School of Health Sciences & Education

Cancer Care, Graduate Programs

  • School of Health Sciences and Education
  • DiSepio Institute
  • Center For Rural Cancer Survivorship
  • Francis Worldwide
  • Tuition and Fees
    • Improve the Lives of Cancer Survivors

    Cancer Care Programs at Saint Francis University

    Academic programs in Cancer Care are offered under the umbrella of the Center for Rural Cancer Survivorship at SFU. The CRCS promotes a patient-centered approach to cancer care that integrates knowledge from a team of professionals from different disciplines. 

     

    Flexible Certificate and Masters Programs

    No matter which programmatic path you pursue, our core Cancer Care curriculum is designed to provide a broad spectrum of skills for individuals who work with cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.

    Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cancer Care

    fully online

     

    Designed for working professionals such as nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and others who want to have a deeper understanding of cancer care. Also ideal for professionals working in the fitness industry who wish to enhance the lives of cancer survivors through exercise.  

    Master of Science in Cancer Care 

    on-campus  (some courses can be taken online) with clinical components

     

    A flexible master's degree path designed for professionals in healthcare, psychology, social work, and other fields who work with cancer patients and their families and wish to deepen their knowledge in Cancer Care. Also provides a solid foundation for those who wish to enter the workforce right after graduation in fields such as public health.

    Exercise Oncology, MS
    on-campus  (some courses can be taken online) with clinical components

     

    This specialization builds on the core curriculum of the Master of Science in Cancer Care with a deeper dive into research on the role of exercise in the prevention, treatment, and post-acute care.  On-campus clinical opportunities abound through the Center for Rehabilitation in the DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness.

     

     

    The Study of Rural
    Cancer Survivorship at SFU

     

    "Survivorship" is not synonymous with "cured."  

     

    The critical need for professionals across disciplines to improve the care provided to survivors far beyond the scope of acute treatment is critical. The Cancer Care program at SFU was established to advance knowledge and bring advocacy to cancer survivors, particularly those living in rural areas.  

     

    Why study cancer care?

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    The need for trained healthcare professionals in the area of cancer survivorship is growing.
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     22 million cancer survivors will be in need of post-acute treatment support by the year 2030.

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    With the right preparation, you can impact the future of cancer care in your profession. 

     The SFU LEARNING EXPERIENCE

    Cancer Care the Saint Francis Way

    A Franciscan Commitment to Cancer Care 

    St. Francis of Assisi went out into the world to minister to the marginalized, preaching the Gospel through actions. In our Cancer Care program, we follow his model and strive to educate caring, compassionate, professionals who use their talents for the greater good.  

     

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    A Survivor's Perspective

    "I'm grateful that an organization like this cares enough to create a cancer care team, and sees the importance of helping build the foundation of getting well and staying well." ~Linda Gilroy Palmer, breast and ovarian cancer survivor.

    Online Certificate in Cancer Care (post-baccalaureate)

    This fully online certificate is perfect for individuals with a bachelor's degree in any field seeking advanced study in Cancer Care.  These credits can also be transferred towards one of our Master degrees in Cancer Care.

    • Program Snapshot
    • Admissions
    • Learning Outcomes

    • Program Snapshot

      • fully online
      • 18 total credits
      • 1-year anticipated completion time (July-May)
      • Courses offered either as 8-week or 15-week sessions 
      • Rolling enrollment 
      • Course Catalog
      • Plan of Study

      In this post-baccalaureate certificate program you will:

      • Gain knowledge in the biopsychosocial aspects of cancer survivorship.
      • Have the opportunity to explore the synergy of individual, disease, and environment.
      • Distinguish between descriptive and analytical epidemiology designs.
      • Apply positive psychology approaches in daily living.

    • Admissions Requirements: 

      • Completed bachelor's degree in any academic discipline prior to the beginning of the program

      • Completed graduate Admissions application 

      • Admission deadline:  This certificate program has a rolling admission. 

      Questions:

      Dr. Stephen Baker, PhD
      814.472.2769
      SBaker@francis.edu

    • The student goals of this certificate include: 

      • Students will gain knowledge in the biopsychosocial aspects of cancer survivorship. 

      • Students will have the opportunity to explore the synergy of individual, disease, and environment. 

    Master of Science in Cancer Care Program

    The Master of Science in Cancer Care curriculum provides education in the biology, epidemiology, psychosocial and methods of treatment and exercise interventions of cancer so that the graduate has a more complete understanding of the disease as well as the skills and knowledge to assist patients and their caregivers to deal with this disease and its limitations.  

    • Program Snapshot
    • Admissions
    • Learning Objectives

    • Program Snapshot

      Master of Science in Cancer Care

      • Credits: 30

      • Flexible Delivery: online with clinical components in your region. Ability to take courses on campus if desired 

      • Completion Time: 12-months 

      • Priority enrollment deadline: June 1 

      • Start Date: Rolling

      • Tuition and Fees

      • Course Catalog 

      • Plan of Study

    • Admission Requirements: 

      • Completed bachelor's degree prior to beginning the program.

      • Completed graduate admission application.

      • The completion of the following prerequisites or their equivalent with at least a cumulative 3.000 QPA:
        - General Biology with Lab
        - Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
        - Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
        - Exercise Physiology with Lab*
        - Clinical Exercise Physiology*
        - Exercise Testing and Prescription*
        - One Psychology course at or above the 200 level
        - A Statistics and/or Research Methods course

      • Coursework in Chemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics and Immunology are suggested but not required.

