New Orleans Medical School Opens First Applications

Prospective students can apply through AMCAS for a class scheduled to begin studies in 2027.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Scholarships

Screen-print poster illustration of a cream physician's coat hanging on a wooden hanger beside magnolia leaves against a warm mustard wall, evoking a first step into medicine. — Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine has opened applications through AMCAS for its inaugural class, which begins studies in 2027 in New Orleans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Louisiana expand medical school programs to address the doctor shortage?

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine has opened applications for its inaugural class, which is scheduled to begin studies in 2027. The college, located in the New Orleans BioDistrict, is the only historically Black college or university medical school in the Gulf South.

Why it matters

The college aims to expand physician training and address healthcare workforce shortages in Louisiana and nationally, which matters for students weighing medical school costs and where they might train. Prospective students should weigh how the Ochsner Physician Scholars program's work commitment fits their plans.

The college is the fifth historically Black medical institution nationwide, and the Ochsner Physician Scholars program provides financial assistance for medical school expenses in exchange for a commitment to work for Ochsner after graduation. Additional scholarships are available through a partnership with Humana.

The players

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine

A new medical school in the New Orleans BioDistrict, established in 2024 and the only HBCU medical school in the Gulf South.

Ochsner Health

A Louisiana-based health system and co-founder of the college, whose Physician Scholars program ties financial aid to post-graduation service.

Xavier University of Louisiana

A historically Black university in New Orleans and co-founder of the medical college.

Humana

A health insurer that provides additional scholarship support to students at the college.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

A federal agency that projects a national physician shortage of more than 141,000 by 2038.

The details

Prospective students submit applications through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The curriculum combines classroom instruction with clinical and community-based experiences beginning in the first year, and a pre-matriculation program includes academic assessments, study skills development, and orientation. A centralized Student Success Center offers academic assistance, advising, and wellness resources throughout enrollment.

2024: College established through a partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health.
2027: Inaugural class scheduled to begin studies.
2038: HRSA projects a national physician shortage of 141,000.

College Applications
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Education Landscape

The HRSA projects a national shortage of more than 141,000 physicians by 2038, placing the new college within a broader push to expand medical school capacity. Historically Black medical institutions remain a small group nationally, which is why the college's position in the Gulf South is notable.

Prospective medical students interested in this college should review AMCAS application timelines and ask the admissions office about tuition and scholarship eligibility. Applicants considering the Ochsner Physician Scholars program should discuss its post-graduation work commitment with a financial-aid adviser before applying.

The takeaway

The college's opening marks a new regional pathway into medical training in the Gulf South. Students should confirm tuition, scholarship terms, and any service commitments directly with the college's admissions or financial-aid office.