LSUHS School of Allied Health Professions - Admissions and Career Guide

The School of Allied Health Professions

is comprised of eight academic programs, three post-professional residency programs for physical therapists who hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and a doctoral internship program in health service psychology. The School also serves as an off-campus instructional site for the School of Nursing at LSU Health New Orleans hosting three academic nursing programs. In our admissions and recruitment processes, we pursue diverse cohorts of students in each program to enhance the learning experiences of all of our students and foster an open and welcoming environment that promotes inclusion, respect, and compassion.

Graduates from our academic programs readily find employment upon graduation and their first-time licensure pass rates are at an alltime high. All educational programs of the School have been approved by the appropriate State agencies and are fully accredited by the appropriate nationally recognized credentialing bodies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/CPS

The Cardiopulmonary Science Program at LSU Health Shreveport, fully-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, provides academic and clinical education leading to the Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science degree. Students have many educational and clinical opportunities as they gain professional experience in the allied health specialties of respiratory care and cardiovascular technology. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Registered Respiratory Therapy credentialing exam.

Role of a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists are an integral part of the healthcare team and a valued member in all patient populations. Respiratory Therapists are responsible for the delivery of oxygen therapy, medicated breathing treatments, and bronchial hygiene and the institution and monitoring of mechanical ventilation. These procedures are provided for a variety of patient populations from premature infants to the geriatric patient populations.

Career and Practice Settings

Respiratory therapists work in acute care hospitals, long-term acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and in the home health setting. The therapist will work in general floor care areas, emergency room, and in the intensive care units for adult, pediatric and, neonatal populations. Therapists also have the opportunity to work in managerial, educational, or equipment sales positions. With the cardiovascular technology courses and clinical rotations offered in the LSU Health Shreveport Cardiopulmonary Science Program, our graduates have the option to pursue opportunities in cardiovascular care and are trained in echocardiography as part of the senior year. Graduates of the program are also potential candidates for graduate education courses in masters and doctoral programs.

PATHWAY: Feeder College (2 Years) + LSU Health (2 years)

= Bachelor of Science

DELIVERY: Full-time, predominantly on-site, live day classes

CLASS SIZE: 12 students accepted per year

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES: LA Resident: $20,948

Non-Resident: $42,690 (Residents of AR & TX eligible for in-state rates)

APPLICATION METHOD: Allied Health Centralized

Application Service (AHCAS)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling

CLASSES BEGIN: May (summer semester)

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum 2.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale)

2. Minimum 2.5 GPA in required pre-requisite courses (4.0 scale).

3. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses.

4. Pre-requisite courses earned from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class:

• English Composition, 6 hours

• Mathematics, 6 hours (College Algebra required; Trigonometry recommended)

• Medical Terminology, 3 hours

• General Chemistry / Lab, 4 hours

• General Physics / Lab, (> 200 level recommended), 4 hours

• Microbiology / Lab, 4 hours

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I / Lab, 4 hours

• Human Anatomy and Physiology II / Lab, 4 hours

• Science Elective, 3 hours

• Fine Arts Requirement, 3 hours

• Humanities, 9 hours

• Social/Behavioral Science, 6 hours

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

14% (Much faster than average)

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/MLS

The LSU Health Shreveport Medical Laboratory Science Program begins three times a year (May, August, and January) and lasts for 15 months, which includes four months in an affiliated clinical site. This unique program pairs academic and clinical experience to prepare graduates for a vast array of exciting career options with one degree. Graduating from our NAACLS accredited program allows you to take the most desirable national certification exam: the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Role of a Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Analyze blood, body fluids, and tissues for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease.

• Manage innovative technology working in the fields of applied medicine, medical research, and the biotechnology industry.

• Maintain result-oriented problem solving in a fast-paced environment.

• Contribute as essential members of the healthcare team.

• Utilize and emerging technologies to analyze everything from viruses and DNA.

