For students considering a career in healthcare, choosing the right career path can be challenging. While nursing may be one of the first professions that comes to mind, the industry offers numerous opportunities for people with different interests, skills and goals. LSU Eunice (LSUE) is helping students explore those possibilities through its health sciences programs in Eunice and Lafayette, including flexible options designed for working adults and those balancing education with family responsibilities.
Students interested in learning more about these opportunities and LSUE’s other healthcare programs are invited to attend the College of Health Sciences Open House on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the university’s main campus, 2048 Johnson Highway in Eunice.
During the Open House, visitors can meet faculty, staff and current students; tour classrooms and simulation labs; participate in hands-on demonstrations; and learn about admissions requirements and career opportunities in LSUE’s six healthcare programs: nursing, radiologic technology, respiratory care, diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology, and medical billing and coding.
“The Open House gives students different perspectives and more in-depth ideas about their career options,” said Kristie Leger, LSUE Dean of Health Sciences. “Some students have a particular career in mind, and some know they want to work in healthcare in general but haven’t yet narrowed it down. We encourage them to go to every stop in the Open House, speak to everybody and explore as much as you can. We are here for them the entire afternoon.”
Leger said the event typically attracts both prospective students and current LSUE students completing prerequisite courses before entering a healthcare program. Attendees can also discuss program length, tuition, scholarships, admission criteria and scheduling options, including those available in Lafayette.
Dr. Kina Sweet, LSUE Program Coordinator for Medical Billing and Coding, said attendees and their parents frequently ask about salaries, career specialization and how closely different healthcare professionals work with patients.
“We encourage those conversations. We want them to ask questions and bring an open mind,” Sweet said. “Find out about the programs before you come, and if something excites you, make sure you make time to see it and discuss it with the faculty.”
At LSUE’s Lafayette Extended Instructional Site, located at 4212 W. Congress St., students can pursue nursing and surgical technology education. The location offers a traditional Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, along with an Evening/Weekend nursing track.
The Lafayette location also offers an LPN-to-ASN pathway for licensed practical nurses seeking to become registered nurses. Students complete their first semester in Eunice before continuing their coursework in Lafayette. In addition, LSUE’s Surgical Technology program is housed in Lafayette, preparing students for careers assisting surgical teams in operating rooms and other healthcare settings.
Healthcare providers across Acadiana continue to need skilled professionals in numerous roles, with some employers offering significant sign-on bonuses. Beyond hospitals, healthcare workers are needed in physician offices, outpatient and urgent care clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and other settings. Healthcare practitioners and technical workers accounted for approximately 14,350 jobs in the Lafayette metropolitan area in May 2025.
David Asbury, LSUE Program Director for Respiratory Care, said the college makes these careers more accessible through affordable tuition, hands-on instruction and a supportive learning environment.
“You can get a great education that leads to a great job for a lot less money through one of our programs,” he said. “In respiratory care, there’s been a huge demand in this industry, especially since Covid, and we don’t see that slowing down anytime soon.”
Leger said LSUE’s smaller class sizes and personalized support help students navigate demanding healthcare programs. According to Leger, the college’s licensure examination pass rates and employment rates are both nearly 100 percent.
“As a smaller institution, students don’t get lost in large classes,” she said. “We have a long track record of success with our programs and outcomes, and employers know the quality of education we provide. We have a lot of resources for our students. We really wrap ourselves around them to ensure their success and remove any barriers to help them reach their goals.”
Depending on the program, admissions are offered in the spring or fall. Students interested in programs with once-a-year admissions can enroll at LSUE earlier to begin completing prerequisites.
For more information about LSUE’s College of Health Sciences, including programs available in Eunice and Lafayette, visit lsue.edu/academics/hs.php.
Source: www.theadvocate.com
