other visa rules with NSU’s international office and your program.
Requirements change; verify with NSU CONSAH, LSBN, and official immigration resources.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
NSU nursing uses selective clinical admission after prerequisite coursework: you apply to the university first, then complete separate clinical nursing applications with deadlines posted on the college page (for example, April 15 for Fall ASN/BSN clinical starts and August 15 for Spring). The college lists TEAS scheduling for undergraduate applicants and emphasizes that Accelerated BSN does not start new clinical cohorts in Fall or Spring semesters—only Summer—per the published clinical calendar.
Clinical application deadlines (examples from college page)
| Cycle | Deadline | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Fall clinicals | April 15 | ASN and BSN clinicals (no Accelerated BSN or Transition-to-ASN clinicals start in Fall) |
| Spring clinicals | August 15 | ASN, Transition to ASN, and BSN; Summer application forms posted in June |
| Summer Accelerated BSN | Preferred Oct 15 / Final Jan 15 | Accelerated BSN only (per college page) |
Graduate (MSN/PMC)
The college states applications run January 1 through March 31 priority and June 1 space-available, with coursework beginning each Fall, processed via the Graduate School.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisites | See current Undergraduate Nursing Handbook and APDG policies on the college document portal |
| TEAS / entrance testing | College links to TEAS scheduling; confirm whether your pathway requires TEAS in the handbook |
| DNP applications | Dual application through NSU Graduate School and NursingCAS per DNP instructions |
Honest tip: Because clinical seats are limited, align your prerequisite plan with the NURB application windows (Summer/Fall forms linked on the college site) and keep copies of immunization and essential technical standards ready before clinical ranking.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from NSU’s 2025–2026 Fee Sheet / Fee Breakdown (updated 10/28/2025) and the Tuition & Fees page. RN-to-BSN pricing is quoted separately on the college nursing page. Confirm your bill in myNSU.
| Program / category | Tuition snapshot (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate (Natchitoches, 12 credit hours) | In-state tuition $2,590; registration & student fees $1,665; student association $334; health services $96; sub-total of enrollment fees $4,685 before housing. Out-of-state adds $5,394 per the same table. |
| RN-to-BSN (online) | $249 per credit hour stated on the College of Nursing page |
| Graduate nursing (Shreveport fee add-ons) | See graduate blocks in the fee PDF for per-credit fee totals; graduate tuition varies by program—verify with Student Accounting |
| Housing, meals, books | Fee sheet lists housing from about $2,984–$4,387/semester (plan dependent) and books $500–$900 |
| Source | NSU Fee Sheet 2025–2026 (PDF) |
Use NSU Financial Aid for scholarships, TOPS, and loan programs.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair LSBN licensure examination data with any school-reported employment figures only when the source and year are clear. CONSAH marketing pages reference rankings and job-placement language—treat those as school-reported unless tied to a dated PDF.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (associate) | 98.10% (103 of 105; LSBN 2024 Appendix B1) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (baccalaureate) | 96.72% (177 of 183; LSBN 2024 Appendix B1) |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed in the sources used for this page—see CONSAH program outcomes PDFs if published |
| Source | LSBN annual report 2024; NSU College of Nursing |
Is Northwestern State University CONSAH the Right Fit for You?
NSU fits students who want a public university with multi-city nursing sites, a full ladder from ASN through DNP, and documented LSBN NCLEX data. It may be less ideal if you need guaranteed clinical admission after prerequisites, cannot travel to north/central Louisiana partner sites, or expect a single metro campus experience.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want LSBN-documented NCLEX-RN outcomes plus a school-published ASN effectiveness report.
- Need flexible geography across Shreveport, Alexandria, Natchitoches, or Fort Polk-area instruction.
- Plan to progress from RN licensure (ASN/BSN) into MSN NP tracks or DNP Nurse Anesthesia within the UL System.
- Value Louisiana-specific articulations from community colleges into RN-to-BSN.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot meet clinical application deadlines or travel to assigned community sites.
- Expect fully online pre-licensure nursing (labs and clinicals remain in-person).
- Prefer a private or out-of-state program with different fee structures—compare non-resident totals on the NSU fee sheet.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Northwest and central Louisiana combine safety-net hospitals, rural health clinics, military-connected care near Fort Polk, and regional referral centers in Shreveport–Bossier. Nursing students typically rotate through acute care, community, and specialty settings tied to each campus; exact contracts change—confirm active sites with CONSAH.
| Region / focus | Details |
|---|---|
| Shreveport–Bossier | Regional hub hospitals and specialty services; common site for NSU Shreveport clinical education. |
| Central Louisiana (Alexandria) | CENLA campus connects students to community hospitals and outpatient networks across central parishes. |
| Rural & military | Leesville/Fort Polk campus supports military-affiliated and rural community health experiences. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
CONSAH highlights simulation labs, interprofessional learning, and student support through academic advising and professional development. The main university campus in Natchitoches offers a traditional college-town experience, while Shreveport and Alexandria sites focus on professional health-career training—pick the location that matches your lifestyle and commute limits.
