An alternate teaching preparation program leads to certification as a teacher for non-education graduates. Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree for entry to the program. Louisiana's alternate teaching preparation programs were developed to address the shortage of teachers. Three types of alternate teaching preparation programs allow professionals and recent college graduates to pursue a career in teaching:

• The Practitioner Teacher Program is a streamlined certification path that combines intensive coursework and full-time teaching.

• The Master’s Degree Program is an intensive path that results in a master’s degree as well as certification.

• The Certification-Only Program is for individuals not wishing to participate full-time or pursue a master’s degree through one of the other alternate paths to certification.