School of Health Professions

Health Professions at FranU

The School of Health Professions at FranU prepares the next generation of allied health practitioners to provide high-quality care that is compassionate, patient-centered and effective. Through hands-on learning, personalized education, service-learning and research opportunities, you can take the next step toward a meaningful future. Learn more about our rigorous programs, renowned faculty and unique vision.

A Message from the Dean

Welcome to the School of Health Professions,

At the School of Health Professions, we are committed to nurturing a diverse student body through educating and empowering individuals to become Franciscan servant leaders, integrated thinkers, faith-filled citizens and highly skilled professionals. We believe in the transformative power of education to shape compassionate and valued healthcare practitioners who serve their communities with dedication and integrity.

As you explore our programs, you will discover curriculum designed to prepare you to promote, restore and optimize the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Whether you aspire to a career in allied health or want to advance your role in patient care, our school provides an environment where you can grow and thrive. We are deeply committed to supporting you on your journey. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success, offering mentorship, guidance and support every step of the way.

As you embark on this exciting chapter of your academic and professional life, know that you are not just joining a school – you are becoming part of the FranU family that values compassion, service and excellence in all endeavors. We look forward to welcoming you to the School of Health Professions and to witnessing the remarkable contributions you will make to the world.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Thompson, ScD, DPT, OCS

Dean, School of Health Professions

Phone: 225-526-1674

Email: Jeffrey.Thompson@franu.edu

Health Professions Majors and Programs

Embark on a career where you connect with others, help your community and achieve a sense of purpose. As a health professional, you can offer vital support in a variety of healthcare settings by using specialized skills and the latest technology to diagnose and evaluate patients, develop treatment plans and foster their well-being. With ten programs ranging from associate degrees to doctoral degrees, including certificate and training programs, find an option at FranU that best fits your educational and professional goals.

Associate Degrees

FranU offers two associate's degree programs: the Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant program and the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program which students can complete in five and seven semesters, respectively.

Radiologic Technology

This program combines the art and science of medical imaging with hands-on learning in a faith-based environment. Through classroom instruction, labs and clinical experiences, students are prepared to become skilled, compassionate radiologic technologists who serve patients and communities with excellence.

Physical Therapist Assistant

This program prepares students to support licensed physical therapists in delivering quality care. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on labs and clinical experiences, graduates gain the skills needed to help patients restore movement and improve quality of life.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Those seeking to deepen their knowledge in the health professions in a bachelor’s degree program find FranU a great fit. We offer two programs at this level: the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy and the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. Students thrive in our RT bachelor’s degree program as they direct their spirit of service toward helping patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary issues.

The Respiratory Therapy program provides students with lecture, laboratory, simulation and clinical experiences from general care to critical care in all age groups. Students who complete this program are eligible for the national credentialing exam.

Students who pursue the medical laboratory science degree hone their critical thinking skills and technical proficiency to analyze specimens accurately through comprehensive coursework and hands-on experience. Students in this program graduate eligible for the national certification exam.

Respiratory Therapy

This program prepares students to become skilled professionals in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary conditions. Through comprehensive coursework and clinical experiences, graduates are equipped to provide life-saving care and are eligible to sit for advanced-level credentialing exams.

Medical Laboratory Science

This program prepares students to analyze clinical specimens and deliver critical data for patient care. Through advanced coursework and hands-on training, graduates become skilled professionals ready to excel in hospitals, research labs and beyond. Program completers are eligible to sit for the national ASCP certification exam.

Minors

Students may wish to diversify their education through a minor that provides additional context to their program of study. FranU School of Health Professions offers a nutrition minor that enables students to explore the relationship between food and well-being and provides a core foundation on the subject.

Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

Students seeking to advance in their vocation and gain expertise in their field benefit from FranU’s health profession master’s and doctoral programs. We offer a Master of Science in Nutritional Science program, a Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant program and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Each program features a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, and many of the courses in each discipline connect students with our state-of-the-art Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital.

Nutritional Science

This program prepares servant leaders in health and wellness through a flexible curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities like the Nutrition Skills Lab and Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH), ensuring collaborative, real-world learning that supports diverse career goals.

Physician Assistant

This program prepares students to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care across diverse settings. Through rigorous academics and clinical training, graduates develop the skills and commitment to serve patients throughout their lives and uphold the highest standards of healthcare.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

This program prepares students to excel in a dynamic healthcare environment through a streamlined curriculum, expert faculty and state-of-the-art learning spaces. With clinical education and service-learning opportunities, graduates emerge as highly skilled, ethical servant leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in patient care.

Certificates and Training Programs

Health sciences certificates and training programs at FranU can help students develop specialized skill sets that empower them to advance their career or enter an entirely new profession. The 14-month Clinical Microbiology Certificate, earned in tandem with a FranU bachelor’s degree or on its own, provides students a foundation in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, genetics and other subjects.

Guides & Resources for Health Professions

What Can You Do With a Health Professions Degree?

The healthcare industry is complex, dynamic and constantly evolving. As one of the biggest industries in the nation, there is a constant demand for capable and thoughtful professionals who make a positive impact on their organization.

A health professions degree connects you to meaningful opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, private practice, community organizations and more. It can also open the door to a career in pharmaceutical companies, tech start-ups and public health. Your degree also serves as a foundation for graduate and professional health programs and field research.

Health Profession Careers

Diagnostic & Laboratory Sciences

Medical laboratory scientists and technologists play a critical role in diagnosing and preventing disease. They analyze specimens using advanced technology to provide accurate data that guides patient care.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants help patients regain movement and improve quality of life. These professionals combine clinical expertise with compassion to support recovery and long-term wellness.

Clinical & Patient Care

Physician assistants, respiratory therapists and radiologic technologists deliver hands-on care across diverse settings. They work closely with healthcare teams to diagnose, treat and manage conditions, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care.

Nutrition & Wellness

Dietitian nutritionists promote health through evidence-based nutrition strategies. They work in hospitals, clinics and community settings to help individuals prevent disease and achieve optimal well-being.

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Our Mission

The mission of the School of Health Professions is to educate and form servant-leaders who are highly skilled healthcare practitioners and to provide a compassionate healing presence in the communities they serve.

Our Vision

The School of Health Professions encompasses all of the Allied Health programs at the University. We are proud to provide a variety of programs at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree levels to meet the needs of our students and our community. Our vision is to develop programs that prepare students to meet the challenges and demands of the ever changing healthcare environment. Students prepare for the challenges of patient and community care environments by demonstrating competency in skills and knowledge related to their course of study and by engaging in inter-disciplinary case studies in our Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH). Each program provides clinic based internships that prepare students for entry-level competency in their program of study.