Barry PhilipsLouisiana is home to several universities offering excellent physical therapy education for students who want to build careers in rehabilitation, sports medicine, orthopedics, neurological care, geriatrics, pediatrics, and other areas of physical therapy. If you are searching for the best physical therapy schools in Louisiana, it is important to consider factors such as accreditation, admission requirements, clinical education, program structure, tuition, and career preparation.
Most students who want to become licensed physical therapists in Louisiana will eventually need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), in addition to meeting state licensing requirements.
Below are 50 universities and institutions worth considering when researching physical therapy education in Louisiana and nearby options connected to physical therapy preparation.
Top Physical Therapy Schools In Louisiana And Requirements
1. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans
LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans is one of the most prominent health-sciences institutions in Louisiana. Its Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students for professional practice through classroom instruction, laboratory learning, and clinical education.
Requirements: Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or the required prerequisite coursework, completion of prerequisite science courses, acceptable academic performance, and application through the appropriate centralized physical therapy application process. Additional requirements may include observation or clinical experience and prerequisite courses in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.
2. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) in Baton Rouge offers health-professions education with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care. Its physical therapy program is designed for students seeking professional preparation in rehabilitation and movement sciences.
Requirements: Applicants should expect prerequisite undergraduate coursework, minimum GPA standards, completion of required science courses, application materials, and other program-specific admission requirements. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong preparation in the sciences and experience related to physical therapy.
3. University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is another Louisiana institution students may research when planning a career in physical therapy. ULM offers undergraduate programs that can provide foundational preparation for students intending to pursue graduate-level physical therapy education.
Requirements: Students should complete appropriate undergraduate prerequisites, maintain a competitive GPA, and satisfy the admission requirements of the DPT program they eventually apply to. Common prerequisites include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics.
4. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge provides undergraduate education that can serve as a strong foundation for students interested in physical therapy. Students can select majors and coursework that fulfill prerequisites for DPT programs.
Requirements: Admission requirements vary according to the undergraduate program. Students should carefully plan their degree around the prerequisite courses required by their preferred DPT schools.
5. Tulane University
Tulane University in New Orleans is a major private research university with extensive health-sciences education. Students interested in physical therapy can use undergraduate study at Tulane to complete prerequisite coursework before applying to professional DPT programs.
Requirements: Prospective students must meet Tulane’s undergraduate admission requirements and subsequently complete the prerequisites specified by their target physical therapy programs.
6. Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana is particularly well known for its science and health-professions preparation. Students interested in becoming physical therapists can use undergraduate science education to build a competitive application for DPT programs.
Requirements: Students should focus on strong performance in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, and other prerequisite subjects. DPT programs may also require observation hours and other application materials.
7. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans offers undergraduate education in a variety of scientific and health-related fields. Although students must distinguish between pre-physical-therapy preparation and a professional DPT program, UNO can be considered by students planning their undergraduate pathway.
Requirements: Students should identify their intended DPT schools early and select coursework that satisfies those schools’ prerequisite requirements.
8. Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University provides undergraduate programs that can help students establish the academic foundation required for graduate professional programs.
Requirements: Prospective pre-physical-therapy students should complete relevant science and general education courses while maintaining a competitive GPA. Individual DPT programs may have different prerequisite and observation requirements.
9. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is another institution students can consider when planning a pre-physical-therapy pathway. Its undergraduate programs provide opportunities to complete coursework relevant to future health-profession study.
Requirements: Students should complete prerequisite courses required by their preferred DPT programs and gain exposure to the profession through physical therapy observation or related clinical experiences.
10. Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University offers science, health, and related undergraduate programs that can prepare students for advanced study in healthcare.
Requirements: Students interested in physical therapy should choose a major that allows them to complete DPT prerequisites while maintaining a strong academic record. Requirements vary among professional programs.
11. Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University in Thibodaux offers undergraduate education that may be suitable for students building a pre-professional healthcare pathway.
Requirements: Students should complete prerequisite coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics where required by their target DPT schools.
