Shreveport, La. – Up to six LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant students will receive scholarships covering tuition and mandatory fees while helping address critical healthcare workforce shortages in rural Louisiana, thanks to a newly awarded Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) grant from the Louisiana Department of Health.

Grant Details

The grant will support an innovative partnership between LSU Health Shreveport and six rural Louisiana hospitals designed to increase the number of Physician Assistants practicing in underserved areas while expanding clinical training opportunities for PA students.

Through the program, up to six LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant students will receive scholarships covering tuition and mandatory fees in exchange for a commitment to practice for two to three years at participating rural hospitals following graduation.

Impact

The initiative will also establish new rural clinical preceptor sites, helping alleviate a growing shortage of primary care training placements for students across many healthcare disciplines.

“Louisiana needs a strong health care workforce to support our communities and a growing economy,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “These investments create opportunities for Louisianans to pursue rewarding careers while addressing critical workforce needs across our state.

Together, the grant awarded to LSU Health Shreveport and hospital partnerships involved represent a total investment of more than $343,000 in workforce development, including $171,921 in H.E.R.O. scholarship funding and nearly $171,800 in matching in-kind support from participating hospitals through clinical instruction, mentorship and student housing.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.