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Drug Screen
Federal Healthcare Eligibility
Certification of Selective Service Compliance
Criminal Background Check
Required Immunizations/Vaccinations
Transcripts
Student Health Insurance
Computer Requirements
Admissions
General Admission Policies
Please refer to individual program’s websites for their respective admission policies: http://www.lsuhs.edu/ah
- Admission to the various programs of the School is by competitive application.
- Preference is given to Louisiana residents. Information regarding establishing LA residency may be obtained by the Office of the Registrar.
- Each program sets minimum admission criteria, including required grade point average and pre-requisite coursework.
- If an applicant is not accepted to a particular program, the applicant must submit a new application for each application cycle to be considered for admission.
- Accepted applicants must certify that they meet the technical standards established by the program with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Accepted applicants are assigned a provisional admission status until meeting the conditions outlined in the acceptance letter and completing pre-matriculation requirements (e.g. drug screen, criminal background check) set forth by the Office of the Registrar. Failure to meet these requirements may result in revocation of the acceptance offer.
- Any applicant that is not an American citizen and does not have a United States permanent resident card, must meet the following admission criteria:
- Post-secondary level or college academic transcripts/records from foreign institutions must undergo a course-by-course, detailed evaluation by the foreign evaluation vendor approved by the respective program’s centralized application service (CAS). Official transcript evaluations must be sent directly from the evaluation vendor to CAS by the application deadline.
- International applicants must provide an official Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) score with a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test, 550 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test. Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the respective program’s centralized application service (CAS) by the application deadline.
Method of Application
Application to the various programs of the School is made through a Liaison International Centralized Application Service (CAS). CAS is a cloud-based resource available to applicants via the Internet. Application materials, e.g. official transcript(s), must be sent directly to the respective program’s CAS. Some programs require supplemental items be sent directly to the school.
Please refer to individual program’s websites for their respective application instructions, including admission criteria, deadlines, and associated fees at http://www.lsuhs.edu/ah or contact the Admissions and Records Office at (318) 813-2908 or ShvAHStudentAffairs@lsuhs.edu.
In the School of Allied Health Professions, each academic program has a designated faculty responsible for facilitating the admissions process. The faculty designee evaluates all applications to ensure they are complete and meet the minimum admission criteria (GPA, GRE, pre-requisite coursework, etc.) by the application deadline. Qualified applicants are invited to interview, with interviewers consisting of program faculty. Local clinical partners, alumni, and/or current students enrolled in the program may also engage with applicants during the interview process. After the interviews are conducted and scored, the program faculty meet as an admissions committee to select the most suitable applicants for their respective field of study. The admissions committee takes into account several factors including, but not limited to, GPA, pre-requisite course requirements, written statements, letters of reference, and experiences (clinical, research, volunteer, leadership, etc.) as well as scores from the interview process. The admissions committee determines which students will receive the initial round of offer letters and a cut-off score is set for waitlisting or denying admission. The admissions committee records their selection process in meeting minutes and forwards them to the School’s Admissions Office for archiving. Should an accepted student decline their offer, the next alternate is offered a position. Offer letters may be extended until the first day of class in the program
Method and Provisions of Acceptance
Acceptance letters are forwarded in writing to accepted applicants. Accepted applicants are expected to complete an acceptance form and submit a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 by the deadline indicated on their acceptance email. The acceptance deposit secures the student’s position in the program and credits their first semester’s tuition. It is expected that an applicant who has accepted a position in the School of Allied Health Professions and subsequently decides to attend another school, notify the Office of Admissions.
Pre-Matriculation Requirements
Prior to registration, accepted applicants are assigned a provisional admission status until meeting the conditions outlined in the acceptance letter and completing pre-matriculation requirements set forth by the Office of the Registrar. Failure to complete requirement in a timely manner will prevent registration and may result in revocation of the offer of acceptance. As part of the pre-matriculation requirements, incoming students must pass a drug screen and criminal background check before matriculation. Offers of acceptance are contingent on passing both.
Each pre-matriculation requirement is explained in further detail below:
a. Drug Screen
LSU Health Shreveport requires all incoming students to complete a drug screen and authorize the release of test results as a condition of admission to the University. The 10-panel screen (urine-based) includes amphetamines, cocaine metabolites, marijuana metabolites, opiates, phencyclidine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone.
Incoming students complete the “Student Candidate Agreement and Authorization for Alcohol and Drug Test” form and return the form to the Registrar’s office. Once the consent form for the drug screening is submitted, students will receive an email notification from Certiphi Screening providing details on how to make an appointment for the drug screening. The test results are reported to the Registrar’s Office. Should there be questions about the test results, the incoming student will be contacted by the Registrar’s office. A positive drug screen result without a legal prescription may deem a student ineligible to enroll at LSU Health Shreveport and be cleared for admission.