12. McNeese State University
McNeese State University in Lake Charles offers undergraduate programs that can support students preparing for healthcare graduate programs.
Requirements: Students should maintain a strong GPA, complete the appropriate science prerequisites, and obtain relevant exposure to physical therapy before applying to a DPT program.
13. Grambling State University
Grambling State University provides undergraduate education in science and related disciplines. Students interested in physical therapy can use appropriate undergraduate coursework as preparation for professional DPT programs.
Requirements: Applicants should review the prerequisites of each DPT program they plan to target because course requirements, minimum GPAs, observation requirements, and standardized application requirements can differ.
14. Southern University and A&M College
Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge offers undergraduate programs that can provide preparation for careers in healthcare and related fields.
Requirements: Prospective physical therapy students should prioritize science prerequisites and seek opportunities to observe licensed physical therapists in different clinical settings.
15. Dillard University
Dillard University in New Orleans provides liberal arts and science education that may support students pursuing professional healthcare careers.
Requirements: Students should work with academic advisers to ensure that their degree includes all prerequisite courses required by their preferred DPT programs.
16. Centenary College of Louisiana
Centenary College of Louisiana offers undergraduate education with opportunities for students to develop strong foundations in the sciences and liberal arts.
Requirements: Students planning for physical therapy should maintain strong grades in prerequisite science courses and obtain relevant clinical observation experience.
17. Louisiana College
Louisiana College offers undergraduate education that can be used as a foundation for students pursuing graduate health-profession programs.
Requirements: Prospective students should complete the specific prerequisites required by their preferred DPT programs. A strong science GPA can be particularly valuable when applying to competitive programs.
18. University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans provides undergraduate education and health-related academic opportunities.
Requirements: Students interested in physical therapy should consult their intended DPT programs before selecting prerequisite courses. Common requirements include anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics.
19. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University offers undergraduate education across numerous disciplines and can serve as a starting point for students preparing for graduate healthcare education.
Requirements: Students should complete an appropriate undergraduate degree or prerequisite coursework and maintain the academic standards required by the DPT programs to which they intend to apply.
20. Louisiana Christian University
Louisiana Christian University provides undergraduate programs that may be suitable for students interested in preparing for professional healthcare careers.
Requirements: Students should select a science-focused academic pathway where appropriate, complete prerequisite courses, obtain physical therapy exposure, and satisfy the admission requirements of their preferred DPT programs.
Full List
| Rank | School | City | Physical Therapy Pathway | Program/Preparation Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans | New Orleans | Doctor of Physical Therapy | DPT |
| 2 | Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Baton Rouge | Doctor of Physical Therapy | DPT |
| 3 | LSU Health Shreveport | Shreveport | Doctor of Physical Therapy | DPT |
| 4 | LSU Health Shreveport – Lafayette Campus | Lafayette | Doctor of Physical Therapy | Hybrid DPT |
| 5 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 6 | Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 7 | Tulane University | New Orleans | Pre-Health/Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 8 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 9 | University of New Orleans | New Orleans | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 10 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 11 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 12 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 13 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 14 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 15 | Grambling State University | Grambling | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 16 | Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 17 | Dillard University | New Orleans | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 18 | Centenary College of Louisiana | Shreveport | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 19 | Louisiana Christian University | Pineville | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 20 | University of Holy Cross | New Orleans | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 21 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 22 | Louisiana State University Shreveport | Shreveport | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 23 | Southern University at New Orleans | New Orleans | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 24 | Southeastern Louisiana University – Health Sciences Pathway | Hammond | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 25 | Nicholls State University – Health Sciences Pathway | Thibodaux | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 26 | McNeese State University – Health Sciences | Lake Charles | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 27 | Louisiana Tech University – Health Sciences Pathway | Ruston | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 28 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Health Sciences | Lafayette | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 29 | University of Louisiana at Monroe – Health Studies | Monroe | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 30 | LSU New Orleans – College of Sciences | New Orleans | Pre-Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 31 | Xavier University of Louisiana – Biology/Pre-Health | New Orleans | Pre-Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 32 | Tulane University – School of Science and Engineering | New Orleans | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 33 | University of New Orleans – Biological Sciences | New Orleans | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy | Undergraduate preparation |