Career and Practice Settings

While many graduates are employed in the clinical laboratory setting, career options today are expanding, with opportunities in all areas of health care. As a medical laboratory scientist, you may decide in specialization or opportunities in:

• Biomedical research and development

• Andrology and assisted reproductive technology laboratories

• Organ transplantation

• Genetic testing

• Health information management healthcare industry

• Consulting and entrepreneurial opportunities

• Forensic testing

PATHWAY: Feeder College (3 Years) + LSU Health (1 year)

= Bachelor of Science

DELIVERY: Full-time, predominantly on-site, live day classes

CLASS SIZE: 24 students accepted per year

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES: LA Resident: $12,562

Non-Resident: $25,607 (Residents of AR & TX eligible for in-state rates)

APPLICATION METHOD: Allied Health Centralized Application Service (AHCAS)

APPLICATION DEADLINES: The MLS program has three start dates per year.

i. Apply by October 15 to begin classes in January (spring semester)

ii. Apply by January 15 to begin classes in May (summer semester)

iii. Apply by June 1 to begin classes in August (fall semester)

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale).

2. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses.

3. Pre-requisite courses earned from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class:

• English Composition (6 hours)

• Humanities (9 hours) – Recommended: History, English, Philosophy, or Religious Studies.

• Social/Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)

• Mathematics (6 hours) – College Algebra or above

• General Chemistry/Lab (8 hours)

• General Biology/Lab (8 hours)

• Microbiology/Lab (4 hours)

• Science Elective, 200 level or higher (6 hours) – Recommended: Anatomy/Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, Parasitology, Advanced/Medical Microbiology

• General Electives (9 hours) – Recommended: Communications, Technical Writing, or Management

• Fine Arts Elective (3 hours) – Recommended: Art, Dance, Music, or Theater

Master of Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/SLP

The Speech-Language Pathology program at the LSU Health Shreveport provides the academic and clinical education leading to the Master of Communication Disorders degree. The program is housed within the Mollie E. Webb Speech and Hearing Center and accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. As part of a major academic medical center, the program features modern educational and clinical facilities including a cadaver laboratory. The program has clinical affiliations with numerous medical and educational institutions throughout Louisiana as well as the Scottish Rite Foundation. Students are able to gain professional experience in the NICU follow-up clinic, LSU Health Shreveport Children’s Center, or as part of the cleft palate team. Upon graduation, students will have completed the appropriate academic and clinical practicum requirements for Louisiana state licensure and certification by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Role of a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders, such as delayed language, articulation, stuttering, aphasia, and voice disorders. They also work with individuals who have communication disorders associated with hearing loss, cognitive-communicative deficits, and swallowing disorders.

Career and Practice Settings

Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, industry, government agencies, and private practice. A master’s degree is required for clinical certification in speech-language pathology.

QUICK FACTS

2021 MEDIAN PAY $79,060 per year | $38.01 per hour

NUMBER OF JOBS, 2021

159,800

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

21% (Much faster than average)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

PROGRAM LENGTH: 2 years (six semesters)

DELIVERY: Full-time, on-site, live day classes

CLASS SIZE: 20 students accepted per year

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES: LA Resident: $26,763

Non-Resident: $53,411 (Residents of AR & TX eligible for in-state rates)

APPLICATION METHOD: Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15

CLASSES BEGIN: May (summer semester)

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class.

2. Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale).

3. A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) from within the last five years sent to GRE DI code 2213. There is no minimum score; however, the GRE score is heavily weighted in the evaluation and ranking of applications.

4. Undergraduate transcripts should document successful completion of one or more courses in each of the following four areas: #1) biological science, #2) chemistry or physics, #3) statistics, and #4) social/ behavioral sciences.

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/PA

The LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant Program offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree consisting of a continuous 27-month academic and clinical experience, which begins during the summer semester. The Program’s objective is to prepare well-educated, primary care PAs who are competent in a wide range of medical skills and have qualifications to provide comprehensive health care in collaboration with a physician. Upon graduation, graduates are eligible to be licensed in the state of Louisiana as a PA by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.

Role of a PA

The physician assistants, also known as PAs, are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice (AAPA, 2023).

Career and Practice Settings

Physician assistants work in medical offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 27 months years (seven semesters)

DELIVERY: Full-time, predominantly on-site, live day classes

CLASS SIZE: 40 students accepted per year

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES: LA Resident: $38,854

Non-Resident: $66,032

APPLICATION METHOD: Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 1

CLASSES BEGIN: May (summer semester)

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class.

2. Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale) AND minimum 3.0 science GPA (4.0 scale).

3. Minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the last five years sent to GRE DI code 0423:

• Quantitative-145

• Verbal-143

• Analytic writing-3.0

4. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses:

• Anatomy (4 hours) – Human or Comparative with a lab (or part I of A&P with lab only if A&P II is also taken)

• Physiology (3 hours) – General or Human (or part II of A&P II with lab only if A&P I is also taken)

• Microbiology (4 hours) – Sophomore level or higher (200/2000 level) with a lab

• Chemistry (8 hours) – General, Inorganic, or Organic with labs

• Biology electives (8 hours) – Junior level or higher (300/400 or 3000/4000 level)

• Statistics (3 hours) – BIO, PSYC, MATH, or BUSN course number

QUICK FACTS

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

2021 MEDIAN PAY

$121,530 per year | $58.43 per hour

NUMBER OF JOBS, 2021

139,100

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

28% (Much faster than average)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Medical Terminology (2 hours required, 3 hours preferred)

5. Minimum 80 hours of direct patient contact experience. Volunteer, observation, or work in a human patient care environment with direct patient contact.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at LSU Health Shreveport is a full-time, 199 credit, 3-year program consisting of 89 didactic credits in the first 2 years, followed by 10 months (30 credits) of Level II Fieldwork and a Capstone Experience Project. The LSU Health Shreveport Doctor of Occupational Therapy program has been granted candidacy status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 208524929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Role of an Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include:

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/OT

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3 years (nine semesters)

DELIVERY: Full-time, on-site, live day classes

CLASS SIZE: 26 students accepted per year

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES: LA Resident: $47,526

Non-Resident: $81,276

APPLICATION METHOD: Occupational Therapist

Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 15

Admission Requirements

• Helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations,

• Assisting people who are recovering from injury to regain skills, and

• Providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Career and Practice Settings

Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb. In terms of work environment, about half of occupational therapists work in offices of occupational therapy or in hospitals. Others work in schools, nursing homes, and home health services.

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class.

2. Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale).

3. Minimum 3.2 GPA for required pre-requisite courses (4.0 scale).

4. Grade of “B” or better in the required pre-requisite courses:

• Human Anatomy/Lab (4 hours)

• Human Physiology (3 hours)

• Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)

• Developmental Psychology (lifespan) (3 hours)

• Inferential Statistics (3 hours)

• Motor Development (3 hours)

• Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)

• Neuroscience or Neuroanatomy (3 hours)

• Technical Writing (3 hours)

Not required, but strongly recommended:

• Motor Development (3 hours)

• Advanced Statistics (3 hours)

2021 MEDIAN PAY $85,570 per year | $41.14 per hour

NUMBER OF JOBS, 2021

133,900

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

14% (Much faster than average)

CLASSES BEGIN: May (summer semester) QUICK FACTS

5. Applicants must acquire a minimum of 40 observation hours. The occupational therapy areas of practice MUST include: 20 hours in a pediatric setting under one pediatric LOTR and 20 hours in an adult inpatient rehabilitation setting under one adult rehabilitation LOTR.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

THERAPISTS

Doctor of Physical Therapy

The LSU Health Shreveport Physical Therapy Program offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for persons interested in becoming a Physical Therapist. The degree is designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and required prerequisite coursework. The Program is a three year program comprised of 9 semesters. The curriculum is aimed at producing outstanding clinical skills in Physical Therapy including, diagnosis, clinical reasoning, program planning, and therapeutic intervention. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Role of a Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical Therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, Physical Therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellnessoriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Career and Practice Settings

Physical Therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Although many physical therapists practice in hospitals, more than 80% practice in other settings:

• Rehabilitation

• Out-patient

• Long-term care

• School system

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/PT

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3 years (nine semesters)

DELIVERY: Full-time, predominantly on-site, live day classes

CLASS SIZE: 36 students accepted per year

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES: LA Resident: $59,423

Non-Resident: $94,696

APPLICATION METHOD: Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 2

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class.

