New Surgical Technology Program to Launch in Downtown Alexandria through LSUA Partnership with LSUE

ALEXANDRIA - A survey conducted by the Department of Allied Health at Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) highlighted a critical need for Surgical Technologists and other allied health professionals in central Louisiana. With no local training program available for Surgical Technologists, area healthcare providers face significant challenges in filling these vital roles. The findings underscore the importance of addressing the growing demand for trained professionals to support the region's healthcare system.

In response, LSUA and Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) have partnered to bring a Surgical Technology program to central Louisiana. Beginning in January, LSUE will offer the program at LSUA's A.C. Buchanan Building in downtown Alexandria. This innovative partnership combines LSUE's teaching expertise with LSUA's financial support and newly renovated health education facilities to provide students with the training needed to pursue careers in Surgical Technology. Together, the institutions aim to address the workforce shortage and strengthen healthcare services across the region.

LSU Eunice Chancellor Nancee Sorenson, Ph.D., explained, "Our system-wide mission is to help educate Louisiana and strengthen our workforce - regardless of where they are. We are proud to stand together as a unified LSU system to provide solutions for the entire state in our pursuit of improving the lives of all citizens."

LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil, Ph.D., commented on the partnership between the two LSU System institutions, "The walls have come down between campuses in the LSU System. When any of us identify a need in our community, we are happy to reach out across the state to find ways to find a solution. LSUE has been a willing partner to bring Surgical Technology to central Louisiana. We are grateful for their long-standing support of our community."

LSUA students interested in pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology through LSUE will begin taking prerequisite courses on the LSUA campus. LSUA students will complete the professional/clinical portion of the selected program through LSUE's offerings locally in Alexandria made possible by the Health Professions Collaborative Agreement. Graduates will earn a degree from LSUE.

Jeff Langston, LSUA's Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said, "We are excited to be a part of this partnership with LSUE and The Rapides Foundation, which would not be possible without either of them. Educating and training surgical technologists is important to our healthcare partners, so it is a priority for us. We are proud of the work our healthcare professionals have on everyone in our community and will continue to do our part to support the area's needs."

Kristie Broussard-Leger, LSU Eunice Interim Dean of Business Technology and Health Sciences, noted, "We are thrilled to bring this much-needed surgical technology program to central Louisiana. This collaboration allows students to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare right at home, while addressing a major need for local health care providers. This program represents a significant investment in not only central Louisiana, but the entire state's future in the healthcare field."

For more information, contact the Program Director, Renee Guillory, at [email protected] or visit www.lsue.edu/academics/surgtech.

The Alexandria program is funded in part by a Healthcare Occupations Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation. Through its Healthcare Occupations Program Grant, the Foundation seeks to expand or develop healthcare programs to increase the number of graduates in the high-demand occupational fields of nursing, behavioral health and allied health.

Written by Adam Lord

Photo credit - Nathan Parish