Louisiana
LAConrad State 30 J-1 waiver program overview, slot data, processing times, and application guidance for Louisiana.
Application Window
Primary care: October 1. Specialists: December 1. First round deadline: December 31. Second round: January 1 (if slots remain). Final: July 31. Preference for in-state residency graduates.
Timeline Overview
Specialty Priorities
Priority Areas
Requirements
Must practice in a HPSA or MUA for 3 years. Louisiana DOH sponsors Conrad 30 applications. Louisiana fills all 30 Conrad slots annually (FY 2024). Also eligible for DRA (Delta Regional Authority) waivers with unlimited slots — much of Louisiana is in the DRA footprint. Full unrestricted LA medical license required.
Application Tips
Louisiana fills all 30 Conrad slots every year. Northern Louisiana parishes (Ouachita, Morehouse, Richland) and rural Acadiana have highest HPSA scores. The DRA pathway is a major alternative — many Louisiana parishes qualify for unlimited DRA slots. Baton Rouge and New Orleans suburbs have limited HPSA sites. Louisiana has a long history of supporting IMG physicians, particularly in rural hospitals. State income tax is graduated (1.85-4.25%). Consider LSU Health and Tulane residency connections for networking.