2. Minimum 3.2 GPA in all undergraduate science/math courses (4.0 scale).

3. Minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the last five years sent to GRE DI code 7739:

• 285 combined quantitative and verbal scores.

• 3.0 from the analytical writing portion of the GRE.

4. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses:

• English Composition (6 hours)

• Advanced English Composition, Technical Writing, or Exposition (3 hours)

• Chemistry (8 hours) – Lab based

• Biology/Zoology (8 hours) – Lab based

• Advanced Biology (3 hours) – Recommended: Histology or Cell Biology

• Physics (8 hours) – Lab based

• Skilled nursing facilities

• Pediatrics

• Home health

• Research

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

2021 MEDIAN PAY

$95,620 per year | $45.97 per hour

NUMBER OF JOBS, 2021

238,800

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

17% (Much faster than average)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Anatomy (3 hours) – Recommended: Human Anatomy

• Physiology (3 hours) – Recommended: Human Physiology

• Mathematics (3 hours) – Must complete a math course of at least one level above college algebra

• Psychology (6 hours) – Recommended: Abnormal Psychology, Growth and Development

• Statistics (3 hours) – Behavioral or Experimental

• Public Speaking (3 hours)

• Medical Terminology (1 credit)

CLASSES BEGIN: May (summer semester) QUICK FACTS

5. At least 60 hours of practical experience in physical therapy. Practical experience must be under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Earned a minimum of 30 hours from each site.

CONTACT Admissions and Records Office

PhD in Rehabilitation Science

The PhD in Rehabilitation Science program at LSU Health Shreveport is committed to producing scientists and academic faculty equipped to face the challenges of modern educational and healthcare environments.

The researched-focused degree is designed to transition clinicians to academia in order to meet the demand for research-trained faculty in rehabilitation science programs, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology. The program’s mission is aligned with the overall LSU Health Shreveport mission to promote excellence in research, instruction, and clinical services in Louisiana.

As part of a major academic medical center, the opportunities for translational research are robust for the participation and contributions of rehabilitation scientists. The program offers collaborative opportunities for professionals to engage with others, such as biomedical engineers and basic scientists, to complete and disseminate original research and produce technologies that advance function, participation, and human performance in communities, work environments, and at play.

Three Curricular Concentrations:

• Movement Science

• Neurocognitive Rehabilitation

• Speech-Language Pathology

WEBSITE: WWW.LSUHS.EDU/PhDRehabSci

PROGRAM LENGTH: 4-6 years

FORMAT: Full-time and part-time options

DELIVERY: Hybrid (mix of online and onsite)

APPLICATION METHOD: GradCAS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 1

CLASSES BEGIN: August (fall semester)

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university in occupational therapy, physical therapy, communication disorders (speech-language pathology or audiology), engineering, exercise science, neuroscience, medicine, nursing, or other health related professions.

2. Recommended minimum 3.0 overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous coursework.

3. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) send to DI code 4817. Recommended minimum GRE score above the 50th percentile for all categories. The GRE score will be utilized as one component of the candidate’s overall application but will not be utilized to exclude candidates. The GRE requirement will be waived for candidates with earned doctorates.

Preference will be given to candidates with a license to practice either OT, PT, SLP, or Audiology, since a major goal of the program is to enhance the capacity of faculty candidates for these clinical rehabilitation programs.

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health is a joint degree program offered by LSU Shreveport and LSU Health Shreveport and fully accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health. The program is comprised of 42 credit hours which includes a 150hour applied practical experience (internship).  The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare public health graduate students for careers in a public health setting.

Two Delivery Formats: On-Campus or Online

Students have the opportunity to choose between two delivery formats. Track #1 is comprised of face-to-face, evening courses offered Monday-Thursday and operates on a traditional semester schedule. Track #2 is comprised of 100% online courses offered on a seven week term schedule.

