Ochsner Health

NEW ORLEANS — November 12, 2026 -- The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine formally opened its 72,000-square-foot Center for Medical Education in Benson Tower in the New Orleans BioDistrict and opened applications for its first class, which starts in 2027.

The opening follows preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in October. The school was formed in 2024 through a partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health, so its first students will arrive about three years after formation.

The new center will house only the first two of four curriculum years

First- and second-year students will learn in the center's team-based classrooms and education laboratories. Third- and fourth-year students, the other half of the four-year program, will complete clinical clerkships in Ochsner facilities. The named sites are Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans, Ochsner Children's and Ochsner Baptist.

New Orleans – October 16, 2026 -- The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine has received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), clearing the way to recruit its inaugural class, which starts in 2027.

The school describes itself as the only HBCU college of medicine in the Gulf South. It will begin recruiting students in the coming weeks, with applications available through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

Partnership of Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health reached accreditation in two years

Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health formed the College of Medicine in 2024. It earned candidate status in October 2025 and hosted an LCME survey visit in June 2026. The LCME then determined that the school met the requirements for preliminary accreditation.

Campbell, Calif. – September 29, 2026 -- Vivalink, a digital healthcare solutions provider, published survey data showing 79% of more than 150 U.S. adults with cardiac conditions would participate in a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program if recommended by a provider.

Patients favor hybrid or home-based rehab over clinic visits

When given a choice, 68% of respondents said they would prefer a primarily home-based or hybrid rehabilitation approach over traditional in-clinic programs.

Insurance coverage ranks as the top barrier to participation

Fifty-eight percent of respondents ranked insurance coverage as their top consideration for participating in home-based care. Sixty percent said they would not pay out of pocket for such a program, while 87% said confirmed insurance coverage would increase their likelihood of participating.