Health science and education

School of Health Sciences and Education

From diverse global communities to underserved rural populations, be prepared to share your gifts with compassion and confidence.

  • Academics Overview

    • Turn Your Calling Into a Career

    Saint Francis of Assisi had a legendary gift for caring, and our School of Health Sciences and Education will help you follow in his footsteps.
    Here we offer programs in healthcare, education, social work, and psychology that carefully blend specialized professional curricula with a liberal arts education rooted in Catholic Franciscan values developed to foster your unique gifts.  Whether you aspire to heal minds, bodies, and souls or you choose to cultivate the minds of tomorrow; our majors can help you be ready for an innovative, high-touch profession where learning never stops.  
    A diligent student with a cross sticker on their laptop

    focus on leadership development and service-learning

    Enthusiastic Faculty member gesturing with hands

    direct connections with expert faculty

    Students hands-on learning with a stethoscope

    quality clinical, internship, and student teaching opportunities

    Why Saint Francis?

    Approach Your Future with Confidence

    Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for success on any corresponding certifications or exams associated with your program, graduate programs, and your career. Our students benefit from:
    • Hands-on learning
    • Small class sizes
    • Practical, authentic educational environments
    • Opportunities for research, community engagement, inter-professional experiences, simulation and study abroad
    Faculty instructing students
    STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

    Opportunities for growth. Support for your passion.

     
     
    Our School of Health Sciences and Education is designed to provide you with the skills, practical experience, expert support, and innovative facilities you need to follow your calling. 
    Students in white lab coats enjoying learning
    HSED BANNER

    Facilities and Resources 

    stained glass window up close
    SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND EDUCATION FACULTY

    A personalized approach to learning and leading

     

    The School of Health Sciences and Education utilizes exceptional learning opportunities to help you become the competent, compassionate and ethical professional you are destined to be. Experience our unique camaraderie through hands-on learning in small classes lead by expert faculty. Saint Francis University professors will know you by name and provide individualized focus, attention and support to help you achieve your highest potential in your program of focus.

     

    Kerri Golden Profile Image

    Dr. Kerri Golden, Interim Dean, School of Health Sciences and Education

    An expert in administration and management, leadership, ethics, and occupational therapy, Dr. Golden is dedicated to supporting students in the School of Health Sciences and Education through high-quality experiences and individualized attention. Dr. Golden is a trained CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) where she serves as a child advocate for those at-risk in Cambria County. She has received numerous awards for teaching and advocacy from the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association. 

     

    Undergraduate Degrees in the School of HSED

     Education

    • B.S. in Early Childhood Education (on-campus)
    • Online ECE degrees (associate, degree completion and bachelor's) 
    • Subject-Specific B.S.  in Secondary Education: Grades 7-12 ( Biology, English, History, Mathematics, and Spanish)
    • B.S. in Special Education

    Education degree paths   

    Exercise Physiology

    • B.S. in Exercise Physiology ( concentrations in Fitness Professionals, Graduate Allied-Health, and Pre-Med)
    • Minors in Diving, Movement Science, and Exercise Physiology

    Exercise Physiology degree paths 

    Nursing

    • BSN (on-campus)
    • Accelerated RN to  BSN (second degree)
    • Online RN to BSN

    Nursing  degree paths

    Occupational Therapy

    • Accelerated /Early-Entry Master of Occupational Therapy

    Direct-entry occupational therapy path 

    Physician Assistant Science

    • Accelerated Early-Entry MPAS (3+2)
    • Pre-PA ConcentrationHealth Care Studies, B.S.

    Physician Assistant Science degree paths

     

    Physical Therapy

    • Accelerated 3+3 option, direct-entry to DPT program
    • Traditional 4+3 option, direct-entry to DPT program

    Direct-entry Physical Therapy degree path 

    Psychology

    • B.S. in Psychological Science (concentrations in pre-med and neuroscience)
    • Neuroscience (double major: Psychology/Biology)
    • Minor in Animal-Assited Health & Education
    • 4+3 DPT early-entry program

    Psychology degree paths 

    Pre-Med

    • Pre-Med (concentrations under Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Exercise Physiology, Psychology, and Public Health)
    • Early-Acceptance programs in dentistry,  optometry,  medicine, and pharmacy

    .Pre-med degree paths  

    Public Health

    • B.A./ B.S.  in Public Health (concentration in Environmental Science, Epidemiology, Health Policy Administrator, and Pre-Med)
    • Online B.A. in Public Health

    Public Health degree paths

     

    Social Work

    • B.S. in Social Work

    Social Work degree path

    More Healthcare Degrees

    Signature Minors & Certificates

     

     

    Graduate Degrees in the School of HSED

    Education

    Healthcare

     

    An Ancient stone wall hosting a hooded and pious Saint Francis gazing towards heaven. Sparsely garnished conifers glow green in the sunlight.

