Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Baton Rouge campus different from the LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Nursing campus?
The LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing is expanding its Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to Baton Rouge. Offered as an Off-Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) at LSU A&M, this three-year program mirrors the curriculum and structure of the New Orleans-based program, with fall and spring admissions. Students at OCIS Baton Rouge will benefit from the same highly qualified faculty, health science center courses, cadaver lab, simulation lab and hospital lab. This program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and a professional nursing career, with clinical experiences provided in the Greater Baton Rouge area and instruction from dedicated nursing clinical faculty at the Baton Rouge location.
What nursing scholarships are available and where do I find this information?
Scholarship opportunities for nursing students at are listed on the LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs website.
Will my scholarship from LSU A&M transfer to LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Nursing?
LSUHSC-NO Financial Aid Department determines all Financial Aid & Scholarships for the BSN program. Financial Aid & Scholarships awarded by LSU A&M prior to enrolling in the program do not transfer, regardless of campus. Visit the LSUHSC-NO Financial Aid website for more information.
- If applying for financial aid, students must assign the FAFSA application to LSUHSC-NO. The school’s code is 002014.
- The LSU Health Foundation fundraises from our generous donors to provide numerous scholarships each academic year for our students. Foundation scholarships are awarded every fall and spring.
- Through a generous gift from LCMC Health, a select group of LSUHSC-NO nursing students receive tuition, designated fees, mentorship, and academic support throughout their nursing studies. Upon successful completion of their nursing education, LSU-LCMC Health Scholars also receive job placement at an LCMC health facility.
When may I apply?
Visit the Off Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) Baton Rouge website for more information concerning Admission Criteria and Application Information.
How do I apply for admission to OCIS Baton Rouge?
Visit the Off Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) Baton Rouge website for more information concerning Admission Criteria and Application Information.
Can nursing prerequisites be taken at other colleges?
Yes, prerequisites may be taken at any accredited college or university.
What courses will transfer to LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Nursing?
The applicant must complete 37 hours of pre-requisite course work at any accredited college or university before applying to the School of Nursing. The Transfer Credit website lists courses that have previously been evaluated by the Admission, Progression, and Graduation (AP&G) Committee for transfer equivalence.
For an evaluation of unofficial transcripts by the Program Director, please complete the Request for Transcript Review process.
If I’m a nursing student in another nursing program, can I transfer to LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Nursing?
Students interested in transferring to the program at LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing should complete the Request for Transcript Review process. The Program Director will follow up.
Will I be given a campus choice?
Yes. The options to select a campus is asked for within the application. Visit the Off Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) Baton Rouge website for more information concerning Admission Criteria and Application Information.
What is the HESI exam and when do I take it?
The HESI Admission Assessment exam A² from Evolve Testing & Remediation is required to be taken by the application deadline. You may submit your application prior to your exam date. Visit the Off Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) Baton Rouge Application website for more information concerning Admission Criteria and Application Information.
Is there a cost difference in attending Off Campus Instructional Site (OCIS) Baton Rouge compared to the LSU Health Sciences Center -New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) campus located in New Orleans?
Yes. In addition to LSUHSC-NO tuition and fees, OCIS Baton Rouge students will be required to pay established and applicable LSU A&M dedicated fees, including, but not limited to the building use fee and student technology fee associated with the number of credit hours enrolled. Students will also be required to pay housing rates, meal plan rates, parking tag rates, and a fee for a Tiger Card as applicable.
LSU A&M will issue LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing students a Tiger Card to provide access to LSU A&M services including the LSU A&M Center for Academic Success, LSU A&M Dining Hall, LSU A&M Housing (as space allows), LSU A&M Student Health Center, and LSU A&M University Recreational Center (UREC) facilities. LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing students will be able to rent a mailbox.
Where will clinical rotations be held?
Clinical rotations will be held in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the clinical sites.
What student organizations and activities may I participate in?
LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Nursing OCIS Baton Rouge students will be permitted to join, participate, and hold leadership positions in student organizations at LSUHSC-NO and LSU A&M. The LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing offers a variety of student organizations. Visit the LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing Student Associations website to view all organizations and activities.
OCIS Baton Rouge students will be permitted to join and maintain Greek organization membership at LSU A&M. OCIS Baton Rouge students will not be permitted to participate in LSU A&M collegiate athletics but may be permitted to be a member of the Tiger Band.