Our Lady of the Lake College Profile

Our Lady of the Lake College (OLOL) is an independent Catholic institution located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that has developed a reputation for its high academic standards, commitment to community service, and specialized programs in health-related fields. Founded on the Franciscan principles of service, care, and education, the College has made significant strides in aligning itself with the evolving needs of the modern healthcare workforce, while still maintaining its Catholic identity and commitment to service.

OLOL joined the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) in 2007, a move that aligned the College more closely with other institutions that embrace the Franciscan values of humility, respect for others, and social justice. This affiliation also highlights the College’s role within a broader network of educational institutions that emphasize service-oriented learning and community engagement. As part of its mission, OLOL seeks to prepare students not only for successful careers but also for lives of compassion and service to others, in keeping with its Catholic heritage.

OLOL holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which ensures that the College meets high standards for quality in higher education. This accreditation enables the College to offer a wide range of programs that award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Through this accreditation, OLOL demonstrates its dedication to providing students with an educational experience that is both rigorous and relevant to the needs of today's workforce. Additionally, the College is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, a collective that advocates for the interests of private colleges in the state.

One of the defining features of Our Lady of the Lake College is its focus on health sciences, a field in which the institution has developed a particularly strong reputation. The College’s School of Nursing is one of its standout programs, and it has received full approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Additionally, the nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), a distinction that reflects the quality of its curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. In fact, OLOL was the first school in the South to revise its nursing curriculum to shorten the program from three calendar years to 27 consecutive months, providing students with a more expedited path to licensure while maintaining the rigor necessary to prepare them for the challenges of the healthcare field. This innovative approach to nursing education underscores OLOL's commitment to meeting the needs of students while also addressing the increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in Louisiana and beyond.

In addition to nursing, OLOL offers a variety of other health science programs that are accredited by their respective professional organizations. For instance, the College’s Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in laboratory medicine. Similarly, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, which signifies that OLOL’s program adheres to the high standards set by the profession for educating physical therapist assistants. Other specialized programs, such as the Radiologic Technology Program, which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Respiratory Therapy Program, and the Surgical Technology Program, all hold their respective accreditations, ensuring that OLOL students receive a top-tier education in each field.

These accreditation achievements are critical in maintaining the College’s reputation for excellence in health-related education. They also provide students with the confidence that they are receiving an education that is recognized by employers and professional organizations nationwide. The specialized programs at OLOL serve a critical role in preparing students for careers in healthcare, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States. By focusing on these fields, OLOL plays an essential part in addressing the healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in the Baton Rouge area, and contributes to the larger mission of improving public health.

OLOL’s commitment to service extends beyond its academic offerings. The College has been recognized for its efforts in community engagement, earning a place on the U.S. President's Honor Roll for its impressive community service activities in both 2008 and 2009. This recognition underscores the College’s dedication to making a positive impact on the Baton Rouge community and beyond. Service is a key element of the College’s Franciscan identity, and students are encouraged to participate in service-learning opportunities that allow them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences not only enrich students' learning but also foster a sense of social responsibility and the desire to give back to others.

In 2009, Our Lady of the Lake College received $801,447 in Federal funding for Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students, the largest amount received by any institution in Louisiana. This funding reflects the College’s ongoing efforts to make higher education accessible to all students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By offering financial support, OLOL ensures that more students have the opportunity to pursue their educational and professional aspirations without being burdened by insurmountable debt. The College’s financial aid programs, combined with its commitment to affordability, further reinforce its reputation as an institution that cares about the well-being of its students.

In addition to its academic programs and community service efforts, OLOL has received accolades for its specialized programs and faculty excellence. In January 2009, the College’s Nurse Anesthesia Program received a ten-year accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. This is a significant achievement, as accreditations can be awarded for periods ranging from two to ten years. The recognition speaks to the quality and success of the program, which prepares students to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). This accreditation is a testament to the College’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its graduate-level programs and ensuring that students receive the best possible training in their respective fields.

OLOL is also the sole provider in Louisiana of mandatory dementia training certification, further demonstrating its leadership in specialized healthcare education. The College’s focus on these niche programs reflects its deep commitment to serving the unique needs of the healthcare community, including the growing demand for trained professionals in areas such as geriatrics and dementia care. By offering training in this area, OLOL plays a key role in addressing the needs of Louisiana’s aging population and contributing to the quality of care provided to seniors across the state.

In conclusion, Our Lady of the Lake College is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that offers a unique combination of academic rigor, community service, and specialized healthcare programs. Its accreditations, including those for its nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology programs, ensure that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make meaningful contributions to society. The College’s Franciscan roots and commitment to service provide a strong foundation for students to grow both academically and personally, while its financial aid initiatives and community engagement efforts highlight its dedication to accessibility and social responsibility. Through its continued focus on innovation, service, and educational excellence, Our Lady of the Lake College remains an essential part of the higher education landscape in Louisiana and beyond.