School of Health Sciences and Education

Saint Francis University’s Class of 2017 Nursing graduates, who earned their Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing this past May, have already gone on to pass National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The Nursing Department received word this month that all 15 of the new graduates had passed the exam on their first try. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing will release the official results in October. “We are so grateful for all of the time and effort that the faculty and students have put forth in achieving such outstanding outcomes. This is our fourth graduating class in a row to

PT major Danielle MacMurtrie blended her love of anatomy and art during her time at Saint Francis University. Danielle MacMurtrie PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2016 Employed by HeathSouth Rehab Hospital in Lancaster Physical Therapy at SFU Presidential Inauguration Anatomy Painting Project Q&A with Danielle What sparked your interest in Physical Therapy? How old were you? I was first exposed to physical therapy when I was 13. I sustained a back injury caused by years of gymnastics. I wore a back brace for 2 years and received frequent physical therapy. It was the first career in

Q&A with Danielle What sparked your interest in Physical Therapy? How old were you? I was first exposed to physical therapy when I was 13. I sustained a back injury caused by years of gymnastics. I wore a back brace for 2 years and received frequent physical therapy. It was the first career in which I could picture myself working. I was never interested in being a doctor or a nurse, but after growing up doing gymnastics, being in the PT gym just felt like home. What have you been up to since graduation? HealthSouth Rehab Hospital has been an excellent environment for me to begin my career as a

A First-Year Convocation was held on August 19, and all first-year students were in attendance. The Deans from the Schools at Saint Francis alongside the Provost Wayne Powel, President Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., current student Gabrielle Beck, and alumna Elisha Fleig processed into the filled auditorium to officially welcome students academically to the University and offer words of wisdom. After a welcome and opening prayer, Fr. Malachi expressed his confidence in the first-year students’ ability to succeed, and current student Gabrielle Beck (double major in psychology and Spanish )

The July issue of Blair Business Mirror featured Kimberly Elter, a recent Saint Francis graduate and current Blair County Chamber of Commerce intern. The article featured in the issue highlighted the experience and unique opportunities Kimberly is gaining as an intern for the Chamber. A well-sought-after destination for internships, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce offers internships in Marketing and Business Administration. Linda Stotler, the Chamber’s Vice President of Communication and Marketing, spearheads the internship program, setting and expecting high standards from the interns

Tori Martin, a fourth-year Master of Occupational Therapy student, was awarded the prestigious Ann Eppard Scholarship and congressional internship presented at the Presidents Awards Convocation on April 26. Tori is currently completing her internship in the office of U.S. House Representative Bill Shuster R-PA 9th district on Capitol Hill. Tori has so far learned the ins-and-outs of the voting process, met many staff and legislators, and is now trained to provide tours to visitors to the Hill. She talks to constituents about their concerns and if this is not enough, it's only her first of four

Heather N. McHenry, PA-C, ’08, MPAS, ’09, has been selected as the speaker for the 2016 Graduate Commencement ceremony on May 8. About Ms. McHenry Heather McHenry says she knew immediately—on her first trip to Honduras as a Saint Francis undergraduate—that she was hooked on medical missions. “It opened my eyes,” says McHenry of the experience. Even though she was not a licensed provider at the time and could only assist the physical therapy team in charge of the trip, she says she found the work immensely gratifying. After earning her master’s in physician assistant science and licensure

In 2012, Saint Francis University launched a new program: Public Health . This past December, the program celebrated its first two graduates, William Myers and Austin Potts. A recent addition to the School of Health Sciences at Saint Francis University, Public Health develops professionals to promote health and the prevention of disease through research, community-based interventions and public policy. Put simply, public health professionals strive to keep people healthy by battling against deadly, contagious diseases and working to reduce incidences of preventable diseases or disasters. As

Danielle MacMurtrie, a newly minted Doctor of Physical Therapy , finished off her final years at Saint Francis University creating an anatomy painting series for the School of Health Sciences. Project Background: While some youth dream of being doctors or nurses, Danielle set her sights on physical therapy. She was first exposed to physical therapy when she was 13 after sustaining a back injury caused by years of gymnastics. “I wore a back brace for two years and received frequent PT.” she recalled “It was the first career in which I could picture myself working. Being in the PT gym just felt

Mr. Tim Fish Education Major, Class of 1990 Titusville, New Jersey Tim's Story The path that led Tim Fish to his current job as an associate headmaster at a private school in Maryland was full of twists and turns. Fish excitedly and gracefully embraced each opportunity and setback he faced. With guidance and self-determination, he has carved out an impressive and eclectic career for himself. When Fish entered his freshmen year at Saint Francis, he began his studies as a chemistry major. He was doing well and sailed through his chemistry classes—until organic chemistry. The course was more