Northwestern State University was the first public institution in Louisiana to establish a baccalaureate program in nursing, welcoming its first students in 1949. The College of Nursing was also the first in the state to offer a master’s degree in nursing. NSU offers an Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LPN to ASN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN program, Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Classes are available on Northwestern State campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Polk and Natchitoches. NSU’s College of Nursing is known throughout the state for graduating highly qualified nurses.
The nursing faculty consists of experienced health care professionals who are dedicated to preparing students to achieve their professional goals as responsible and contributing members of their profession and society. Members of the faculty regularly volunteer their time sharing their expertise and knowledge with organizations and individuals in the community, with many serving as consultants, leaders, and board members as part of their professional responsibilities in the local, state and national arenas.
Undergraduate Studies in Nursing
The undergraduate clinical application deadline for Fall is April 15th
The undergraduate clinical application deadline for Spring is August 15th
The clinical application deadline for the BS to BSN Program Summer Session is February 15th.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program is designed to provide education to prepare the student for practice as a registered nurse. This program includes didactic and clinical nursing courses as well as general education courses. The program prepares graduates to function as registered nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies. Students can complete the required academic courses during the two-year sequence, however many students benefit from completing at least a portion of their general education courses prior to beginning the two-year sequence of nursing clinical courses.
The curriculum is constructed to promote career mobility to the baccalaureate nursing educational level. Upon completion of the Program, the graduate is eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
To schedule an academic advising appointment please call the Office of Student Services at 318-677-3015.
Accreditation
The Associate Nursing Program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana at the College of Nursing, Leesville Off-campus Instructional Site, and Alexandria Off-Campus Instructional Site located in Shreveport Leesville, and Alexandria, Louisiana is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400Atalanta, GL 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board Of Commissioners for the Associate Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program here.
ASN Related Documents
A four year professional nursing education program that includes liberal arts education preparing graduates for beginning nursing practice in a wide variety of settings including acute and long term care, community and school health and critical care. After three semesters of academic courses and acceptance into clinical courses, students must complete five semesters of clinical courses on the Shreveport campus or Alexandria Rapides Regional Medical Center Campus.
Baccalaureate prepared nurses have many career opportunities. Graduates of the Program are eligible to take the national licensure examination, NCLEX-RN, after which graduates are qualified for employment in a wide variety of healthcare settings. If desired, graduates of the BSN Program may further their education by earning a master’s degree, or even a doctoral degree.
To schedule an academic advising appointment please call the Office of Student Services at 318-677-3015.
Accreditation
The Program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, 225-755-7500. The BSN Program is the first program in Louisiana to be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington , DC 20001 P: (202) 887-6791 F: (202) 887-8476
BSN Related Documents
Contact: 318-677-3100 for an advising appointment
Accreditation
The Program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, 225-755-7500. The BSN Program is the first program in Louisiana to be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington , DC 20001 P: (202) 887-6791 F: (202) 887-8476
LPN to ASN Documents
To schedule an academic advising appointment please call the Office of Student Services at 318-677-3015.
LPN to BSN Documents
Contact: 318-677-3100
For an individualized degree plan or more information, please contact one of our faculty advisors.
Dr. Ann Deshotels: deshotelsa@nsula.edu
Mrs. Heather Hayter: hayterh@nsula.edu
Dr. Anna Morris: morrisa@nsula.edu
Accreditation
The Program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, 225-755-7500. The BSN Program is the first program in Louisiana to be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington , DC 20001 P: (202) 887-6791 F: (202) 887-8476
RN to BSN Related Documents
Articulations
Northwestern State University and the following Universities have agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for articulation with associate degree in nursing programs. The articulations will allow students to complete their Associate Degree in Nursing and transfer their credit hours to Northwestern State University in partial fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
Articulations
Graduate Studies in Nursing
| Full Time Faculty | Adjunct Faculty |
|---|---|
| Dr. Cheryl Adair – Assistant Professor Phone: (318) 677-3075 Nursing Education Center–Shreveport – 217C adairc@nsula.edu Faculty Profile Dr. Aimee L. Badeaux – Director of Doctoral Studies, Associate Professor Alice Blue – Assistant Professor Dr. Geneva Caldwell Dr. Debra Clark – Director of Assessment, Evaluation, & Planning, Assistant Professor Dr. Dana Clawson – Professor Dr. Angela Hardy – Director of MSN and PMC Programs Dr. Donald Johnston – Associate Professor Melanie LaCour – Assistant Professor Dr. Katrina O’Con – BSN-DNP NA Asst. Coordinator, Assistant Professor Dr. Robyn Ray – Assistant Professor Aaron Stigers – Assistant Professor Dr. Tiana Williams – PMHNP Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor Tiffany Williams – Assistant Professor Mary Zapczynski – Assistant Professor |
Dr. Dianne Allen allend@nsula.edu Faculty Profile Dr. Meridith Bergeron Dr. Tonye Cox-Miller Dr. Michelle DeBose Meredith Eastin Dr. Julie Gayle Yoshika Hayward Dr. Theresa Kyzar Dr. Beatrice Launius Dr. Jessica McCarthy Dr. Meryn Olivier Dr. Courtney Owens Dr. Wendi Palermo Michelle Phelan Dr. Cynthia Roberts Dr. Tanya Seward Dr. Rachel Shelby Dr. Denise Stagg Dr. Allyson Spence Dr. Rebecca Weston Joshua White |
| Full-time Faculty | Adjunct Faculty |
|---|---|
| Dr. Cheryl Adair Alice Blue Dr. Geneva Caldwell Dr. Debra Clark Dr. Angela Hardy Dr. Donald Johnston Melanie LaCour Aaron Stigers Dr. Tiana Williams Tiffany Williams Dr. Mary Zapczynski |
Dr. Dianne Allen Dr. Tonye Cox-Miller Dr. Michelle DeBose Meredith Eastin Dr. Julie Gayle Yoshika Hayward Dr. Beatrice Launius Dr. Jessica McCarthy Dr. Meryn Olivier Dr. Courtney Owens Dr. Wendi Palermo Michelle Phelan Dr. Cynthia Roberts Dr. Tanya Seward Dr. Rachel Shelby Dr. Denise Stagg Dr. Rebecca Watson Joshua White |
GRE NO LONGER REQUIRED
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Northwestern State University (NSU), College of Nursing and School of Allied Health in Shreveport, Louisiana provides learning opportunities for registered nurses to build upon baccalaureate nursing education, as well as experiential professional knowledge, attitudes and skills.The MSN program at NSU prepares registered nurses to function and excel in various advanced nursing roles. Graduates of the MSN program are educationally prepared to make significant contributions to the improvement of healthcare and to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice.