      • EP-C or similar BS level Certification is recommended but not required 

      *No grades in the conferring degree or prerequisites less than a "C" 
      **Students not possessing the above requirements may enroll in Saint Francis University courses to meet the requirement. 

    • As a graduate of our Cancer Care program, you will be able to:

      • Gain a more complete understanding of cancer as a disease, its treatments, and the limitations it poses;

      • Assist those who have struggled or are struggling with cancer via rehabilitation and counseling;

      • Draw from interdisciplinary studies in other fields to approach the study of cancer and further the field in unique ways.

      The outcomes of the program will be to graduate students who either want to be practitioners, at the RCEP or CES level with an ability to fit into a variety of clinical or research environments or those who go on for a Doctoral Degree (PhD).

    Master of Science in Exercise Oncology

    The Master of Science in Exercise Oncology is the first master's program in the nation with a multi-disciplinary approach focused on exercise oncology.

     

    The need for health professionals in cancer care is expected to grow well into the 21st century, which makes the study of Cancer Care an excellent choice for those seeking employment directly after graduation. The body of knowledge on the efficacy of exercise in disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation is firm. Exercise is becoming an accepted and expected standard of care, with significant advances in the area of cancer. The American Academy of Sports Medicine (ACSM) task force is seeking clinical exercise physiologists as qualified health professionals. The need for more efficient and effective means of preventing disease and maintaining the health of populations and our planet will continue to increase the demand for graduates with a focus on public health and patient-centered care.

    • Program Snapshot
    • Admissions
    • Learning Outcomes

    • Program Snapshot

      MS Exercise Oncology

      • 39 total credits

      • Offered on campus with the option to take lecture portion remotely.

      • Residential components must be completed in Loretto.

      • 16-months anticipated completion time

      • Priority enrollment deadline, May 1 

      • Summer semester (May) start time 

      • Tuition and Fees

      • Course Catalog

      • Plan of Study

    •  

      Admissions Requirements

      • Completed bachelor's degree prior to beginning the program.

      • Completed graduate admission application.

      • The completion of the following prerequisites or their equivalent with at least a cumulative 3.000 QPA:
        - General Biology with Lab
        - Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
        - Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
        - Exercise Physiology with Lab*
        - Clinical Exercise Physiology*
        - Exercise Testing and Prescription*
        - One Psychology course at or above the 200 level
        - A Statistics and/or Research Methods course

      • Coursework in Chemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics and Immunology are suggested but not required.

      • EP-C or similar BS level Certification is recommended but not required 

      *No grades in the conferring degree or prerequisites less than a "C" 
      **Students not possessing the above requirements may enroll in Saint Francis University courses to meet the requirement. 

    • As a graduate of our MSCC Exercise Oncology program, you will be able to:

      • Gain a more complete understanding of cancer as a disease, its treatments, and the limitations it poses;

      • Assist those who have struggled or are struggling with cancer via rehabilitation and counseling;

      • Draw from interdisciplinary studies in other fields to approach the study of cancer and further the field in unique ways.

      The outcomes of the program will be to graduate students who either want to be practitioners, at the RCEP or CES level with an ability to fit into a variety of clinical or research environments or those who go on for a Doctoral Degree (PhD).

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    Integrated Expertise

    Cancer Care faculty members are passionate about improving post-acute treatment for cancer survivors. While each professor approaches healing from his or her own area of specialization, they see the power in combining forces. The interdisciplinary curriculum is taught by faculty specializing in Biology, Exercise Physiology, Medicine, Nutrition, Philosophy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, and Social Work. 

     

    Program Chair: Dr. Stephen Baker, sbaker@francis.edu, 814.472.2769

    FAQs

    Frequently asked questions about the Cancer Care programs at Saint Francis University

    • What is the Center for Rural Cancer Survivorship?

      The University's  Center for Rural Cancer Survivorship plays a pivotal role in the academic Cancer Care programs. This comprehensive interdisciplinary center was developed to provide outpatient services to all cancer patients and survivors in need. Whether newly diagnosed or long finished with treatment, our goal is to improve daily function and quality of life for the cancer survivor.

       

      View the Center Homepage

    • What facilities and clinical opportunities are available?

      Campus classes meet in dedicated physical therapy lab and lecture spaces. Clinical opportunities will be available through the Center for Rehabilitation in the DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellnesson campus. Here survivors receive physical, occupational and/or speech therapy in conjunction with exercise interventions for fatigue and other related comorbid conditions. Additionally, students will have access to the Human Performance Lab within DiSepio. 

    • What courses are required for the Cancer Care certificate program?

      Total credits: 18

      Required Courses (15 credits): 

      • Introduction to Integrated Cancer Care 
      • Epidemiology Primer 
      • Epidemiology of Cancer 
      • Biology of Cancer 
      • Diagnosis & Treatment of Cancer 
      • Psychosocial Landscape of Cancer 
      • Compassionate Caregiving for Cancer Professionals 
      • Recent Developments in Cancer Care 

      Elective Courses (3 credits)

      • Positive Psychology 
      • Principles of Clinical Research 
      • Nutrition
      • Communication for the Health Professional
      • Exercise and Testing for Cancer Survivors (lecture only, restricted to Exercise Physiology students) 
      • Leadership Biostatistics
      • Health Care Marketing
      • Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health 
      • Medical and Research Ethics 
      • Narrative Medicine 

    Career Outlook in Cancer Care

    According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), 1.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year and nearly 14 million people have survived cancer. This makes cancer care an immense network of jobs and studies, from biology to psychology to physical therapy. Graduates of our program will be perfectly placed to choose their path and begin making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.