Incoming students incur no cost for initial testing through the University vendor: Certiphi Screening. Students have access to their drug screen results via their Certiphi Screening user portal.
b. Federal Healthcare Eligibility
LSU Health Shreveport requires all incoming students to disclose prior ineligibility to participate in federal healthcare programs. Incoming students are screened after the “Federal Healthcare Program Eligibility” form has been completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
c. Certification of Selective Service Compliance
Louisiana Law (Section 1, R.S. 17:3151 (A)) requires men to register with the selective service system, in accordance with the Military Selective Service Act, before enrollment at LSU Health Shreveport. Students should complete the “Certification of Selective Services Compliance” form and submit the registration compliance to the Registrar’s Office.
d. Criminal Background Check
LSU Health Shreveport requires all incoming students to complete a criminal background check through the University vendor: Certiphi Screening. Incoming students assume responsibility for the cost of this service. Incoming students are prompted to initiate their criminal background check via email. The results of the background check are available within 10 days. Should any questionable, illegal, or negative indicators appear on the check, the School of Allied Health Professions Director of Admissions and Records will confer with the Program Director and Assistant Dean for Academic & Students Affairs regarding the most appropriate course of action which may result in a student being ineligible to enroll at LSU Health Shreveport and be cleared for admission. Many considerations are weighed including the effect of state and national licensure. Students have access to their criminal background reports via their Certiphi Screening user portal. Criminal background re-checks are available upon request to the Director of Admissions and Records, and students assume responsibility for the cost of this service.
To ensure the health of students, faculty, and staff at LSU Health Shreveport and to meet requirements based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American College Health Association Immunization Guidelines, all incoming students are required to provide documentation of required immunizations prior to start of classes to the Registrar’s office through the University vendor: Certiphi Screening MyRecordTracker. Students incur no cost to use this portal for uploading their health information. All required health information must be submitted through the MyRecordtracker portal and is reviewed by the vendor’s medical review team. Please note that this must be completed before a student is eligible to enroll at LSU Health Shreveport and be cleared for admission. Students have access to their immunization record via their MyRecordtracker portal.
Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:
1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 2 Shots MMR OR Titer: documentation of 2 MMR vaccines OR a positive antibody titer showing immunity (lab report is required). If negative titer is provided; students must repeat the 2 shot series.
2. Varicella (Chickenpox) 2 Shots of Varicella OR Titer: documentation of 2 Varicella vaccines OR a positive antibody titer showing immunity (lab report is required). History of disease is accepted, but must be documented by a health care practitioner. If the titer provided is negative; students must repeat the 2 shot series.
3. Hepatitis B 3 Shots AND Titer: documentation of 3 HEP B vaccines AND a positive antibody titer showing immunity (lab report is required). If the titer is negative; students must repeat the 3 shot series and provide a new titer. *For students repeating the HEP B series: Once the 1st shot is provided the requirement will be approved and the expiration date will be set for a month later when the second shot is due. Once the 2nd shot is provided the requirement will be completed and the expiration date will be set for 5 months later when the 3rd shot it due. Once the 3rd shot has been provided the requirement will be approved and the expiration date will be set for 1 month later when the final titer is due. Once the final titer is provided the requirement will be marked completed and an indefinite expiration date will be set.
4. Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV): documentation of a Meningococcal vaccine.
5. Tetanus-diphtheria-Acellular pertussis (TDAP): documentation of a TDAP vaccine administered within the last 10 years. If TDAP is older than 10 years, a previous TDAP and a current TD booster must be provided.
6. Tuberculosis 2 Step PPD: documentation of a 2 STEP PPD, Quantiferon TB GOLD test, OR a T-spot. The Quantiferon TB GOLD Test is highly recommended and can be completed in one visit. If results are positive OR you have a history of a positive PPD test then you must provide a negative chest x-ray. Chest x-rays must be within the last 12 months, and the report must be provided. Upon renewal a 1 step PPD is required OR an annual TB questionnaire for students who have a history of positive PPD results and have already provided a clear chest x-ray.
7. Influenza: documentation of a current flu vaccine.
8. COVID-19: documentation of the 2-shot vaccine series OR the Johnson and Johnson (1-shot).
Disclaimer: While LSU Health Shreveport is willing to consider the exemptions for immunizations, students complete clinical training outside the university in area clinical facilities. There are legal clinical affiliate agreements with these sites that require student health mandates, e.g. MMR vaccinations. Failure to provide the necessary documentation for these clinical assignments may prohibit the student from entering their assigned clinical training site, which will result in a failing grade for the course and immediate dismissal from the program.
f. Transcripts
If an incoming student has incomplete transcripts upon initial application to the program via Centralized Application Service (CAS), the student must send final, official transcript(s) to the Registrar’s office AFTER final grades and/or degree conferment and conferment date have been posted.
