Louisiana is experiencing a critical shortage of physical therapists. In response, a new hybrid program in Lafayette is aiming to expand physical therapy education and address this workforce gap. A partnership between Ochsner Health and LSU Shreveport has introduced a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, combining online coursework with hands-on clinical education. This initiative, based in the Oil Center, is designed to prepare students through collaborations with local healthcare providers. The program has enrolled 24 students for its inaugural session starting in May…