Students of Louisiana nursing schools, online or campus-based, can enjoy their time off in the Pelican State. Arts, history, culture, outdoor recreation, dining and entertainment options are plentiful.

As for career opportunities, hospitals are among Louisiana's major industries. In fact, the state had the first charity hospital in the United States. Other key economic sectors include minerals production, petroleum refining, tourism, forestry, agriculture, commercial trade and manufacturing.

Louisiana nursing schools, online and on-campus

Becoming a nurse requires completion of a nursing program--diploma, associate degree or bachelor's degree--at a school approved by the state Board of Nursing. Graduates must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN for registered nurses or NCLEX-PN for licensed practical or vocational nurses) and apply for licensure. The numerous traditional and online nursing schools in Louisiana include the following:

• Baton Rouge General Medical Center
• Louisiana State University
• University of Louisiana
• Louisiana College

Various types of financial aid are available for those who qualify, including Pell grants. The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS, may award state scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend certain schools.

Life after online nursing schools in Louisiana

While most nurses work in hospitals, others seek employment in clinics, medical offices, ambulatory care settings and more. Among the major health care employers are these:

• Baton Rouge General Health System
• Lakeview Regional Medical Center
• LHC Group
• North Oaks Health System

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that almost 40,000 RNs in Louisiana earned a mean annual wage of $62,060 as of May 2010. For more than 22,000 LPNs and LVNs, the figure was $37,830, which was nearly even with the mean yearly salary for all occupations in the state, $37,980.