h. Student Health Insurance
LSU Health Shreveport has a registration requirement that all currently enrolled students must either enroll in the policy endorsed by the school or complete a waiver and provide proof of acceptable insurance coverage by the waiver deadline to the Registrar’s office. Incoming students receive email notifications from the Registrar’s Office regarding procedures for complying with this requirement. Since the student health insurance plan is compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), students should have comparable coverage to the plan that is offered by the University (e.g., aggregate maximum benefit per covered person per policy year should be unlimited). Thus, all waivers submitted must meet the PPACA guidelines in order to be acceptable. Coverage must be maintained throughout the duration of enrollment. Non-compliance during a student’s enrollment may result in suspension and/or dismissal. Please visit the Registrar’s webpage for more information.
g. Computer Requirements
Students are responsible for obtaining a wireless internet-capable laptop computer meeting minimum requirements for use throughout their matriculation at the LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions. Please note that individual programs may have specific hardware and software requirements. Students may request financial assistance to rent or purchase a personal computer by contacting the Financial Aid Office at shvfinaid@lsuhs.edu or (318) 675-5561.
Moodle Requirements
- Moodle is our Learning Management System, and it runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
Hardware Requirements
- You are required to have a wireless internet-capable laptop computer:
- PC: Any PC capable of running Windows 10 or higher.
- Mac: Mac OS 10.13 or higher.
Your PC or Mac should have the following:
- Built-in webcam or external webcam with a minimum of 640x480 resolution.
- Built-in microphone or external microphone/headset/earphones with microphone.
- At least 6 GB of RAM and 300 GB hard drive.
- Broadband connection to the Internet (25Mbps minimum, 40Mbps recommended).
Software Requirements
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Free)
- Internet Browser - Google Chrome is recommended.
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) - Free for LSUHS Students
- Students can visit www.office.com and login with their lsuhs.edu email address and password. Once logged in click on “Install Office.” This process can be done on up to 5 personal devices.
Student Financial Services
Tuition and Fees
The LSU Health Shreveport Office of the Bursar sends electronic invoices for student tuition, fees, and other optional fees charged to a Student’s account. Invoices are sent out prior to each semester with the due date being the first day of the semester. Students are considered delinquent by day 14 in Fall/Spring and day 7 in Summer and will receive a block on their account. Additional electronic invoices are sent monthly as needed. Electronic invoices include activity such as charges, payments, and financial aid refunds that have been applied to the Student Account since the previous invoice was sent. This same information is also available in the financial section of the self-service portal.
Students who have not met their financial obligations by the end of the semester will not be allowed transcripts, grades, or future enrollment until payment is made in full.
All inquiries regarding invoices or university charges should be directed to the Bursar’s office at shvbursar@lsuhs.edu or contact them at (318) 675-5224. Current tuition and fee schedules for the academic year are located on the Bursar’s webpage.
Financial Aid
Students receive information concerning financial assistance from the Office of Financial Aid. Students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid office webpage to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities, Application and Awarding Process, Fee Payment and Disbursement of Aid, Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress as well as other important topics outlined.
Important reminders from the Office of Financial Aid:
Visit the following website for the scholarships and tuition waivers available to the students enrolled in the School of Allied Health Professions: https://www.lsuhs.edu/our-schools/school-of-allied-health-professions/academic-affairs/scholarships-and-tuition-waivers.
Orientation
The School of Allied Health Professions holds a mandatory Orientation for all new students prior to the first semester of coursework. The event is facilitated by the SAHP Admissions and Records Office. The primary focus is to ensure incoming students are welcomed and supported during their transition to becoming a student on an academic health sciences center campus. Incoming students will learn about LSU Health Shreveport’s administration, important policies, and procedures as well as key student support services on campus. As part of the orientation process, incoming students will receive student identification cards and parking decals.
Graduation
Requirements for Graduation
The student must have fulfilled all requirements of each course, and have maintained at least the minimum scholastic requirements established by the program.
The student must be registered in the semester of anticipated graduation and pay the appropriate diploma fee.
The student must have met all financial obligations to the University at least ten days prior to graduation.
The student must attend commencement ceremonies, unless excused, in writing, by the Dean.
Degrees with Honors
Baccalaureate degrees are awarded summa cum laude to students whose quality point average falls within the range of 3.960 to 4.000, magna cum laude to students whose quality point average falls within the range of 3.860 to 3.959, and cum laude to students whose quality point average falls within the range 3.760 to 3.859. Scholastic honors are based on the overall quality point average for all course work attempted in pursuing the degree.
Commencement Ceremony
LSU Health Shreveport holds its commencement ceremonies in August and May. Students graduating in December will receive their diploma; however, there is not an official ceremony. Instead, these graduates may choose to participate in the spring commencement in May. Graduating students and faculty marshals march in cap and gowns (hoods are required for doctoral-level gradates). Professional photographs are taken of each student receiving a diploma. Purchasing arrangements are negotiated between the students and the photographer following the event. Students may order graduation invitations from the LSUHSC Bookstore two months prior to graduation. Instructions are mailed to graduating candidates regarding cap and gown orders, invitation orders, and general instructions surrounding the commencement ceremony in the months prior to the ceremony.
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