Students can begin courses any semester, but clinical courses only begin in the Fall semester. Students must complete and submit a clinical application prior to June 1st to begin clinical courses in the Fall semester. The clinical application is different than the application to Graduate School, and can be found on this website. To schedule an academic advising appointment or any MSN inquiry with MSN faculty please call (Charla Bumgardner 318-677-3131).
This program provides the student with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge, intellectual skills and clinical competence necessary for the role of the advanced practice nurse. Areas of concentration include:
Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP),
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP),
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Education
- Adult-Gerontology Nursing
- Maternal, Child, and Family Nursing
Administration
- Adult-Gerontology Nursing
- Maternal, Child, and Family Nursing
* Please note that faculty are unavailable for advising between semesters, so please call to make appointments early. Also, if you are admitted into the graduate school (have submitted all of your paperwork and can register), you should make an advising appointment prior to registering for courses. All students must register for NURG 5000 Orientation during your first semester). During NURG 5000 you will also receive advising. NURG 5000 typically meets on the Shreveport campus during the first Friday of each semester.
Accreditation
The master’s degree in nursing at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
MSN Documents
MSN Concentrations
Concentration Curricula
| Full-time Faculty | Adjunct Faculty |
|---|---|
| Dr. Aimee Badeaux Dr. Dana Clawson Dr. Donald Johnston Dr. Katrina O’Con Dr. Robyn Ray |
Dr. Meridith Bergeron Dr. Theresa Kyzar Dr. Wendi Palermo Dr. Denise Stagg Dr. Allyson Spence |
The Goals (Purposes) of NSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice are:
- Provide advanced practice nurse leaders with expertise, specialized competencies, and advanced knowledge required for evidence-based nursing practice and mastery in an area of specialization within the larger domain of nursing.
- Prepare advanced practice nurse leaders to influence, design, direct and implement change in healthcare practice, education, and policy through the development of collaborative alliances to improve healthcare outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations.
- Develop advanced practice nurse leaders who contribute to nursing’s body of knowledge through professional development and scholarly inquiry into practice, processes, or outcomes which affect morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations.
The Program Objectives, or Student Learning Outcomes
The DNP Graduate student will:
- Integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics, biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the foundation for the highest level of nursing practice.
- Critically analyze health care delivery models based on contemporary nursing science and organizational and systems perspectives to eliminate health disparities and promote patient safety and excellence in practice.
- Systematically appraise existing literature, outcomes of practice, practice patterns, systems of care, and health organizations to design and generate best practice evidence to improve practice and health care outcomes.
- Utilize information systems technology to implement and evaluate healthcare resources, quality improvement initiatives, and programs of care that support practice decisions.
- Advocate for health care policy which addresses social justice and equity in all health care settings.
- Employ consultative and leadership skills to function on inter-and intra-professional multidisciplinary teams that work collaboratively to improve vulnerable populations’ health outcomes.
- Synthesize data relevant to clinical prevention and health promotion for individuals, aggregates, and populations to guide implementation of the highest level of nursing practice.
- Demonstrate advanced practice expertise, specialized knowledge, and expanded responsibility and accountability in the care, management, and evaluation of individuals, families, and communities in a specialty practice area within the domain of nursing.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, nurse anesthesia role (Nurse Anesthesia Program) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) (http://coacrna.org, 222 South Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068-4001, and can be reached at 847-655-1160 or via email at accreditation@coacrna.org), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The nurse anesthesia program received COA accreditation in May 2021 and the next accreditation review will be in 2026.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, 225-755-7500.
DNP PROGRAM INFORMATION
DNP ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP APPLICATION
Applications for the DNP OSL program are being processed through NursingCAS, the centralized application for nursing. Visit www.nursingcas.org to start an application. The application period for the DNP OSL program is January 15-May 15 for the following Fall semester.
Visit www.nursingcas.org to start an application or log into your existing account. Visit the Add Program page to select our nursing program and complete the steps to fill out and submit your application. If you need help with NursingCAS, visit the applicant help center or contact applicant support with questions.
DNP NURSE ANESTHESIA APPLICATION
Applications for the DNP NA program are being processed through NursingCAS, the centralized application for nursing. Visit www.nursingcas.org to start an application. The application period for the DNP NA program is February 1-July15 with all supporting documents due by August 1 for the following Spring semester.
Visit www.nursingcas.org to start an application or log into your existing account. Visit the Add Program page to select our nursing program and complete the steps to fill out and submit your application. If you need help with NursingCAS, visit the applicant help center or contact applicant support with questions.
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