Incoming Graduate Students
New information is continually being posted (check dates for when updated - the first changes for the grad students beginning in Summer 2009 was 1/13/2009 - anything before that has not been reviewed/updated)
Thanks! - Welcome to SFU
Classes begin (with arrival and check-in at 9:00 AM) on May 26, 2009
location - Sullivan Hall 102
(Clinical ID Photos Will be Taken at Check-In, Please Dress Professionally - you can change afterwards if you wish)
(end date for summer is August 6 with Fall beginning on August 24, 2009)
Last update to this page: May 20, 2009 (Policy Manual/Blackboard Info)
Blackboard: The course schedules, objectives, etc. are just about complete for the summer. All material will be found in Blackboard. Please contact me (Ms. Link) to obtain your login ID. Here are instructions to get you started.
Please feel free to contact me if you need anything. Ms. Link
Here is a list of a few current students willing to answer some questions:
Some of the following material is available for viewing/printing via Adobe Acrobat Reader):
Please remember that you must be able to meet the Technical Standards of the Program. Please see them for review.
(03/26/09) Textbooks
The University allows students to reserve/purchase their books from the bookstore before they arrive at school.
(updated 3/26/09) Background Checks/Urine Drug Screens:
- We will be sending you a packet of information for Background checks in the first part of April.
- Please contact myself or Ms. Casher (CCasher@francis.edu) if you have any questions.
- Additionally, in June, you will be required to complete a Urine Drug Screen, as set up by the Department.
- Please note that one must have a negative urine drug screen and have been cleared by Student Health in order to attend clinical experiences. Not attending clinical experiences may affect your progression in the Program and prevent graduation.
(3/26/09) Health Requirements
(any questions regarding health requirements can be directed to: Ms. Casher (CCasher@francis.edu or 814-472-3135)
Utilizing the ‘Professional Student Health Record Summary ‘ checklist, make an appointment with your medical provider to assure completion of all required health information including, labs, immunizations, and titers.
Once you have completed your "Professional Student Health Record Summary and the appropriate lab work is completed, collect and assemble them into one packet and forward to SFU Student Health Office c/o Karen McCabe, RN.
It is your responsibility to assure that all information is complete, accurate and submitted by June 8, 2009 or penalties will be affixed to the History Taking/Patient Education course, which also may affect your progression in the Program and prevent graduation.
(01/13/2009) Systems Exams Check Sheets - For review prior to entrance
(continually being updated - 1/13/2009) Housing Information
(1/13/2009) You will be provided with an IBM laptop for utilization during your graduate studies (see technology fee on expense sheet). The laptop has wireless Internet access while on campus and a modem for dial-up access off campus. The fee includes support service and all software required by the Department. The laptop will be yours to keep after the successful completion of the Program.
(1/13/2009) PSPA Membership
- All students are strongly encouraged to join the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA). Member benefits abound, even as a student. Whether you join the PSPA or your home state constituent chapter, it is time to support YOUR profession. Applicants for membership are available at www.pspa.net.
(1/13/2009) AAPA Membership
- It is encouraged that all students become American Academy of Physician Assistant (AAPA) members. Membership allows one to begin to nurture their growth as a member of a health profession. An application for membership can be obtained by calling: 703-836-2272 (ask for a membership application); utilizing the AAPA Website (www.aapa.org) or by e-mailing aapa@aapa.org. You may list Donna Yeisley as sponsoring member, if you wish.
SFU Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office wants to remind all incoming students to make sure that they have the 2008-2009 FAFSA on file in their Office. Please see an updated expense sheet for 2008-2009.
(1/13/2009) Physical Exam Lab Attire
In order to participate in the physical exam labs, it will be necessary for women to bring a pair of loose fitting shorts, t-shirt and a bra-type (sports bra) top, no halter tops. Men wear gym shorts and t-shirts. Please be sure to bring these items with you to the first week of classes.
(1/13/2009) Transportation
All didactic students are assigned to clinical experiences on a rotating basis, at local hospitals and clinics. Most are less than a forty-minute drive. Please remember the Physician Assistant Program does not provide transportation to clinical experiences.
