Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine earns preliminary accreditation, becoming nation’s fifth historically Black medical school

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine has earned preliminary accreditation, officially becoming the nation’s fifth historically Black medical institution and the only HBCU medical school in the Gulf South.

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education granted the milestone after a June 2026 site visit, according to the announcement. The college, located in New Orleans’ BioDistrict, will begin recruiting its inaugural 2027 class.

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine Becomes A New HBCU Medical School After Nearly 50 Years

The school formed in 2024 through a partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health.

It is the first new HBCU medical school in almost five decades, joining four historic institutions:

• Howard University College of Medicine — founded 1868, Washington, D.C.
• Meharry Medical College — founded 1876, Nashville, Tennessee
• Morehouse School of Medicine — founded 1975, Atlanta, Georgia
• Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science — founded 1966, Los Angeles, California

Together, these schools train nearly 70% of the nation’s Black physicians, strengthening medical access in underserved communities.

Addressing a National Physician Shortage

The Health Resources and Services Administration projects the United States will face a shortage of more than 141,000 physicians by 2038.

Louisiana is among the states most affected, with 60 of 64 parishes designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Xavier Ochsner leaders say the new school will help expand the physician pipeline and improve care in high‑need regions.

Xavier University brings a century‑long legacy of STEM excellence. It also a top HBCU for sending African American students to medical school.

Ochsner Health contributes more than 80 years of clinical experience. Moreover, it has been ranked Louisiana’s No. 1 hospital for 15 consecutive years.

The college will blend classroom instruction with clinical training through Ochsner’s system.

Leadership Calls It a Transformational Moment

“This is a historic moment for Xavier University of Louisiana, for New Orleans and for the future of medicine in this nation,” Xavier President Reynold Verret said.

He added that the school will expand who has the opportunity to become a physician and strengthen the communities those physicians will serve.

Economic and Community Impact

The college will generate more than $152 million in statewide economic impact by 2040 and support over 1,185 jobs.

Physicians trained at the school will add an estimated $2.9 billion to the U.S. economy.