Xavier University medical school wins preliminary accreditation

Three key takeaways

• The new medical school can begin recruiting students after receiving preliminary accreditation.
• Applications are expected to open in the coming weeks, with the first class scheduled for summer 2027.
• The partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health will create the nation’s fifth historically Black medical institution.
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Xavier University of LA's Ochsner College of Medicine has received preliminary accreditation, clearing the way for the school to recruit students for its inaugural class.

The school plans to make applications available through the American Medical College Application Service in the coming weeks. Xavier plans to welcome is first class of students in the summer 2027.

A partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health, the college will be the nation’s fifth medical school associated with a historical Black college/university, joining Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Its creation is intended to expand medical education opportunities and help address physician workforce needs in Louisiana.

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits U.S. medical schools that award medical doctorates, granted the college candidate status in October 2025. The committee conducted a survey visit in June 2026 before awarding preliminary accreditation.

In January, of this year Humana announced a $3 million scholarship fund for the college to help expand Louisiana’s physician workforce.

Maryland Eastern Shore moves a step closer to a Vet School

The development comes as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore advances plans for a veterinary school. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education granted the university a Letter of Reasonable Assurance, allowing it to begin recruiting and admitting students for a program expected to launch in summer 2027. The school would be the nation's first veterinary school physically located at a public historically Black college or university.

Both initiatives represent efforts to expand professional education at historically Black institutions and strengthen the pipeline of future health care professionals.