(1/13/2009) Malpractice Insurance
Saint Francis University will be able to provide malpractice insurance for students. Currently, no extra cost will be passed on to the student. Physician Assistant Program currently requires each professional phase student to maintain a current malpractice policy in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 (subject to change as necessary).
(1/13/2009) Health Insurance
It is Saint Francis University policy that all students carry health insurance. The school has a health insurance policy that may be purchased. Information about this policy can be obtained from the University Business Office (814-472-3006). Please plan to show proof of health insurance coverage upon arrival.
(2/2/09) Medical Terminology:
If you have not completed a medical terminology course, you need to purchase the following text, read each chapter and complete "All Review" Exercises. You will then need to bring these with you to the first week of classes. If you have completed a course, please let Ms. Link know that, and have an official transcript sent to her, if it is not included on the transcripts that you are already sending in.
If you have not completed a medical terminology course, you need to purchase the following text, read each chapter and complete "All Review" Exercises. You will then need to bring these with you to the first week of classes. If you have completed a course, please let Ms. Link know that, and have an official transcript sent to her, if it is not included on the transcripts that you are already sending in. The book: Gylys, B.A. and Masters, R.M. (2005). Medical Terminology Simplified, 3rd Edition. F.A. Davis
(02/02/2009) Medical Equipment
Please have your oto-ophthalmoscope fully charged for the first day of class.
You will need medical equipment to fit the description on the following list. We do not endorse a particular brand, but recommend you go with a name brand to assure quality and guarantee of service, parts, etc. You will need to have this equipment for the start of school on May 26, when you will begin to learn the physical examination.
- Dual Head Stethoscope (with bell and diaphragm)
- BP Cuff (you don't need to buy an expensive one)
- Snellen Chart (that is held 14" from the patient's face)
- Reflex Hammer
- Tuning Fork 512 CPS (unweighted)
- Tuning Fork 128 CPS (weighted)
- Penlight
- Thermometer (your choice)
- Oto-Ophthalmoscope Set (Pan optic or traditional coaxial)
- Department recommends staying with the Welch Allyn brand. SFU PA students have articulated that they are able to visualize the fundus of the eye much easier with the Welch Allyn pan optic ophthalmoscope than with the traditional coaxial ophthalmoscope. The traditional scope is used more commonly in clinical practice. Also, do NOT purchase the pocket or so called "mini" Oto-Ophthalmoscope sets. Halogen sets are preferable to non-halogen sets. You should purchase a 3.5v halogen set.
- Basic models include the Welch Allyn 97800-MS (pan optic) or the 97200-MS (traditional coaxial), Any set which contains the basic materials in either of these two models will be sufficient.
- Please check the Internet for competitive prices
- pneumatic insufflation bulb for otoscope
- Pregnancy Wheel
- Tape measure, paper clips, 6 inch ruler
- Coffee, vanilla, or other distinguishable scents in small container - like the little plastic containers that film comes in. The vanilla scent is best kept in the container it comes in.
- Paper clip x 2, bottle cap, penny, cotton balls x 2
- Six inch ruler (solid)
- Felt tip pen
- White Lab Coat (at least one short lab coat)
- Bag to carry medical equipment (you may buy traditional "Doctor" type bag or use any sort of professional looking canvas bag).
Where you buy your medical equipment is up to you. Here are a couple Web sites for medical equipment:
(05/20/09) Policy Manual: please take some time and review the materials contained in the Department policy manual. Contained within it you will find the compilation of Program policies that you should read and be familiar with. May I ask you to direct specific attention to the sections on technical standards, progression, and graduation requirements. After you have read the policies, please sign the learning contract and send it to the Department office prior to the beginning of the summer semester. Note, a signed contract must be in your file prior to the beginning of the summer semester. Should you have any questions concerning any of the material located in the policy manual, please contact Ms. Donna Yeisley, Chair at 814-472-3131.
Some miscellaneous expenses that may occur during the first year :