    Several academic programs within the School of Health Sciences and Education at Saint Francis University are accredited by their respective specialized accrediting agencies.
    Learn more 

    Mission Statement

    The School of Health Sciences and Education provides an inclusive learning community with a focus on rural and underserved populations that integrates collaborative and innovative educational opportunities with a liberal arts foundation. Inspired by the teachings and character of Saint Francis of Assisi, we prepare competent, compassionate, and ethical educators, researchers and health care professionals to live in solidarity with all creation.

     

    Blog
    Andrew Tinker accepts DAISY Award

    Junior Nursing Student Andrew Tinker Receives National Student DAISY Award

    Mitchell Jubas | 12/03/2024
    On November 15, 2024, Andrew Tinker, a junior Saint Francis University BSN student, was recognized with the prestigious Student DAISY Award during a surprise ceremony at UPMC Altoona. This national honor celebrates nursing students who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, care, and commitment to their patients and their families. Andrew’s exceptional contribution to patient care was highlighted by his nominator, a UPMC registered nurse, who witnessed his remarkable dedication firsthand.
    Isabella Swindell Saint Francis University Honors Program

    Honors Program Profile Isabella Swindell

    Written by David Lyttle, Class of 2027 | 12/02/2024
    Profile of Honors Student Isabella Swindell: Isabella wants to become a teacher, specializing in early childhood and special education. She credits the honors program for giving her the confidence to realize this dream.
    Belltower Logo with photo behind

    SFU Nursing In the News: Van Zandt offering RN, NP residency programs

    University Communications & Marketing | 11/26/2024
    Saint Francis University's Department of Nursing is proud to collaborate with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to help new nurses thrive in their careers through innovative residency programs designed to give recently graduated RNs and NPs the support, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to build confidence and stay in the profession.
    Owens Recovery Science

    Unlock the Power of Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation

    Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024
    Join us on March 14, 2025, at Saint Francis University for a one-day course on Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation. Designed for PTs, PTAs, ATCs, and OTs, this course combines expert education, hands-on practice, and continuing education credits to help you integrate BFR therapy into your practice for better patient outcomes. Register now—space is limited!
    Group photo of all of the participants

    An Innovative Approach to Creating a Disaster Simulation

    Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024
    To enhance disaster preparedness in nursing education, an innovative simulation was introduced three years ago as part of the NURS405 Care of Community clinical requirement. Students collaboratively designed and participated in a disaster simulation, taking on roles such as patients, narrators, and triaging nurses. The simulation emphasized critical thinking, resource management, and decision-making under pressure, with a debriefing session to reflect on outcomes. Following this, students transitioned to an ICU simulation, caring for disaster victims and honing their clinical skills. This dual-phase approach improved teamwork, collaboration, and disaster management, preparing students for both community and hospital-based nursing care.
    Saint Francis University FNP students at fall residency experience

    The Saint Francis University FNP Residency Experience

    Dr. Anthony Good | 11/15/2024
    An immersive weekend residency experience is a pivotal component of our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program. View scenes from the Fall 2024 residency and learn why these face-to-face opportunities are so valuable to future FNPs
    OT Students participate in Baby Day

    Annual Baby Day Event Draws Record-Breaking Crowd at Saint Margaret Hall

    Mitchell Jubas, University Marketing & Communications | 11/15/2024
    The record-breaking 2024 Baby Day brought together occupational therapy and education students for an enriching, interdisciplinary learning experience focused on early childhood development. Through hands-on interaction with 26 young participants, students gained invaluable insights into developmental milestones and the power of play, while parents and faculty praised the event’s meaningful impact.
    The dissection occurring in Saint Margarets Hall

    Hands-On: Applied Anatomy

    Mitchell Jubas | 10/30/2024
    Saint Francis University’s largest Interprofessional Gross Dissection Lab welcomed over 30 healthcare professionals and 50 students for an intensive cadaver workshop led by expert surgeons.
    3rd annual wheelchair wash and tune

    Doctor of Physical Therapy Students help at Third Annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune

    Department of Physical Therapy | 10/23/2024
    The South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the United Spinal Association and Laurel Medical Solutions hosted their third annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune on October 4th, 2024. Saint Francis University’s DPT Class of 2027 students assisted during the event, transferring patients and cleaning wheelchairs.
    View All