Memorial and McNeese: Focused on Investing in the Future of SWLA
Healthcare Career Pathways and Collegiate Athletics Support
At Lake Charles Memorial Health System we believe strong communities are
built through strong partnerships. Our long-standing relationship with
McNeese State University reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce
development, student success, and the future of Southwest Louisiana.
Together, Memorial and McNeese are helping prepare the next generation
of healthcare professionals through hands-on training, mentorship, clinical
experience, and career development opportunities that allow students to
learn, grow, and build meaningful careers close to home.
From nursing education and allied health training to sports medicine and
student-athlete wellness, this partnership reaches far beyond the classroom—creating
opportunities that strengthen healthcare access and community wellbeing
across the region.
Supporting the Future of Healthcare
Memorial proudly partners with McNeese across numerous educational, athletics
and clinical programs, including:
Athletic trainer training and support
Year-round training, support, and care provided to all MSU athletes
Nursing careers pathways
Clinical rotations and preceptor opportunities
Nurse practitioner mentorship and training
Psychology, mental health, and social work pathways
Radiologic sciences and medical laboratory science clinical training
Health Systems Management internships
Kinesiology, rehabilitation, counseling, and social work partnerships
These programs provide students with real-world healthcare experience alongside
experienced professionals while helping create a strong local workforce
pipeline for Southwest Louisiana.
A Partnership Beyond the Classroom
The partnership between Memorial and McNeese also extends into athletics
through Memorial’s role as the official healthcare and sports medicine
partner for McNeese Athletics. Through athletic trainers, physicians,
rehabilitation specialists, and sports medicine providers, Memorial helps
support the health, safety, and performance of McNeese student-athletes
both on and off the field.
This investment reflects a shared vision between both organizations: creating
healthier futures, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for
the students and families of Southwest Louisiana.
Building Stronger Communities Together
At Memorial, we are strengthened by partnerships—and we work hard
to be strong partners in return. By collaborating with McNeese State University,
we are investing not only in education and healthcare, but in the long-term
success of our region.
Because when students can train here, work here, and stay here, the entire
community benefits.
Lake Charles Memorial and McNeese State University have a long history
of partnership centered on healthcare education. Nursing makes up more
than 1/3 of Memorial’s workforce, and our collaboration ensures
students have meaningful, hands-on opportunities to train locally, with
nursing experts – and build lasting careers right here at home.
This commitment to nursing education and training reflects Memorial’s
culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth:
Over 70% of our workforce holds bachelor’s degrees
More than 80% of nursing leadership holds graduate degrees
All nursing leaders hold additional certifications in their specialty.
This investment isn’t just about credentials – it translates
into stronger clinical teams who provide better patient outcomes and healthcare
environments where excellence is the expectation.
Memorial also partners with other healthcare entities in Southwest Louisiana
to provide training sites for healthcare professionals. This includes
patient care and transfer agreements between surrounding rural hospitals
– creating a collaborative effort that centers around patient needs.
Sports Medicine
In Southwest Louisiana, athletics are more than competition—they’re
part of our culture. That’s why Lake Charles Memorial Health System
is proud to serve as the official sports medicine partner of McNeese State
University Athletics. Through one of the largest partnerships in McNeese
Athletics history, Memorial provides advanced healthcare access for Cowboys
and Cowgirls while helping power the university’s sports medicine
program through athletic trainers, physicians, rehabilitation specialists,
and sports medicine experts dedicated to athlete health, safety, and performance.
Originally established in 2024 through a historic multi-million-dollar
investment and extended through 2028, the partnership reflects a shared
commitment to supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. Memorial’s
sports medicine team works closely with McNeese coaches, athletic trainers,
and athletic staff to provide injury prevention, evaluation, treatment,
rehabilitation, recovery support, and return-to-play guidance across McNeese’s
NCAA Division I athletic programs. From practices and training sessions
to game day and postseason competition, student-athletes have access to
comprehensive care from trusted local healthcare professionals who understand
the unique demands of collegiate athletics.
For Memorial, the partnership extends beyond sports. It is an investment
in the students, programs, and traditions that help define Southwest Louisiana.
By supporting McNeese Athletics, Memorial is helping create a healthier,
safer athletic experience while strengthening the connection between healthcare,
education, and community. Together, Memorial and McNeese are building
opportunities for student success, promoting wellness across the region,
and ensuring athletes have the support they need to compete, recover,
and perform at their highest level.
