Physician assistants (PAs), trained to practice medicine, provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients across the lifespan in various settings.
The physician assistant (PA) program aims to establish and maintain an educational environment that fosters critical thinking and the clinical knowledge and skills required to exercise sound medical decision-making.
The curriculum aims to produce professional, ethical, and empathetic clinicians.
Although patient care is the main focus of PA practice, PAs are also equipped to serve in educational, research, and administrative capacities.
Thus, biostatistics, research methodology, and other research principles must be understood by PA students.
This article will guide you in knowing the top ten physician assistant (PA) programs in Louisiana so you can start a successful PA career.
Read More: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Alabama| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
Are there PA Schools in Louisiana?
Yes, there are PA Schools in Louisiana. These schools are:
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- LSU School of Allied Health Professions
- The University Of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants
- South Louisiana Community College-Lafayette Campus
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- Louisiana Tech University
- Our Lady of the Lake College School of Nursing
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Louisiana Department of Education
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- LSU New Orleans
- University of Holy Cross
Read More: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in the United States| Requirements & How to Apply
How Do I Get Into PA Schools in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, physician assistant programs typically demand that you take prerequisite biology, chemistry, and psychology courses.
You might need to take additional science courses before applying to a school’s PA program, depending on the institution, and also statistics courses.
Also, you will take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying. A lot of schools may also ask for healthcare-related experience. It would be best if you had direct patient interaction as a clinic assistant, nurse’s aide, or patient care attendant.
How Long are PA Schools in Louisiana?
The American Academy of Physician Assistants states that the average length of a PA program is 27 months (AAPA).
This applies to people who aren’t medical assistants at the moment. Some PAs could become PAs before a master’s degree is necessary, and if they are pursuing their master’s degree afterward, they enroll in programs designed specifically for them.
Can Physician Assistants Practice Independently in Louisiana?
With the exception of life-threatening crises and urgent situations like disaster relief, a medical assistant is not permitted to practice alone.
In addition to their wide range of duties, PAs assist in surgery, provide physical exams, order and interpret tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, and write prescriptions in most states.
What are the Best PA (Physician Assistant) Schools in Louisiana?
After thorough research, rankings, reviews, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best physician assistant schools in Louisiana, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.
Read More: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools in Oklahoma| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
Below is a list of the schools.
#1. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a small, catholic, non-profit university focusing on healthcare in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The university grants degrees in the arts, behavioral, nursing, health, and scientific sciences. The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, who support the university, are devoted to its purpose based on Franciscan principles.
The University is an academic community focused on the needs of its students, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the greater good, and committed to quality teaching and learning.
You will have a supportive and compassionate journey at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University that is centered on cutting-edge programs and individualized student care where first names replace numbers.
Make friends for life and get yourself ready mentally, physically, and spiritually for a lifetime of enjoyment and service. Make a positive impact on the world.
#2. Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, which starts during the summer semester and lasts for 27 months, is offered by the LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant Program.
The program’s goal is to train primary care PAs. They are well educated, skilled in various medical specialties, and qualified to offer complete medical treatment under a doctor’s supervision.
Following completion, graduates are qualified to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and apply for a PA license from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
Read More: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools in Kentucky| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
#3. Xavier University of Louisiana
The Xavier University Physician Assistant Program’s mission is to educate physician assistants to become moral, skilled, and caring healthcare providers committed to advancing a more just and humane society by enhancing the healthcare of the diverse communities we serve.
A new Physician Assistant (PA) Program* has been launched at Xavier University of Louisiana thanks to a collaboration with Ochsner Health.
The master’s program will take 28 months, with a 12-month didactic phase followed by 16 months of clinical training at Ochsner Health.
#4. The University Of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette academic institutions provide a wide range of master’s and doctoral degree programs geared toward developing the next generation of academics, researchers, practitioners, and leaders in the public and commercial sectors.
Service to current and prospective graduate students is the first goal of the Grad School office staff and faculty.
Also, the school offers direction and leadership for graduate education in conjunction with the academic deans, program directors, and graduate council.
The school oversees the application process, keeps track of students’ progress, and ultimately grants students’ requests to graduate.
Among other services, the school also conducts the last review of theses and dissertations. The school also manages fellowships, assistantships, and other types of financial aid.
Read More: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in New York| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
#5. Latech University
The Graduate School provides the organizational framework, direction, and oversight required to enable graduate studies at Louisiana Tech University.
The first and last steps in the graduate application and acceptance process are graduate school.
Graduate School collaborates with the Provost, the Graduate Council, the academic deans, the graduate program directors, and the faculty to support students in obtaining graduate and professional degrees in a quality educational and research environment.
#6. Southeastern Louisiana University
Through its nationally approved institutions, Southeastern Louisiana University offers 20 master’s and two doctorate programs that are academically sound.
Notably, the colleges of business, education, nursing, health sciences, science and technology, and arts, humanities, and social sciences all offer graduate programs.
The Southeastern faculty is committed to giving our graduate students a focused but complete educational experience.
Graduate students at Southeastern are equipped to tackle professional difficulties, solve problems, and exercise leadership in their local communities.
Read More: 4 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Hawaii| Requirements, Costs, & How to Apply
#7. University of Louisiana Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was established in 1931. The campus is 238 acres in size, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,859 (fall 2020), and is located in a city.
The academic calendar is based on semesters. The University of Louisiana at Monroe is ranked #299–391 in the National Universities category in the Best Colleges 2023 edition.
Also, the University of Louisiana at Monroe has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, and 44.7% of its classes have fewer than 20 students.
The three most sought-after majors at the University of Louisiana at Monroe are psychology, history, and health professions and related programs. However, the average freshman retention rate indicates student happiness, which is 73 percent.
#8. University of Holy Cross
The Marianites of Holy Cross, who founded the university in 1916 as Our Lady of Holy Cross College, used it to train and prepare teachers for the numerous schools the Marianites were constructing throughout South Louisiana.
Consequently, the University’s steadfast adherence to the Marianite Sisters’ principles and its history of training people to become teachers contribute to what makes the UHC experience so unique.
Smaller courses, a faith-based environment, and more individualized care from a kind, accommodating staff are the benefits for the students. It entails working together in a dynamic, entrepreneurial setting where excellence is the primary goal.
Ultimately, it implies that you graduate from Holy Cross University ready for life.
Read More: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
#9. Louisiana State University New Orleans
A graduate program within the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health Professions, the LSUHSC-NO Physician Assistant program was established in 2012. The program is situated in Louisiana’s New Orleans.
The LSUHSC-NO PA program, with a primary care emphasis, confers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree after 29 months of rigorous academic and clinical training. The 17-month academic component of the 29-month program is done in New Orleans using cutting-edge training resources. The 12-month clinical experience is carried out at a number of locations across Louisiana.
The LSUHSC-NO Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program will pioneer in training skilled, caring healthcare professionals who can offer care for Louisianans.
#10. Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants
In collaboration with the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants (LAPA) supports physician assistants in their quest for excellence in the workplace.
Also, they support through public outreach, ongoing medical education, physician education, member services, physician assistant student involvement, and legislative initiatives. They aim to increase the role PAs play in providing high-quality healthcare.
Similarly, through public education, continuing medical education, physician education, member services, physician assistant student involvement, and legislative efforts, the Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants, in collaboration with the American Academy of Physician Assistants, seeks to support physician assistants in their pursuit of excellence in their profession and to strengthen their role in the delivery of healthcare.
Read More: 8 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Georgia| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
What is the Easiest Louisiana PA Schools to Get Into?Â
Physician Assistant (PA) employment is expected to rise by 37% over the next ten (10) years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The result will be physician assistants (PA), one of the medical paths expected to expand the fastest.
The admission rates of most universities are also impacted negatively by the practice of only selecting tens or hundreds of applicants from a pool of thousands.
The increase in candidates looking to work as PA assistants is to blame for this.
In addition, most universities dramatically enhance their GPA requirements to aid in the selection of the best applicants. That much is certain: there will be fierce rivalry.
Here are some easiest PA Schools to get into in Louisiana
- South Louisiana Community College-Lafayette Campus
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- Louisiana Tech University
- Our Lady of the Lake College School of Nursing
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Louisiana Department of Education
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- LSU New Orleans
- University of Holy Cross
How Much Does A Physician Assistant Make in Louisiana?
As of July, Louisiana’s average Physician Assistant – Medical compensation was $108,615; however, the normal salary range is between $99,980 and $119,752.
However, salary ranges might differ significantly based on the city, as well as a number of other crucial aspects, such as schooling, credentials, supplementary talents, and the length of time you’ve been working in a given field.
