Health science and education building

School of Health Sciences and Education

From diverse global communities to underserved rural populations, be prepared to share your gifts with compassion and confidence.

Turn Your Calling Into a Career

Saint Francis of Assisi had a legendary gift for caring, and our School of Health Sciences and Education will help you follow in his footsteps.
Here we offer programs in healthcare, education, social work, and psychology that carefully blend specialized professional curricula with a liberal arts education rooted in Catholic Franciscan values developed to foster your unique gifts.  Whether you aspire to heal minds, bodies, and souls or you choose to cultivate the minds of tomorrow; our majors can help you be ready for an innovative, high-touch profession where learning never stops.  
A diligent student with a cross sticker on their laptop

focus on leadership development and service-learning

Enthusiastic Faculty member gesturing with hands

direct connections with expert faculty

Students hands-on learning with a stethoscope

quality clinical, internship, and student teaching opportunities

Why Saint Francis?

Approach Your Future with Confidence

Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for success on any corresponding certifications or exams associated with your program, graduate programs, and your career. Our students benefit from:
  • Hands-on learning
  • Small class sizes
  • Practical, authentic educational environments
  • Opportunities for research, community engagement, inter-professional experiences, simulation and study abroad
Faculty instructing students
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities for growth. Support for your passion.

 
 
Our School of Health Sciences and Education is designed to provide you with the skills, practical experience, expert support, and innovative facilities you need to follow your calling. 
Students in white lab coats enjoying learning
HSED BANNER

Facilities and Resources 

stained glass window up close
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND EDUCATION FACULTY

A personalized approach to learning and leading

 

The School of Health Sciences and Education utilizes exceptional learning opportunities to help you become the competent, compassionate and ethical professional you are destined to be. Experience our unique camaraderie through hands-on learning in small classes lead by expert faculty. Saint Francis University professors will know you by name and provide individualized focus, attention and support to help you achieve your highest potential in your program of focus.

 

Kerri Golden Profile Image

Dr. Kerri Golden, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Education

An expert in administration and management, leadership, ethics, and occupational therapy, Dr. Golden is dedicated to supporting students in the School of Health Sciences and Education through high-quality experiences and individualized attention. Dr. Golden is a trained CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) where she serves as a child advocate for those at-risk in Cambria County. She has received numerous awards for teaching and advocacy from the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association. 

 

Undergraduate Degrees in the School of HSED

 Education

  • B.S. in Early Childhood Education (on-campus)
  • Online ECE degrees (associate, degree completion and bachelor's)
  • Subject-Specific B.S.  in Secondary Education: Grades 7-12 ( Biology, English, History, Mathematics, and Spanish)
  • B.S. in Special Education

Education degree paths   

Exercise Physiology

  • B.S. in Exercise Physiology ( concentrations in Fitness Professionals, Graduate Allied-Health, and Pre-Med)
  • Minors in Diving, Movement Science, and Exercise Physiology

Exercise Physiology degree paths 

Nursing

  • Nursing BSN Traditional (on-campus)
  • BSN Second Degree Track (on-campus)

Nursing  degree paths

Occupational Therapy

  • Accelerated /Early-Entry Master of Occupational Therapy

Direct-entry occupational therapy path 

Physician Assistant Science

  • Accelerated Early-Entry MPAS (3+2)
  • Pre-PA ConcentrationHealth Care Studies, B.S.

