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UMPC Altoona + Saint Francis University

Your Nursing Career Starts Here

Scholarship, bonus, and loan help - plus a guaranteed career at UPMC Altoona.

When you choose Saint Francis University and commit to starting your career at UPMC Altoona, you unlock a financial package designed to remove barriers and set you up for success.

 

  • Up to $15,000 Scholarship
    • Covers the difference between your financial aid and SFU tuition (available for juniors and seniors).
  • Up to $15,000 Sign-On Bonus
    • Upon graduation, receive a sign-on bonus (amount varies by unit).
  • Up to $15,000 Student Loan Repayment Assistance
    • Reduce your debt as you build your career.

 

*All with one simple, two-year work commitment at UPMC Altoona in select units.

This one-of-a-kind partnership between UPMC Altoona, the Ward Family, and Saint Francis University connects education with opportunity, creating a direct path from classroom to career.

Where Your Career Begins

 

UPMC Altoona is more than a hospital, it's where your nursing career will thrive. With hands-on experience, supportive mentorship, and access to UPMC's extensive healthcare network, you'll start your career in an environment built for growth.

 

This program is also made possible through the generosity of the Ward Family, whose support helps future nurses like you take the first step with confidence.

 

Visit UPMC Altoona to learn more. 

 

Your Pathway to a Career with UPMC Altoona

Starting your nursing career doesn't have to be complicated. This program combines financial support and a guaranteed career path, so you can focus on what matters most: becoming an exceptional nurse. 

 

From enrollment to graduation and beyond, here's what to expect:

  • Saint Francis University is Changing the Way Nurses Learn

    At Saint Francis University, our unique interprofessional curriculum prepares nurses to enter the field sooner and with greater confidence. Rooted in Franciscan values, our program develops ethical, compassionate professionals who are ready to make a difference. With personal attention from faculty recognized as innovators in nursing education, our graduates consistently exceed the national first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

     

     

  • Once you've joined SFU's nursing program, you can apply for the UPMC Nursing Scholarship. This program connects you directly to UPMC Altoona and ensures you're considered for:

     

    • Up to $15,000 in scholarship funding to cover the gap between your aid and SFU tuition (for juniors and seniors)
    • A guaranteed career pathway with UPMC Altoona upon graduation
    • Additional financial incentives, including the sign-on bonus and loan repayment assistance

     

    This step is your gateway to a bundled package worth up to $45,000 in total support while you complete your degree and prepare for your future.

  • After your eligibility is reviewed at the end of your sophomore year, you’ll receive a personalized award package that outlines every part of your financial support. This package details:

     

    • Your scholarship amount—up to $15,000 for juniors and seniors
    • Your sign-on bonus potential—up to $15,000 (based on the unit at UPMC Altoona)
    • Your loan repayment assistance—up to $15,000 to reduce student debt

     

    This transparent process ensures you know exactly what funding you’ll receive so you can plan confidently for your education and your future career.

  • Once you complete your degree, you’ll transition seamlessly into your nursing role at UPMC Altoona. With a two-year commitment in select units, you’ll gain:

     

    • Hands-on experience in a respected regional hospital
    • Access to UPMC’s extensive network for mentorship and growth opportunities
    • Your sign-on bonus and loan repayment benefits, giving you a strong financial start
    • The chance to make a real impact in the community from day one

     

    This is more than a job—it’s the first step in a rewarding nursing career backed by the support of UPMC Altoona and Saint Francis University.

Have questions? We'll help you secure your $45K nursing advantage.

Connect with our team to learn more, explore your options, and take the next step toward your career at UPMC Altoona.

 

Dr. Kerri Golden
Dean/Associate Professor
Email: kgolden@francis.edu
Phone: 814-472-2791

 

Program Highlights

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.
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.
OT Students participate in Baby Day

Annual Baby Day Event Draws Record-Breaking Crowd at Saint Margaret Hall

Mitchell Jubas, University Marketing & Communications | 11/15/2024
The record-breaking 2024 Baby Day brought together occupational therapy and education students for an enriching, interdisciplinary learning experience focused on early childhood development. Through hands-on interaction with 26 young participants, students gained invaluable insights into developmental milestones and the power of play, while parents and faculty praised the event’s meaningful impact.
The dissection occurring in Saint Margarets Hall

Hands-On: Applied Anatomy

Mitchell Jubas | 10/30/2024
Saint Francis University’s largest Interprofessional Gross Dissection Lab welcomed over 30 healthcare professionals and 50 students for an intensive cadaver workshop led by expert surgeons.
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