| 34 | Southern University and A&M – Biological Sciences | Baton Rouge | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 35 | Grambling State University – Biological Sciences | Grambling | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 36 | Dillard University – Biology/Pre-Health | New Orleans | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 37 | Louisiana Christian University – Allied Health | Pineville | Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 38 | Centenary College – Biology/Health Sciences | Shreveport | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 39 | University of Holy Cross – Health Sciences | New Orleans | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 40 | Northwestern State University – Health Sciences | Natchitoches | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 41 | LSU Alexandria | Alexandria | Pre-Health/Physical Therapy preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 42 | Louisiana Delta Community College | Monroe | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 43 | Delgado Community College | New Orleans | Health Sciences/Allied Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 44 | Bossier Parish Community College | Bossier City | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 45 | Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 46 | South Louisiana Community College | Lafayette | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 47 | SOWELA Technical Community College | Lake Charles | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 48 | River Parishes Community College | Gonzales | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 49 | Northshore Technical Community College | Bogalusa | Health Sciences preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
| 50 | Louisiana Delta Community College – Allied Health Pathway | Monroe | Pre-Health preparation | Undergraduate preparation |
Common Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Louisiana
Although admission requirements differ from one institution to another, students applying to DPT programs should generally expect several common requirements.
Bachelor’s Degree or Undergraduate Prerequisites
Many DPT applicants complete a bachelor’s degree before entering a professional physical therapy program. However, the exact educational pathway can vary.
Students should not assume that simply earning any bachelor’s degree guarantees eligibility. The undergraduate program should include all prerequisite courses required by the DPT schools being considered.
Prerequisite Science Courses
Science prerequisites are among the most important components of a physical therapy application.
Common courses include:
- General Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- General Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Exercise Physiology
- Microbiology
Individual schools may require different combinations of these courses.
Competitive GPA
DPT programs can be academically competitive. Applicants should aim for a strong overall GPA as well as a strong prerequisite or science GPA.
A high GPA does not guarantee admission, but it can strengthen an application considerably.
Physical Therapy Observation Experience
Many physical therapy programs value applicants who have spent time observing or working around physical therapists.
Observation experience allows applicants to understand what physical therapists actually do and demonstrates that the applicant has explored the profession before committing to a DPT program.
Students should consider gaining experience in multiple settings, such as:
- Orthopedic clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Sports facilities
- Pediatric clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Neurological rehabilitation centers
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are commonly required or strongly encouraged.
Depending on the school, recommendations may come from professors, physical therapists, employers, supervisors, or other professionals who can discuss the applicant’s academic ability, professionalism, communication skills, and suitability for the profession.
Personal Statement
Applicants may be required to submit an essay explaining their motivation for becoming a physical therapist.
A strong personal statement should demonstrate genuine interest in physical therapy rather than simply stating that the profession offers good career opportunities.
Centralized Application
Many DPT programs participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Applicants may use the centralized application system to submit information to participating programs.
However, applicants should always verify each school’s current application procedure because requirements can change.
Interview
Some physical therapy programs invite qualified applicants for interviews.
The interview may evaluate communication skills, professionalism, knowledge of the physical therapy profession, ethical reasoning, teamwork, and motivation.
DPT Degree
The professional qualification most commonly associated with becoming a physical therapist in the United States is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
DPT education combines academic instruction with laboratory training and supervised clinical experiences.
Clinical Education
Clinical education is an important component of physical therapy training. Students gain practical experience under professional supervision and learn how to evaluate and treat patients.
Clinical rotations can expose students to different populations and healthcare environments.
National Physical Therapy Examination
After completing an approved professional physical therapy education program, graduates generally need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) before becoming licensed.
