Baton Rouge Nursing Schools

In addition to being the state of Louisiana's capital and second-largest city, Baton Rouge is one of the major medical and research centers of the southern United States. Its nursing schools are an example of such status, some of which are leading educational and health institutions in the region.

Types of Nursing Schools

Most nursing schools in Baton Rouge are embedded in four-year institutions. This includes Southern University and A&M College, a Historically Black College and University; and Our Lady of the Lake College, an independent Catholic institution. Louisiana State University, based in Baton Rouge, has its nursing school in nearby New Orleans.

Not every nursing school in the city is tied to a traditional college or university. Baton Rouge General--credited as the city's first official hospital--has one, as well. It provides the advantage of immediate access to a medical facility.

Programs

Baton Rouge nursing schools offer programs for people interested in becoming registered nurses, or RNs. Although these programs are usually at the undergraduate and graduate level, some schools, such as of Our Lady of the Lake, offer associate degree programs, which is the minimum educational requirement for RNs. There are also transitional tracks for RNs who wish to get a bachelor's degree in nursing for enhancing job skills, nursing knowledge and earning potential.

Specialities

Some RNs who already have associate's or bachelor's degrees go on for a master's degree, which entails specialization in certain areas of nursing. Specialties include critical care nursing, nurse anesthesia, nursing administration, nursing education and gerontological nursing. Southern University and LSU in particular have a vast array of specialties for RNs to choose from.

Reputation

Some of Baton Rouge's nursing schools have sterling reputations, or are associated with colleges/universities that have considerable regional or national recognition. For example, in 2007, the BR General School of Nursing ranked No. 1 of the more than 800 nursing schools in the country in the percentage of graduates passing the national licensing exam for registered nurses. LSU is the largest university in Louisiana; the flagship institution of the state's University System; and nationally respected in certain fields of study, such as business and law.

Advantages

Baton Rouge's nursing schools offer a great variety of programs to choose from. Additionally, nursing students can enjoy a city with a subtropical climate, lots of recreational pursuits and a blend of different people and cultures.