Physician Assistant Science degree paths

 

Physical Therapy

  • Accelerated 3+3 option, direct-entry to DPT program
  • Traditional 4+3 option, direct-entry to DPT program

Direct-entry Physical Therapy degree path 

Psychology

  • B.S. in Psychological Science (concentrations in pre-med and neuroscience)
  • Neuroscience (double major: Psychology/Biology)
  • Minor in Animal-Assited Health & Education
  • 4+3 DPT early-entry program

Psychology degree paths 

Pre-Med

  • Pre-Med (concentrations under Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Exercise Physiology, Psychology, and Public Health)
  • Early-Acceptance programs in dentistry,  optometry,  medicine, and pharmacy

.Pre-med degree paths  

Public Health

  • B.A./ B.S.  in Public Health (concentration in Environmental Science, Epidemiology, Health Policy Administrator, and Pre-Med)
  • Online B.A. in Public Health

Public Health degree paths

 

Social Work

  • B.S. in Social Work

Social Work degree path

More Healthcare Degrees

Signature Minors & Certificates

 

 

Graduate Degrees in the School of HSED

Education

Healthcare

 

An Ancient stone wall hosting a hooded and pious Saint Francis gazing towards heaven. Sparsely garnished conifers glow green in the sunlight.

Several academic programs within the School of Health Sciences and Education at Saint Francis University are accredited by their respective specialized accrediting agencies.
Learn more 

Mission Statement

The School of Health Sciences and Education provides an inclusive learning community with a focus on rural and underserved populations that integrates collaborative and innovative educational opportunities with a liberal arts foundation. Inspired by the teachings and character of Saint Francis of Assisi, we prepare competent, compassionate, and ethical educators, researchers and health care professionals to live in solidarity with all creation.

 

Blog
OT student receiving her pin from professor

2025 OT Pinning Ceremony Held

Marie Young, University Communications Manager | 05/29/2025
With warmth, reverence, and a celebration of professional growth, Saint Francis University held its annual Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony on May 9, 2025, honoring 25 graduating students as they transition from academic study to clinical practice.
A FNP Student smiles at the camera

America’s #1 Job Starts Here: Become an NP at Saint Francis University

Mitchell Jubas | 05/27/2025
With job growth projected at 46% and a median salary of $126,260, Nurse Practitioners are in higher demand than ever—filling critical gaps in healthcare nationwide. Saint Francis University’s flexible, affordable Family Nurse Practitioner programs are designed for working nurses, offering 100% online coursework, minimal campus visits, and no GRE/GMAT required. Learn how SFU can help you take the next step in this top-ranked, high-impact career.
Shoulder Workshop

Shoulder Expertise Unleashed: Workshop Recap with Survey Highlights!

Andrew Miller | 04/29/2025
Saint Francis University’s Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Departments partnered with Drayer Physical Therapy Institute and University Orthopedics Center to host an engaging, hands-on workshop titled Bridging the Gap Series: Shoulder Dysfunction for 38 students and clinical professionals. The event fostered interprofessional collaboration and practical learning through case studies, virtual cadaver labs, and expert mentorship.
OT Alumni Collaboration

OT Alumni Collaboration

Department of Occupational Therapy | 02/26/2025
Maura (Koshute) Shearman, an OT alumna, identified a unique opportunity to involve our OT students and faculty in improving the functional mobility of her client, Nate, who lives in a rural area where accessible outpatient OT services for custom orthotic device fabrication are unavailable.
OT Accreditation certificate

Celebrating Our 10-Year Accreditation: A Milestone of Excellence

Dr. Andrew Miller OTR/L, CHT, CFE, ATC/L | 01/24/2025
The Saint Francis University Master of Occupational Therapy program has received a 10-year accreditation status, the highest level of recognition a program can achieve. This prestigious honor reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in education and the exceptional opportunities we provide to our students.
Andrew Tinker accepts DAISY Award

Junior Nursing Student Andrew Tinker Receives National Student DAISY Award

Mitchell Jubas | 12/03/2024
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.
Isabella Swindell Saint Francis University Honors Program

Honors Program Profile Isabella Swindell

Written by David Lyttle, Class of 2027 | 12/02/2024
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.
Belltower Logo with photo behind

SFU Nursing In the News: Van Zandt offering RN, NP residency programs

University Communications & Marketing | 11/26/2024
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.
Owens Recovery Science

Unlock the Power of Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation

Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024
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!
Group photo of all of the participants

An Innovative Approach to Creating a Disaster Simulation

Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024
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.
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