LAFAYETTE, La. LSU Health Shreveport is expanding its physical therapy education footprint with plans to open a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Lafayette, the first such offering in Louisiana.
The School of Health Professions and Sciences received approval from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education to begin admitting students. The inaugural class is expected to start in May 2026.
The program was developed with Ochsner Lafayette General, the Louisiana Department of Health through its Healthcare Education Reinvestment Opportunity Fund, and Rehab Essentials. The initiative is intended to widen access to physical therapy training in Southwest Louisiana and support workforce needs across the state.
LSU Health Shreveport will implement the Rehab Essentials enTandem DPT model, which blends online instruction with in-person clinical training. The structure is designed to streamline program development while supporting long-term academic and operational standards.
“By bringing our Doctor of Physical Therapy program to Lafayette, we are expanding opportunity for students and addressing the healthcare workforce needs of our communities,” said Sharon Dunn, dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences.
“This collaboration connects LSU Health Shreveport’s academic excellence with Ochsner Lafayette General’s clinical expertise,” said Daniel Flowers, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. “The hybrid format allows students to stay in their communities while earning a top-quality DPT degree.”
“This program will create new opportunities in Acadiana and ensure our patients have access to well-trained physical therapists,” said Patrick Gandy, chief executive officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic and healthcare systems to meet Louisiana’s workforce needs,” said Leonardo Seoane, executive vice president and chief academic officer for Ochsner Health.
“Through the innovative HERO fund utilizing public-private partnerships, the Department set out to reduce barriers to healthcare programs that create pipelines into high-demand health careers for Louisiana students. This program is a great example of that goal,” said Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein.
The hybrid program will combine online coursework with on-site clinical rotations through regional healthcare partners. LSU Health Shreveport said students will be able to remain in their home communities while receiving clinical experience aligned with the university’s academic standards.
Admissions for the first cohort are underway following CAPTE approval.