Academic Programs

    • Associate of Science

      • Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant

        FranU’s Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree program is designed to prepare individuals to effectively assist in treatment and assessment of physical therapy patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates of the program can pursue PTA licensure through the FSBPT national physical therapy examination.

        The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form Franciscan servant leaders who are highly skilled and compassionate physical therapist assistants who are prepared to think critically and deliver holistic patient-centered care.

        FranU PTA courses include those in anatomy, physiology, psychology, kinesiology, neurophysiology and more. Students will learn both inside the classroom and hands-on in lab environments.

      • Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology

        The Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology degree program provides FranU students the opportunity to learn the art and science of medical imaging. Education is provided through didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences.

        The mission of the radiologic technology program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form entry-level radiologic technologists in a faith-based academic community. Students are educated to become competent and compassionate technologists who serve their patients, profession and the community.

    • Bachelor of Science

      • Respiratory Therapy

        The Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy provides students with the opportunity to develop as professionals who are qualified to perform as Registered Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Therapists focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with breathing and/or other cardiopulmonary issues. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the Registry Examinations for Advanced Level Respiratory Therapists administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

      • Medical Laboratory Science

        The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program prepares graduates to analyze clinical specimens through the use of specialized skills and sophisticated instrumentation.

        Information from the analysis of specimens provides data critical for patient diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or disease prevention. Medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, forensics, public health, industrial/research laboratories, physician offices and blood banks.

        The purpose of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to provide the community with cognizant and adept scientists capable of competing and excelling in today’s progressive job market. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the MLS profession and will be eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

    • Master's

      • Physician Assistant Master’s Degree (PA Program)

        Physician assistants transform lives through compassionate and effective healthcare. In the Master of Medical Science (MMS) Physician Assistant (PA) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU), you learn to do this and more as you prepare to serve patients across the lifespan and in diverse settings.

        Strengthen your critical thinking abilities as you gain clinical expertise in a physician assistant program guided by a clear mission: to develop graduates who provide evidence-based, patient-centered medical care and who are committed to serving all God’s people.

      • Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences

        The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (MSNS) program is designed to educate and form servant leaders in the field of health and wellness. With a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) option and a Thesis option, the Nutritional Sciences MS degree program allows students to customize curriculum to fit their career goals and interests.

        Students pursuing their master’s in nutrition  leading to the RDN credential at FranU will also experience the Nutrition Skills Lab and Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH), a state-of-the-art simulated learning environment where students can complete computer-based task training.

        With diverse simulation suites and a number of debriefing rooms, students will find FranU’s facilities play a crucial role in our efforts to provide students with collaborative, hands-on learning experiences.

        Closure of the DI:

        The FranU Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with Dietetic Internship program will be closing on December 31, 2025 and transitioning to the FranU Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences RDN concentration program. Alumni of the dietetic internship program may reach out to Dr. Kathryn Fakier to obtain a copy of their verification statement after program closure.

    • Doctoral

      • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

        Doctor of Physical Therapy

        The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program is a professional doctorate designed to prepare physical therapists for practice in an evolving healthcare environment. The FranU DPT program is unique among its competitors in that it features a streamlined curriculum, expert faculty with over 150 years of industry experience combined, state-of-the-art learning environments and both clinical education and service-learning opportunities for students.

        The mission of the DPT program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy practitioners in a faith-based academic community. Students are educated to become highly skilled ethical servant leaders who are valued contributors to the health professions and to the community.

    • Certificate

      • Clinical Microbiology Certificate

        The Certificate in Clinical Microbiology for Medical Laboratory Science prepares students to work in microbiology departments within the clinical laboratory. In this 14-month certificate program, students will take courses in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, genetics and more. Students in the certificate program will complete all microbiology-related coursework/practicum within the Medical Laboratory Science program.

        The program is open to students currently enrolled in a baccalaureate program at FranU with a minimum number of biology and/or chemistry credits or those with a previously earned bachelor’s degree and the minimum number of credit hours in biology or chemistry.

    • Minors

      • Nutrition Minor

        To receive a minor in Nutrition, students must earn a C or better in 18 hours of course work as outlined in the curriculum.

    • Training Programs

      • Phlebotomy

        The phlebotomy training program at FranU is designed to prepare students to perform the essential job functions as a phlebotomist in the healthcare industry. Phlebotomists may work in hospitals, medical labs, private practices or blood donation centers and must be prepared to work with patients across the lifespan.

        Our comprehensive program consists of 11 weeks of phlebotomy training, including 8 weeks at our Baton Rouge campus, during which students will learn both in the lab and in clinical settings. This hands-on experience is a critical component of the program, allowing students to put their education into practice.