Students should also review Louisiana-specific licensing requirements because state licensing requirements can change.
How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School in Louisiana
Choosing a physical therapy school should involve more than looking at rankings.
Accreditation
Accreditation should be one of the first factors students investigate. Students should confirm the current accreditation status of the specific DPT program rather than relying solely on the reputation of the university.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Compare tuition, fees, housing, transportation, books, equipment, and other expenses.
A program with a lower published tuition rate may not necessarily have the lowest overall cost of attendance.
Clinical Opportunities
Look at where students complete clinical education. A school with access to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, orthopedic clinics, sports facilities, and other healthcare environments may provide valuable exposure.
Location
Consider whether you prefer New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, or another Louisiana location.
Location can affect housing costs, transportation, clinical-placement convenience, and quality of life.
Faculty and Learning Environment
Faculty experience and student support can make a significant difference. Prospective students should investigate faculty expertise, class sizes, laboratory facilities, academic support, and opportunities for mentorship.
Graduation and Licensure Outcomes
Students should examine publicly available information about program completion, graduation, licensure examination performance, and employment outcomes where available.
Physical Therapy Career Opportunities in Louisiana
Graduates can work in numerous healthcare environments after completing their education and licensing requirements.
Potential career settings include hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, private practices, nursing facilities, schools, sports organizations, home healthcare, pediatric facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
Physical therapists may eventually specialize in areas such as orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, or other areas of practice.
Comparison Table: Physical Therapy Schools and Pathways in Louisiana
| School | Location | Primary Pathway | Key Preparation/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU Health Sciences Center | New Orleans | DPT | Bachelor’s/prerequisites, science courses, competitive application |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Baton Rouge | Physical therapy education | Prerequisites, GPA, application requirements |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | Pre-professional preparation | Science prerequisites and DPT admission requirements |
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge | Undergraduate preparation | Bachelor’s/prerequisite coursework |
| Tulane University | New Orleans | Undergraduate preparation | Strong academic record and DPT prerequisites |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans | Pre-health preparation | Science coursework and competitive GPA |
| University of New Orleans | New Orleans | Undergraduate preparation | DPT prerequisite coursework |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond | Pre-professional preparation | Science courses and GPA |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette | Undergraduate preparation | Prerequisites and clinical exposure |
| Louisiana Tech University | Ruston | Undergraduate preparation | Science coursework and strong academics |
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux | Pre-health preparation | DPT prerequisites and observation |
| McNeese State University | Lake Charles | Undergraduate preparation | Science prerequisites and clinical exposure |
| Grambling State University | Grambling | Pre-professional preparation | GPA and required prerequisite courses |
| Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge | Pre-health preparation | Science coursework and PT observation |
| Dillard University | New Orleans | Undergraduate preparation | Required DPT prerequisites |
| Centenary College of Louisiana | Shreveport | Pre-professional preparation | Science coursework and strong grades |
| Louisiana College | Pineville | Undergraduate preparation | DPT prerequisites and GPA |
| University of Holy Cross | New Orleans | Undergraduate preparation | Required prerequisite coursework |
| Northwestern State University | Natchitoches | Pre-professional preparation | Undergraduate prerequisites |
| Louisiana Christian University | Pineville | Undergraduate preparation | Science preparation and DPT requirements |
Related
Conclusion
Choosing among the best physical therapy schools in Louisiana requires careful research into accreditation, prerequisites, tuition, clinical education, admission standards, and career outcomes. Students should also understand the difference between an undergraduate pre-physical-therapy pathway and a professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
For students who want to become licensed physical therapists, planning should begin early. Completing the appropriate prerequisite courses, maintaining a competitive GPA, gaining physical therapy observation experience, securing strong recommendations, and preparing a compelling application can significantly strengthen the path toward DPT admission.
Louisiana students have several options for undergraduate preparation and professional physical therapy education. The best choice ultimately depends on the student’s academic background, career goals, financial situation, preferred location, and the specific DPT program requirements they can satisfy.