Track 1: Traditional, Face-to-Face

Delivery: Face-to-Face, Evening Courses (M-Th)

Start Dates: Fall (August) & Spring (January)

Culminating Project: Integrated Learning Experience OR Master’s Thesis

Track 2: Accelerated, 100% Online

Delivery: 100% Online (7 Week Terms)

Start Dates: 6 Start Dates Per Year

Culminating Project: Integrated Learning Experience OR Master’s Thesis

Examples of the Many Fields of Public Health

• First responders

• Restaurant inspectors

• Health educators

• Scientists and researchers

• Nutritionists

• Community planners

• Social workers

• Epidemiologists

• Public health physicians

• Public health nurses

• Occupational health & safety professionals

• Public policymakers

• Sanitarians

WEBSITE: : WWW.LSUHS.EDU/MPH

FORMAT: Full-time and part-time options

DELIVERY: 100% Online & On-site tracks

ESTIMATED TUITION AND FEES:

100% Online: $32,550

On-Site Resident: $17,147

On-Site Non-Resident: $46,307

APPLICATION METHOD: www.lsus.edu

Application Deadlines

Track #1: Traditional, Face-to-Face 2 start dates/year

• June 30 for application to the fall semester (August start date)

• November 30 for application to the spring semester (January start date)

Track #2: Accelerated, 100% Online 6 start dates/year

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class in the MPH Program.

2. Applicants who do not possess a previouslyearned graduate degree must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (on a 4.0 scale) OR a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours attempted in the undergraduate degree program. In addition, a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required on any graduate work attempted, with no grades of D or F.

3. Applicants who do possess a graduate degree previously earned from a university accredited by the proper regional association and a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on all graduate work attempted are eligible for unconditional admission to graduate study without regard to the undergraduate GPA.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) Program

In response to the critical nursing shortage in Louisiana, the School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport serves as an off-campus instructional site for the School of Nursing at LSUHSC New Orleans. Courses will be delivered through a combination of in-person instruction and synchronous distance education, where students in Shreveport will join classes going on at LSUHSC New Orleans.

The BSN CARE nursing program is designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field and desire to become a nurse. The BSN CARE concentration is an accelerated program. The program is completed in less than two years and comprises five 16-week blocks (which may be subdivided into smaller modules). Theory, simulation/laboratory, and clinical practice are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours to provide optimal learning experiences. It prepares students for the NCLEXRN national licensure exam and a professional nursing career.

Role of a Nurse

Registered nurses (RN) form the backbone of health care provision in the United States. RNs provide critical health care to the public wherever it is needed. Key Responsibilities:

• Perform physical exams and health histories before making critical decisions

• Provide health promotion, counseling and education

• Administer medications and other personalized interventions

• Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of health care professionals

WEBSITE: WWW.NURSING.LSUHSC.EDU

PROGRAM LENGTH: 1.5 years (Five 16-week blocks)

DELIVERY: Full-time, predominantly on-site, live day classes

APPLICATION METHOD: NursingCAS

CLASSES BEGIN: Fall and Spring

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the application deadline.

2. Pre-requisite course earned from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the application deadline:

• English Composition (6 hours)

• College Algebra and Statistics (6 hours)

• Biology and Laboratory for science majors (4 hours)

• Microbiology (3 hours)

• Physical Sciences for science majors (3 hours)

• Sociology (3 hours)

• Psychology (3 hours)

• Developmental Psychology (3 hours)

• Fine Arts (3 hours)

• Humanities (9 hours)

3. An applicant must complete all pre-requisite coursework with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A grade of C or better must be achieved in all non-science pre-requisite courses. A grade of B or better must be achieved in all science pre-requisites courses (Biology Lecture, Biology Lab, Microbiology, and Physical Science).

PAY

$77,600 per year | $37.31 per hour

NUMBER OF JOBS, 2021

3,130,600

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

6% (As fast as average)

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing — RN-BSN Program

In response to the critical nursing shortage in Louisiana, the School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport serves as an off-campus instructional site for the School of Nursing at LSUHSC New Orleans. Courses will be delivered through a combination of in-person instruction and synchronous distance education, where students in Shreveport will virtually join classes going on at LSUHSC New Orleans.

The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Program is designed for registered nurses with associate’s degrees or diplomas in nursing. The RN-BSN program can be completed in 12 months of full-time enrollment or a longer time for part-time enrollment. Courses are offered in a hybrid format with a combination of face-to-face and online courses. Applications for enrollment are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Why do I need a BSN?