Student organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau (Beta Chi chapter historically linked to NSU) and nursing student groups may be available; confirm active chapters with the college.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- College
- Northwestern State University College of Nursing & School of Allied Health
- Shreveport nursing
- 1800 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101 · 318-677-3100 / toll-free 800-454-9567
- Natchitoches nursing
- Fournet Hall, Natchitoches, LA 71497 · 318-357-6877
- nursing@nsula.edu
- Website
- nsula.edu — College of Nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the Undergraduate Nursing Handbook and APDG policies from the college document portal.
- Review the LSBN annual report Appendix B1 for Northwestern State University NCLEX-RN rows.
- Open the 2025–2026 Fee Sheet PDF and estimate residency + fees.
- Book TEAS testing if required for your pathway.
- Submit the correct clinical application form (ASN or BSN) before the published deadline for your entry term.
- Email nursing@nsula.edu with campus-specific questions (Shreveport vs Natchitoches vs CENLA).
- Bookmark LSBN for licensure rules and future NCLEX reporting cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northwestern State University College of Nursing located?
CONSAH lists nursing offices at Shreveport (1800 Line Avenue), Natchitoches (Fournet Hall), Alexandria (CENLA), and Leesville/Fort Polk. Confirm your program’s primary site on the college page.
What are the LSBN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Northwestern State University?
Per LSBN annual report 2024 Appendix B1 (calendar year 2024), Northwestern State University shows 98.10% first-time pass rate for associate programs (103 of 105) and 96.72% for baccalaureate programs (177 of 183). Confirm newer cohorts in the latest LSBN PDF.
What nursing programs does Northwestern State University College of Nursing offer?
ASN, Transition to ASN, Traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN (NP and leadership tracks), PMC, and DNP (including Nurse Anesthesia). See the College of Nursing page for active listings.
How much is Northwestern State University tuition for 2025–2026?
The 2025–2026 Fee Sheet shows a $4,685 in-state enrollment subtotal per semester at 12 credit hours on the Natchitoches campus before housing; out-of-state adds $5,394. RN-to-BSN lists $249/credit on the college page. Confirm on your bill.
Does Northwestern State University nursing require the TEAS exam?
The college links to TEAS scheduling for undergraduate applicants. Confirm whether your pathway requires TEAS versus other tests in the current Undergraduate Nursing Handbook.
When are clinical applications due at NSU CONSAH?
The college lists April 15 for Fall ASN/BSN clinical applications and August 15 for Spring; Accelerated BSN uses Summer entry with preferred October 15 and final January 15 deadlines. Verify the current semester on nsula.edu.
Is Northwestern State University College of Nursing accredited?
The ASN program is ACEN-accredited; BSN, MSN, PMC, and DNP list CCNE accreditation; DNP Nurse Anesthesia lists COA accreditation. Confirm with each accreditor and LSBN.
What is Accelerated BSN at Northwestern State University?
NSU describes a 16-month Accelerated BSN for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, with prerequisites completed before nursing courses. It does not start new clinical cohorts in Fall or Spring—only Summer—per the college clinical calendar.
How do I apply to NSU MSN or DNP programs?
MSN/PMC applications are processed through the Graduate School with January–June deadlines per the college page. DNP applicants must complete both the NSU Graduate School application and NursingCAS per DNP instructions.
What does NSU’s ASN Program Effectiveness PDF show for NCLEX?
The ASN Program Effectiveness PDF lists calendar-year pass rates by track—for example, aggregate 98% (103 of 105) in 2024 in that document. Compare to LSBN Appendix B1 and confirm methodology with the school.
References
- Northwestern State University — College of Nursinghttps://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/consah/college-of-nursing/
- NSU — Tuition & Fees hubhttps://www.nsula.edu/financial-aid/tuition-fees/
- NSU — Fee Sheet / Fee Breakdown (2025–2026 PDF)Costs and Aid — FeeSheet FeeBreakdown 2025-2026.pdf
- NSU — CONSAH ASN Program Effectiveness (PDF)CONSAH ASN Program Effectiveness.pdf
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing — Annual Report 2024 (NCLEX Appendix B1)annualreport2024.pdf
- Louisiana State Board of NursingLSBN
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with LSBN Appendix B1 (Northwestern State University rows), tuition alignment with the NSU 2025–2026 fee sheet PDF, and program scope against nsula.edu CONSAH pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy