To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Louisiana ( LA) you must first graduate from an accredited PA program.
After graduation, clear the national certification exam and secure state licensure to practice in Louisiana. Continuous education and renewal are vital for maintaining your PA license in the state.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in Louisiana.
Accredited PA Schools in Louisiana
Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited school in Louisiana is crucial. Accreditation ensures a high standard of education, increasing the likelihood of certification success.
In Louisiana, there are 4 accredited PA programs -3 of which hold full accreditation and 1 currently under provisional or probationary status, denoted by an asterisk*.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Baton Rouge | Yes | Program Page |
| Louisiana State University | New Orleans | Yes | Program Page |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport | Shreveport | Yes | Program Page |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions employ the CASPA web-based application system. It is imperative to verify the pertinent application deadlines on the official CASPA website.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Baton Rouge
- 5414 Brittany Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808
- (225) 768-1700
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge is a private institution with catholic religious affiliations. The university has a student body of 1,228 and offers on-campus accommodation.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant program at this university and has a duration of 28 months. Graduates earn a Master of Medical Science in PA Studies degree upon completion.
The total tuition and fees for the program exceed $110,000. Prospective Physician Assistants can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for August 1st.
Louisiana State University, New Orleans
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans 433 Bolivar St New Orleans, LA 70112
- (504) 568-4808
Louisiana State University, located in New Orleans, is a public institution. The campus is home to a large student body, with 32,666 enrolled, and it offers on-campus accommodation options.
The Physician Assistant program at LSU New Orleans is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This intensive program spans 27 months and maintains a modest class size of 46 students. Graduates earn a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The program utilizes the CASPA application system, and the application deadline is set for August 1st.
It’s essential to note that the program’s tuition and fees exceed $100,000, making financial planning a crucial consideration for prospective students.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport 1501 Kings Hwy Shreveport, LA 71103
- (318) 675-6057
Located in Shreveport, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport is a public institution. The campus is a moderate size, with 1,020 enrolled students, and offers on-campus accommodation for convenience.
The Physician Assistant program at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 27 months. Class sizes are limited to 46 students, ensuring a personalized education. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
When it comes to costs, in-state students can expect tuition and fees totaling over $80,000, while out-of-state students face expenses exceeding $120,000.
To apply, students can use CASPA, with an application deadline set for October 1st.
Certification and Licensing Requirements
After graduating from a PA program in Louisiana, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) must undertake certification exams. These tests evaluate their competence in the field. Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet nationally recognized standards for practice.
In Louisiana, candidates typically take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This exam is administered at designated testing centers throughout the state.
Licensing
It is required by Louisiana law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
In Louisiana, the State Board of Medical Examiners permits PAs and physicians to decide upon parameters for supervision but the scope of services provided by PAs must align with their education, training, and experience PAs can prescribe, order, and administer Schedule II-V drugs and controlled substances to the extent delegated by the supervising physician. However, it’s important to note that PAs in Louisiana must obtain an additional Controlled Substance License to do so.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 630 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 568-6820
Website: https://www.lsbme.la.gov/licensure/physician-assistants
Physician Assistant Salary in Louisiana
In 2024, there were 1,830 Physician Assistants employed in Louisiana, with an average salary of $119,600. This reflects an hourly wage of $57.50, which is approximately 4.74% below the national average of $125,270. The top 10% of earners in Louisiana can make up to $162,350, while the bottom 10% earn around $92,050.
Between 2018 and 2022, Louisiana witnessed notable changes in the Physician Assistant profession. Average salaries in the state increased by $33,610, reflecting a significant 5-year growth. Similarly, employment opportunities for physician assistants expanded by 770 positions over the same period.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a promising 27% growth in physician assistant employment from 2022 to 2032, indicating a positive trajectory for the profession in the state.