While an ADN program provides the necessary education and licensure to become an RN, obtaining a BSN offers numerous benefits for nurses looking to advance their careers, expand their knowledge, and have an even greater impact on patient care.

• Advancement opportunities: A BSN can lead to higher-level positions and career growth.

• Expanded job prospects: Having a BSN increases job opportunities, especially in larger healthcare facilities.

• Enhanced knowledge and skills: The BSN curriculum provides a broader education, which improves critical thinking and understanding of healthcare systems.

• Professional credibility and recognition: A BSN demonstrates professionalism and dedication to the nursing profession, enhancing reputation and credibility.

• Preparation for higher education: A BSN is often a prerequisite for advanced practice nursing roles that require a master’s or doctorate degree.

• Improved patient outcomes: Studies show that hospitals with a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes.

• Professional growth and personal fulfillment: Pursuing a BSN allows for continuous learning, career growth, and a stronger commitment to lifelong learning.

WEBSITE: WWW.NURSING.LSUHSC.EDU

PROGRAM LENGTH: 1 year

DELIVERY: Full-time or part-time, hybrid courses (mix of online and onsite)

APPLICATION METHOD: NursingCAS

CLASSES BEGIN: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Admission Requirements

1. Associate’s Degree or Diploma in nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the application deadline.

2. Pre-requisite course earned from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class in the program:

• English Composition (6 hours)

• General Biology and Lab (4 hours)

• General Chemistry or Introduction to Chemistry (3 hours)

• Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)

• General Psychology (3 hours)

• College Algebra (3 hours)

• Statistics (3 hours)

• Arts Elective (3 hours)

• Human Physiology and Lab (4 hours)

• Human Anatomy and Lab (4 hours)

• Microbiology with or without Lab (3 hours)

• Pharmacology (3 hours)

• Humanities Elective (9 hours)

• Elective (6 hours)

3. The GPA calculated on these courses must be at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale in order to be eligible for admission. A grade of C or better must be achieved in all pre-requisite courses.

4. A current unencumbered license to practice nursing in the state of Louisiana.

2021 MEDIAN PAY

$77,600 per year | $37.31 per hour

NUMBER OF JOBS, 2021

3,130,600

JOB OUTLOOK, 2021-31

6% (As fast as average)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator

Concentration

In response to the critical nursing shortage in Louisiana, the School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport serves as an off-campus instructional site for the School of Nursing at LSUHSC New Orleans. Courses will be delivered through a combination of in-person instruction and synchronous distance education, where students in Shreveport will virtually join classes going on at LSUHSC New Orleans.

The MSN Nurse Educator concentration targets and prepares registered nurses with earned BSN degrees and at least one year of clinical experience to become nurse educators and accomplish their career goals in academic, practice, and service settings. The MSN program is an intensive master’s concentration, designed for completion in four semesters. Courses are offered in a hybrid format with a combination of face-to-face and online courses. Applications for enrollment are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Advantages: Nurse Educator

Becoming a nurse educator allows you to make a lasting impact on future nurses, advance the nursing profession, grow professionally, stay current in the field, achieve a better work-life balance, collaborate with others in academia and healthcare, and experience personal fulfillment through teaching and mentoring.

NURSING EDUCATORS, POSTSECONDARY

2022 MEDIAN PAY $78,580 per year

INDUSTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF EMPLOYMENT

NURSING INSTRUCTORS AND TEACHERS, POSTSECONDARY Junior Colleges (2.84% of industry employment)

Technical and Trade Schools (1.70%)

College and Universities (1.48%)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

WEBSITE: WWW.NURSING.LSUHSC.EDU

PROGRAM LENGTH: 1 year

DELIVERY: Full-time, hybrid courses (mix of online and onsite)

APPLICATION METHOD: NursingCAS

CLASSES BEGIN: Fall and Summer

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the application deadline.

2. Minimum of 1 year of clinical nursing experience as specified by concentration.

3. A current unencumbered license to practice nursing in the state of Louisiana.

4. BLS certification for Healthcare Providers via the American Heart Association.