The capital and second-largest city in Louisiana, Baton Rouge is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The city is a major industrial, medical, research, motion picture, and growing technology center of the American South. Those who are interested in pursuing a higher education in Baton Rouge will find a number of options. There are numerous schools for post-secondary education in the city that offer a wide range of learning opportunities in almost all areas of study including healthcare, engineering, education, arts, law, and more. Students who seek to explore the field of nursing will also find a number of programs in Baton Rouge. Since healthcare is one of the most prominent sectors in Louisiana and is expected to add thousands of new jobs between 2008 and 2018, pursuing programs in healthcare including nursing may be a good choice.
Nursing Schools in Baton Rouge
Nursing schools in Baton Rouge are dedicated to prepare students for the challenges of the healthcare industry. They provide students with hands on training as well as classroom instruction on how to look after patients and provide nursing care to the sick and injured in a number of settings.
Types of Nursing Programs
Ranging from degrees to certificates, nursing students in Baton Rouge may choose from numerous educational paths to learn about nursing practices, and find out how to provide safe and effective nursing care to diverse populations.
RN Programs
Students who want to work in leadership nursing positions may pursue RN (registered nurse) programs through associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing. An associate’s degree program generally takes 2 years of full time study to complete while the bachelor’s degree typically needs 4 years of full time study.
Advanced Programs
In addition to RN programs, nursing schools in Baton Rouge also offer graduate degrees for nurses who want to assume teaching, research, or administrative roles in the field of nursing. Students may pursue a master’s degree or PhD in nursing.
LPN Programs
LPN (licensed practical nursing) programs are also offered at the nursing schools in Baton Rouge. This type of program is designed for students interested in taking up the role of nurses who assist RNs. LPNs work under the guidance of registered nurses and make sure patients get safe nursing care.
Coursework
Students in nursing programs study a range of topics that enables them to learn about the nursing practice, and learn how to look after the sick and injured in collaboration with other healthcare workers. Some of the topics of study may include:
- Nursing Informatics
- Nutrition
- Patient Care Management
- Nursing Research
- Health Assessment
- Adult and Family Health
Where do nurses work?
Nurses typically work in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing care facilities
- Physician’s offices
- Clinics
How much do Baton Rouge nurses earn?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual pay for RNs in Louisiana in 2013 was $61,780, while LPNs made $37,820 per year. However, income varies by location, experience, and nursing position among other factors.