ALEXANDRIA, La. — Louisiana State University of Alexandria and LSU Health Shreveport have established an accelerated physical therapy pathway that allows eligible students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years, shortening the route to the workforce by one year.
The new 3+3 agreement expands a partnership that includes other accelerated health professions programs, including a Doctor of Occupational Therapy pathway launched in 2025.
Under the agreement, eligible LSUA biology students will complete 85 to 90 credit hours of undergraduate and preprofessional coursework before entering LSU Health Shreveport’s physical therapy program. Approved doctoral coursework will transfer back to LSUA to satisfy the remaining bachelor’s degree requirements.
Students can pursue the doctoral degree through the in-person program in Shreveport or LSU Health Shreveport’s hybrid program based in Lafayette.
The agreement guarantees participating students an interview if they meet minimum admission requirements and application deadlines. Admission is not guaranteed. Students must satisfy the doctoral program’s admission standards, including required coursework and experiences, academic performance and professional conduct.
A designated LSUA faculty adviser will help students prepare for the transition.
“Partnerships like this allow us to build an education around where students want to go rather than asking them to navigate those connections on their own,” LSUA Chancellor Elizabeth Beard said.
Daniel Flowers, chair and associate professor of physical therapy at LSU Health Shreveport, said the agreement reduces the time needed to earn both degrees from seven years to six, potentially lowering education costs and allowing graduates to begin working sooner.
“This will cut one year of tuition, speed the rate of completion for new professionals, and allow those who have TOPS to apply it to their first year of PT school,” Flowers said. “This means less college debt, and an earlier entry to the workforce for students in central Louisiana.”
The partnership also provides opportunities for LSU Health Shreveport physical therapy faculty to engage with prospective and participating students at LSUA. Students will be able to connect with faculty and learn about the professional program before entering the doctoral phase.
Madeline Barclay, assistant dean of student affairs for LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions, said the accelerated program adds an option for students while preserving the traditional four-year undergraduate route.
The institutions said the pathway is intended to expand access to professional education and prepare health care workers to serve Louisiana communities, including rural areas.