Students pursuing careers in physical therapy will have a faster path to a doctorate through a new partnership between LSU Alexandria and LSU Health Shreveport. LSU Health Shreveport Chair of Physical Therapy, Dr. Daniel Flowers, says the 3+3 program allows students to complete three years of undergraduate coursework at LSUA before spending three more years at LSU Health Shreveport to earn their bachelor’s degree and doctorate in physical therapy.
“We are cutting a year of tuition; we are cutting a year of time; and that’s speeding up the process of allowing our students and graduates to get into the workforce earlier with less student debt,” Flowers explained.
Students can earn their DPT from LSU Health Shreveport either in person at the Shreveport campus, or through LSU Health Shreveport’s Hybrid DPT program, based in Lafayette.
LSUA Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Beard says by working across the LSU System, they can create a clear pathway from LSUA into a highly specialized health profession.
“These are great jobs for our graduates; and so many of our students are interested in it. We want to make sure they have that robust opportunity right here in central Louisiana,” Beard said.
LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences Dean, Dr. Sharon Dunn, says the need for professional physical therapists is great.
“So we’re hoping to field a huge community need by fast-tracking these degree programs to bring these people right back home to serve their communities,” Dunn said.