What are the Best Physician Assistant Programs in Louisiana?
If you want to enroll in a university in Louisiana and complete a respected program to earn the best medical assistant degree on campus, you have four possibilities.
Because of this, possibilities are fairly limited. However, those looking for more choices can also consider accredited online programs that can be completed while a state resident.
The followings are the top PA schools and PA programs:
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University PA Program
- Louisiana State University PA Program- New Orleans
- Louisiana State University PA Program – Shreveport
- Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program
What are the PA Schools in Louisiana that Don’t Require Gre?
Your result on the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, greatly impacts your chances of getting into a PA program in Louisiana.
And this is what many competitors are most terrified about. It follows that if they learn of a PA program that doesn’t require the GRE, many students will take advantage of the chance.
The following is a list of organizations and programs that don’t require the GRE from applicants to PA schools.
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- Louisiana Tech University
- Our Lady of the Lake College School of Nursing
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Louisiana Department of Education
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- LSU New Orleans
- University of Holy Cross
Are there Physician Assistant Master’s Programs in Louisiana?
Medical assistants can pursue master’s degrees in Louisiana.
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree, a postgraduate program with coursework as a component, was developed to prepare generalist healthcare practitioners to take the Manitoba physician assistant licensing exam.
The list below includes PA colleges that offer the PA Master’s program.
- Case Western Reserve University
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University PA Program
- Louisiana State University PA Program- New Orleans
- Louisiana State University PA Program – Shreveport
- Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program
Are there Online Physician Assistant Courses in Louisiana for International Students?
Through live video lessons, previously recorded lectures, or other means, online programs bring the classroom to your computer or other devices.
Most importantly, this enables students to save time on their commute and obtain a degree while relaxing at home.
Fortunately, many online programs allow for the placement of students in locations inside their towns (check with the schools you are applying to about what they can do). Your program might also require you to visit the campus a few times for unique in-person activities and deadlines, but any more than twice a year would indicate that it is more of a hybrid program than an online one.
Here are the PA schools that offer online courses.
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Pace University
- Touro College
- University of Nebraska – Medical Center
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
What are the Cheapest PA Schools in Louisiana?
This list will help you find the best school for you at a price you can afford.
- The University Of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants
- South Louisiana Community College-Lafayette Campus
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
- University of Louisiana Monroe
What are the Accredited PA Programs in Louisiana?
Fortunately, all of the universities in Louisiana that offer physician assistant programs are accredited. Therefore, every institution in Louisiana that we have included here is accredited.
This suggests that you can feel secure knowing that you’ll be enrolled in or finishing an accredited program if you choose any of these colleges.
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- LSU School of Allied Health Professions
- The University Of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants
- South Louisiana Community College-Lafayette Campus
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- Louisiana Tech University
- Our Lady of the Lake College School of Nursing
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Louisiana Department of Education
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- LSU New Orleans
- University of Holy Cross
How To Become A Physician Assistant in Louisiana
There is and will continue to be a clear need for more physician assistants in the state, which last year had 600 of them and paid an average salary of $75,890.
Here are some steps:
- Choose Louisiana Physician Assistant Programs that Are Accredited for Licensure
- Take the National Certifying Exam for Physician Assistants (PANCE)
- Apply for a Louisiana Practice License
- Renewal of the Physician Assistant License in Louisiana
Physician Assistant Certification Council of Louisiana
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants is where PAs must maintain their certification (NCCPA).
A controlled dangerous substance (CDS) license holder must complete at least 3 hours of board-approved continuing education every year on the best ways to prescribe CDS, drug diversion education, effective addiction treatment, and chronic pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a physician assistant in Louisiana?
27 months!
The programs also usually include hundreds of hours of supervised clinical training in several areas, including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. The PA program is typically 27 months.
Can physician assistants practice independently in Louisiana?
A physician assistant shall not practice without supervision except in life-threatening emergencies and in emergencies such as man-made and natural disaster relief efforts.
Can a PA prescribe medication in Louisiana?
As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in most states, can write prescriptions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enrolling in one of these PA schools is smart since it gives students access to a top-notch practical education.
I truly hope that this post’s information on physician assistant colleges and programs is exactly what you require.
References
- www.paschoolfinder.com
- www.paschoolrequirements.com
- online degrees.com
- www.paprograms.org
- www.salary.com
- www.niche.com
- www.physicianassistantedu.org
- www.netce.com
Our Recommendation
