LSU Health Shreveport Launches First-of-Its-Kind Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Lafayette

Louisiana's first Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program addresses critical workforce needs through alignment with the HERO Fund.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Responding to Louisiana's growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, LSU Health Shreveport's School of Health Professions and Sciences has launched a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Lafayette, the first of its kind in Louisiana. The program was officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 2 at the new Lafayette campus site. Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the program will welcome its inaugural class of 24 students in May 2026.

Why it matters

Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals recover mobility, manage pain and maintain long-term physical function across their lifespans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, a rate much higher than the national average of occupations. This will create an anticipated estimate of 13,200 job openings each year, due to growth and replacement needs. Workforce development initiatives like the new hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Lafayette are essential to expanding access to high-quality care and meeting Louisiana's mounting need for skilled physical therapists.

The details

Developed in partnership with Ochsner Lafayette General, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) through its Healthcare Education Reinvestment Opportunity (HERO) Fund, and Rehab Essentials, the strategic resource for licensure-track health programs, this innovative program expands access to physical therapy education in Southwest Louisiana and addresses critical workforce needs across the state. The hybrid model combines online coursework with hands-on clinical education through partnerships with healthcare providers like Ochsner Lafayette General, allowing students to train close to home while gaining the expertise and experience needed to serve patients statewide.

  • The program was officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 2, 2026.
  • The inaugural class of 24 students will begin the program in May 2026.

The players

LSU Health Shreveport

One of two health sciences centers of the Louisiana State University (LSU) System and home to the only academic medical center in a 150-mile radius. The primary mission of LSU Health Shreveport is to teach, heal and discover in order to advance the well-being of the state, region and beyond.

Ochsner Lafayette General

A healthcare organization that includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, and a number of other clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner Lafayette General is a major teaching hospital, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines.

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)

The state agency responsible for overseeing healthcare programs and initiatives in Louisiana, including the Healthcare Education Reinvestment Opportunity (HERO) Fund.

Rehab Essentials

An edTech company dedicated to driving the modernization and optimization of health professions education programs at universities worldwide.

Camille Fletcher

One of the 24 students who will begin the program in May 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I tell everyone how excited I am to be part of this inaugural class of future physical therapists. 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 begin.”

— Camille Fletcher (Instagram)

“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.”

— Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, Dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences (LSU Health Shreveport)

“This collaboration connects LSU Health Shreveport's academic excellence with Ochsner Lafayette General's clinical expertise. The hybrid format allows students to stay in their communities while earning a top-quality DPT degree.”

— Daniel Flowers, PT, PhD, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy (LSU Health Shreveport)

“This program creates new opportunities in Acadiana and ensures our patients have access to well-trained physical therapists.”

— Patrick Gandy, Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (Ochsner Lafayette General)

“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.”

— Bruce Greenstein, LDH Secretary (Louisiana Department of Health)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This collaboration between LSU Health Shreveport, Ochsner Lafayette General, and the Louisiana Department of Health demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships to address critical healthcare workforce needs and expand access to high-quality physical therapy education in Louisiana.