Lafayette, Louisiana, is now home to the state’s first hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, a development poised to expand access to crucial healthcare education and address a growing need for skilled physical therapists across the region. Launched by LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions and Sciences, the program officially opened its doors on Monday at a new campus location in the Oil Center, at 902 Coolidge St. This innovative approach to DPT education combines the flexibility of online coursework with the essential hands-on clinical training needed to prepare future practitioners for a wide range of patient needs.
The hybrid model is particularly significant as it aims to remove barriers to entry for students in Southwest Louisiana, allowing them to pursue advanced degrees without needing to relocate. The program will welcome its inaugural class of 24 students in May 2026, and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous standards for quality and prepares graduates for successful careers in the field. The program’s development was a collaborative effort, involving Ochsner Lafayette General, the Louisiana Department of Health, and Rehab Essentials.
Expanding Access to Physical Therapy Education
The need for physical therapists is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to increase by 11% from 2024 to 2034, creating an estimated 13,200 job openings each year due to growth and the need to replace retiring professionals. This demand underscores the importance of initiatives like the new program in Lafayette, which seeks to bolster the healthcare workforce in Louisiana.
“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, PT, PhD, Dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences at LSU Health Shreveport. The program utilizes the enTandem DPT℠ model, described as a comprehensive framework integrating academic design, faculty development, accreditation alignment, and long-term operational support.
A Collaborative Approach to Workforce Development
The success of the program hinges on strong partnerships within the healthcare community. Ochsner Lafayette General plays a key role, providing clinical education sites where students will gain practical experience. “This program creates new opportunities in Acadiana and ensures our patients have access to well-trained physical therapists,” said Patrick Gandy, Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Ochsner Health, added that the partnership “demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic and healthcare systems to meet Louisiana’s workforce needs.”
The Louisiana Department of Health also contributed to the program’s launch through its Healthcare Education Reinvestment Opportunity (HERO) fund. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein explained that the HERO fund aims to reduce barriers to healthcare programs and create pipelines into high-demand health careers for Louisiana students, making this program a prime example of that goal.
Student Perspectives and Program Impact
For students like Camille Fletcher, a native of Acadiana, the hybrid program offers a unique opportunity to pursue her passion for physical therapy although remaining close to home. “I tell everyone how excited I am to be part of this inaugural class of future physical therapists,” Fletcher said. “As an Acadiana native, this program from LSU Health Shreveport was my first choice for physical therapy school, and I can’t wait for classes to initiate.”
Physical therapists play a vital role in patient care, helping individuals recover mobility, manage pain, and maintain long-term physical function. They function with patients recovering from injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and a variety of other conditions. Daniel Flowers, PT, PhD, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at LSU Health Shreveport, emphasized the value physical therapists bring to the healthcare team, stating that the hybrid format allows students to earn a top-quality DPT degree while staying within their communities.
LSU Health Shreveport, as noted on its website, is committed to teaching, healing, and discovering, with a mission to advance the well-being of the state, region, and beyond. The school encompasses Schools of Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Health Professions & Sciences in Shreveport, offering a range of degrees in health-related fields.
The launch of this program represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in Louisiana. The next key milestone will be the arrival of the inaugural class in May 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in physical therapy education for the state.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting development and its potential impact on healthcare access in Louisiana.
