LSUA and LSU Health Shreveport Launch Innovative 3+3 Fast-track to Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has partnered with LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) to launch an accelerated 3+3 degree pathway in Occupational Therapy. This innovative collaboration allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Kinesiology from LSUA and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the LSUHS School of Health Professions and Sciences in approximately six years, significantly reducing the traditional time required to complete both degrees.
Students in LSUA’s 3+3 Occupational Therapy Program spend their first three years at LSUA completing 85–90 credit hours, including all the prerequisite courses needed for the OTD program at LSUHS. After completing at least 60 credit hours and meeting all eligibility requirements, students are guaranteed an interview for the OTD program. Once accepted, they begin their doctoral studies in year four at LSUHS. The credits earned in this first year of graduate school transfer back to LSUA so that students are officially awarded their bachelor’s degree. They then spend two additional years completing the OTD program at LSUHS. Throughout the process, students receive personalized faculty advising to support their academic progress and career goals.
“This accelerated 3+3 partnership demonstrates LSUA’s commitment to innovative educational opportunities and our responsiveness to critical healthcare workforce needs in Louisiana,” said Jeff Langston, LSUA’s Dean of the College of Health & Human Services. “We’re proud to collaborate with LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions and Sciences, ensuring our students receive a streamlined education that prepares them to thrive in one of the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare fields.”
Sarah Walters, Occupational Therapy Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor at LSU Health Shreveport, noted, “The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is proud to collaborate with LSUA on the launch of this accelerated 3+3 OTD pathway. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality healthcare education across Louisiana, with a particular focus on Central Louisiana. Students from LSUA have consistently been well-prepared and motivated, making this collaboration a natural fit. By offering an accelerated pathway, we’re not only streamlining the route to a doctoral degree—we’re also introducing students to the occupational therapy profession earlier in their academic journey, which helps foster deeper engagement and long-term commitment to the field. This is a meaningful step toward meeting the growing healthcare needs of communities across our state.”
Ryan Riche, Director of Rehab Services at Rapides Regional Medical, said, “The services of an occupational therapist are vital to the rehabilitation of many types of patients. I am pleased to see this partnership between LSUA and LSU Health Shreveport move forward. By helping students complete their Occupational Therapy graduate program more efficiently, this collaboration will strengthen the pipeline of skilled therapists in Central Louisiana — supporting the needs of Rapides Regional and healthcare providers throughout the region.”
According to recent labor data, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent between 2023 and 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations—with approximately 9,800 new job openings expected each year. Factors driving this strong demand include a rapidly aging population requiring therapy to maintain independence, increased awareness of occupational therapy's effectiveness, a growing emphasis on non-invasive treatments for long-term conditions, and an expanding scope of practice for OTs in schools, mental health facilities, and community-based settings.
Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who help individuals of all ages develop, regain, or maintain the skills necessary for daily living and participation in meaningful activities. They assist patients impacted by injury, illness, disability, or developmental challenges by assessing their physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities, designing tailored therapy plans, recommending adaptive equipment, and educating patients and caregivers to enhance independence and quality of life.
For more information on LSUA’s accelerated occupational therapy pathway and other partnered degree programs, visit explore.lsua.edu. For more information about LSU Health Shreveport, visit www.lsuhs.edu.
Written by Adam Lord
Photo credit - Nathan Parish
Image [L-R] - Paul Coreil (LSUA Chancellor), Lester Johnson (LSUHS Interim Chancellor), Sharon Dunn (LSUHS Dean of School of Health Professions & Sciences), Sara Walters (LSUHS Program Director for Doctor of Occupational Therapy)
