Northwestern State University of Louisiana has introduced a new Master of Science in Allied Health (MSAH) program, designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their education and careers.
According to an article on NSU’s website, Ben Wood, graduate director of the School of Allied Health, explained that this program is the first of its kind in Louisiana.
The fully online format was designed to be accessible for adults already employed in healthcare, enabling them to pursue their education while maintaining their current position.
Most allied health professionals begin their careers with an associate degree. NSU expanded opportunities for these professionals by introducing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health (BASAH) in 2012, after only offering a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS).
NSU introduced the new MSAH program in the spring of 2025 to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals to further their education. The first cohort of this program began in the Fall 2025 semester.
Laura Aaron, professor and MSAH coordinator, explained that this program was developed to meet the needs of healthcare providers that were seeking a master’s degree to obtain leadership positions.
“Most of the students are respiratory therapists, occupational therapy assistants or physical therapy assistants,” Aaron said. “This program helps them become managers and educators and prepares students for the next step of their career.”
Becky Farmer is an associate professor and coordinator for the BASAH program. “We created the Master in Allied Health for students to have either a bridge to a doctoral study or for management and teaching opportunities within their field,” Farmer said.
Jennifer Castleman and Pamula Taylor are the only two students enrolled as the program starts its first semester. Both Aaron and Farmer have expressed optimism about future growth.
Castleman graduated from NSU with her BASAH in December 2024. Castleman is currently employed at Wellpath, a correctional medical company, as an operations specialist where she oversees the California South Central region.
“My career goals are to become a health services administrator within a correctional
facility or to teach as a college professor in allied health,” Castleman said. “I believe this degree will open many doors and allow me to advance professionally. I have always dreamed of moving into leadership, but lacking a degree limited my opportunities. With a master’s degree, I feel that the sky is truly the limit.”
Taylor has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years as a radiologic technologist and mammography technologist. She started her undergraduate degree in 1991 at NSU before transferring to Southern University Shreveport to receive an associate degree. Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree from NSU in the summer of 2025.
Taylor discussed that she enrolled in the master’s program because she was starting to prepare for her future. Eventually she wants to ease out of the hospital setting to teach future healthcare providers.
“The program is manageable while working in healthcare,” Taylor said. “Everything is completely online and can be done at my own pace. When I’m on my break, I can post a discussion forum or when I am at home, I can set out a couple hours and do what I need to do.”
For more information on the Master of Science in Allied Health at NSU, go to nsula.edu/alliedhealth or contact Laura Aaron [email protected] or Becky Farmer [email protected].
