Health science and education

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 GoldenInterim 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

  • BSN (on-campus)
  • Accelerated RN to  BSN (second degree)
  • Online RN to BSN

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)
  • Accelerated MPH
  • 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

Lessons Learned from Shelter Cats

University Communications & Marketing | 02/22/2024
In 2022, SFU welcomed its first feline cohort. Dr. Flaisher-Grinberg outlined the diligent work that went into this class in a recent article recently published in IAABC, the Journal of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

SFU Nursing Chair Elected to AACN Board Appointment

Department of Nursing | 02/21/2024
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) elected the Saint Francis Univesity Nursing Department chair, Rita Trofino, DNP, MNEd, RN, to serve a two-year term on its Board of Directors.

Hands-On Learning Experiences Making Headlines

University Communications & Marketing | 02/09/2024
Saint Francis University garnered front-page headlines in The Tribute-Democrat newspaper twice this week, both showcasing experiential learning in action.

OTs celebrate opening of new facility

01/27/2024
SFU Occupational Therapy students and faculty hosted an open house on January 26, 2024 to share their new space, St. Margaret Hall, with the campus community. The department is planning an official open house in April (OT Month) for the public (and alumni!).

Unified Bocce Ball: A Journey of Unity and Joy 

William W. Marshall, Penn Cambria School District | 01/26/2024
The Penn Cambria School District Superintendent shares the emotional "why" of how he brought an activity that showcases the power of unity and inclusion to his students by partnering with Saint Francis University's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute.

SFU's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership Institute Hosts National Expert

University Communications & Marketing | 11/29/2023
Saint Francis University's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute invited Dr. Richard Ingersoll, a leading national expert on America’s elementary and secondary teaching force, to address a crowd more than 70 educational leaders on Nov. 16, 2023.

Saint Margaret Hall Blessing and Dedication

University Marketing & Communications | 10/24/2023
On Friday, October 20, 2023, Saint Francis University celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of Saint Margaret Hall. The facility, bearing the name of St. Margaret of Cortona, will primarily serve Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Science majors and is scheduled to open in January 2024.

Canine Learning and Behavior Course Featured in "The Conversation"

University Communications & Marketing | 09/13/2023
Dr. Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg, Associate Professor of Psychology at Saint Francis University, was invited to write an article for the "Uncommon Courses" column of "The Conversation." The article, titled "Canines go to college in this class that seeks to give shelter dogs a fresh start," features an inside look at SFU's Canine Learning and Behavior course.