Physician Assistant Science Student Opportunities

  • Explore the Possibilities

    Our students gain real world experience that equips them with the skill sets they need to land world class careers. Below are just a few of the opportunities waiting for you as a future physician assistant student. 

  • History and Physical Examination Labs

    This lab provides a clinical-type setting where students are taught the complete history and physical exam and have the opportunity to practice exam techniques on student lab partners. The lab contains:

    • eight examination tables, two of which provide accommodations for pelvic exams
    • two wall-mounted oto-ophthalmoscopes
    • various models to give the students practice on such modalities as suturing and the giving of injections
    • instruments for attaining clinical skills in casting and other orthopedic modalities
    • numerous boney and plastic skeletal models which provide acumen on anatomical knowledge.

  • Cadaver Lab

    Pictures or drawings of the human body provided by books, CD-ROM presentations, and videos lack the ability to provide students with the 3-dimensional sensation working on the human body. The approach in our program is more hands-on with actual human cadaver dissection by students working in teams with a Ph.D. anatomist. We are fortunate to have cadavers to use from the Human Gift Registry in the state of Pennsylvania. The PA department procures two or three cadavers per year for teaching purposes.

  • Physician Assistant Student Society

    Purpose


    The Society is organized and shall be operated as the official organization of the Physician Assistant students at Saint Francis University. To represent Physician Assistant students so as to maximize the benefit of their services to the public, the Society shall:

    • Promote the concept of the Physician Assistant as a member of the professional health care team both in the university and medical community.
    • Promote professional attitudes, awareness, and high medical standards of education among Physician Assistant students at Saint Francis University.
    • Serve as the official liaison between the national and state levels of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
    • Serve as the liaison in establishing and continuing communication between other Physician Assistant student societies, medical societies and other healthcare organizations.
    • Provide or sponsor continuing medical or medically-related education programs for the Saint Francis University students.
    • Provide any information concerning national and state legislation and/or policies, which affect the individual Physician Assistant and/or student in the pursuit of his/her role on the healthcare team.

    Yearly Activities include:


    • Hosting community PAs for Q&A nights
    • Sponsoring a table at the Activities fair and CLASS days
    • Organizing a medical equipment and PA clothing order
    • Relay for Life
    • Miscellaneous campus and community events for health screening or PA awareness

  • Internships and Networking

    As a student you may participate in professional activities including attending and presenting in professional conferences as you learn new things and are ready to share your research. Membership in the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is enthusiastically supported and encouraged. Some of our students participate in "Challenge Bowl" that occurs each year at the PSPA annual conference. 

  • Clinical Rotations

    Our students complete eight 5-week rotations in the following specialties: Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Women's Health. They also able able to complete on 5-week elective in the specialty of their choosing. These rotations include private practices and hospitals; in a variety of locations-from rural family practices to inner-city clinics to major medical centers. The majority of clinical sites are in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states; however, rotations are available in various locations within the U.S. and abroad. The only states that we are not able to offer clinical rotations in include Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  We can offer clinical rotations in Tennessee as long as the student makes the initial contact.

  • The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness

    The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness is state-of-the art 30,000 square foot education and research center provides a clinical training area for students as well as an outreach services for under-served rural populations near the university .It houses a student health center, rehabilitation services, a human performance lab. fitness and spiritual wellness areas, and conference facilities.

    A New Science Center

    The Science Center is flagship facility is slated to be completed in Fall 2013, and will provide state-of-the art classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities. Students in allied health sciences majors will take many of their foundation science courses in this new facility.

    Service Learning: Hugs Mission Trip

    The Hugs United Spring Break Mission Trip is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers of students, faculty, and alumni head to the Dominican Republic to work closely with an orphanage and provide much needed love and support. A team that includes students from Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Science, Nursing, and Education departments help administer health services for patients and children.  It is exciting to see so many of our students dedicate their break to providing medical service in this truly blessed service-learning opportunity.

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