LSU Health Shreveport Launches Louisiana's First Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Lafayette

The new program aims to expand access for Acadiana students and address healthcare workforce needs across the state.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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LSU Health Shreveport has opened a new hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program at its Lafayette campus, which officials say is the first of its kind in Louisiana. The program was developed in partnership with Ochsner Lafayette General, the Louisiana Department of Health, and Rehab Essentials, and the inaugural class has already been accepted. The program aims to expand access for students in the Acadiana region and help address healthcare workforce needs across the state.

Why it matters

Physical therapists play a crucial role in helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life after injuries, illnesses, or other health conditions. By launching this new hybrid program in Lafayette, LSU Health Shreveport is making it more accessible for students in the Acadiana region to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and enter this in-demand healthcare field.

The details

The new hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program at LSU Health Shreveport's Lafayette campus will combine online coursework with hands-on clinical training. This format is designed to make the program more accessible for students in the Acadiana region. The program was developed in partnership with Ochsner Lafayette General, the Louisiana Department of Health, and Rehab Essentials.

  • LSU Health Shreveport cut the ribbon on the new Lafayette campus location on March 3, 2026.

The players

LSU Health Shreveport

A public medical school and academic health center that is part of the Louisiana State University System.

Ochsner Lafayette General

A non-profit, academic, multi-specialty healthcare system serving the Acadiana region of Louisiana.

Louisiana Department of Health

The state agency responsible for protecting and promoting the health and wellness of Louisiana residents.

Rehab Essentials

A healthcare staffing and consulting firm that provides physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.

Sharon Dunn

Professor and dean of the School of Health Professionals and Sciences of Academic Administration at LSU Health Shreveport.

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What they’re saying

“Physical therapists bring to the health care team uh expertise in human movement and human performance so fall prevention, musculoskeletal or orthopedic care, neurologic, patients that have had spinal cord injuries or, or strokes or brain injuries we're really good at getting people back to mobility and back into a quality of life so this community is going to really win with this program here and in both quality of life and return to function.”

— Sharon Dunn, Professor and Dean (KATC News)

What’s next

The inaugural class of the new hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program at LSU Health Shreveport's Lafayette campus has already been accepted and will begin their studies.

The takeaway

By launching this innovative hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Lafayette, LSU Health Shreveport is expanding access to this in-demand healthcare field for students in the Acadiana region and helping to address workforce needs across Louisiana.