School of Health Sciences and Education

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.

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.

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

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.