An APRN is a nurse who evaluates patients, diagnoses, orders and interprets diagnostic tests, initiates and manages treatment – including prescribing medications – under the exclusive licensure authority of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. APRN’s also create a treatment plan, that depending on the diagnosis, include referrals. Just like doctors refer patients to other doctors, without a pre-existing agreement in place.
APRN education requirements include education and training beyond a bachelor’s degree. Many graduates entering graduate and post-graduate programs with decades of experience in the healthcare field as a Registered Nurse (RN). Individuals graduating from APRN program must also have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. APRN students are required to have between 500 and 1500 clinical (clock) hours to graduate and must sit for a rigorous national certification exam to ensure competency in the role and population focus. LSBN only licenses APRNs certified by national organizations which guarantees the highest standard of care and most competent providers are practicing in the state.
