Health Sciences and Education

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program hosted its annual Baby Day event to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world pediatric assessment. This unique opportunity allowed our students to observe and engage with children at various developmental stages, enhancing their understanding of motor skills and assessment techniques.

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.

On October 18th, the Poverty Simulation Event gathered students and faculty from nursing, PT, social work, and public health to experience the challenges of poverty firsthand. Participants faced scenarios involving housing, healthcare, and limited resources, fostering empathy and raising awareness. The event highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and inspired attendees to take action in addressing poverty within their communities.

Left to Right: Michael Cacciotti, BG Principal, Students: Addison Berardi - Adaya Craig – Dominic Danastasio – Riley Gofus, Tori Wilsoncroft, BG School Counselor Saint Francis University Welcomes Inaugural Group of Students to Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic Academy Saint Francis University is excited to announce the acceptance of the inaugural group of students into the new Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program, offered exclusively to Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic Academy students. This program, a unique collaboration between Saint Francis University and Bishop