Department Contact Information:
Name of Chair: Melissa Kagarise, DHSc, MMS, PA-C
Program Description:
Saint Francis University offers a comprehensive Physician Assistant Undergraduate to Graduate Program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a physician assistant. The program is structured to provide a seamless transition from undergraduate studies to graduate-level education, culminating in a Master’s of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) degree.
Learning Environment:
- Experiential Learning: The program includes hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art simulation labs and high-fidelity manikins, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
- Collaborative Learning: Students will study alongside a cohort of peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment that enhances clinical skills and promotes compassionate healthcare.
- Co-Curricular Activities: Opportunities for athletics, study abroad, and service activities are available, enriching the student experience and providing a well-rounded education.
The Physician Assistant Science (3+2) accelerated program is designed to provide three years of pre-professional study in which students will complete preparatory science courses, introduction to medicine classes, and all the components of our liberal arts education. The last two years of the program (graduate phase) consist of three didactic semesters and three clinical semesters.
In the 3+2 accelerated program format, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree after successful completion of the fourth year, and a Master of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) degree after successful completion of the fifth year. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume entry-level positions in a variety of diverse medical settings and sit for the national certifying exam.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree is the steppingstone for accelerated 3+2 PA majors to earn their Masters of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) degree and become certified physician assistants. The degree is designed to establish a strong foundation to build on during the accredited portion of the program. Expected student learning outcomes include:
- Develop a foundation of basic medical knowledge across all organ systems in areas such as anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, patient evaluation and management, and health promotion and disease prevention.
- Incorporate clinical reasoning and problem-solving into patient encounters while caring for diverse populations across the life-span.
- Communicate clearly and concisely using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills to facilitate an effective exchange of information with patients, families, and other health professionals.
- Demonstrate the appropriate professional skills, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to provide care as a physician assistant. Develop a basic knowledge of health policies, delivery systems, and challenges of providing equitable care across all populations.
Admission Requirements:
Undergraduate BS to MPAS Accelerated Program Admission:
• HS Cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher out of 4.0
• Must have taken at least 3 years of science (including biology and chemistry), 4 years of math, and 4 years of English.
With Standardized Test Scores (Recommended):
• SAT of 1220 or higher or
• ACT of 25 or higher
• +HS Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0
Technical Standards or Essential Functions:
Saint Francis University is committed to the principle that no qualified individual, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits or services, programs or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination by the University as required by the Americans with Disability Act. A copy of the technical standards for admission into the Physician Assistant Sciences program is available in the office of the program director or on the department’s website. The Physician Assistant Sciences program adheres to the policies for academic accommodation as determined by the Center for Academic Success. The Center’s Office of Disability Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate academic accommodations for students who experience physical or mental disabilities. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation to the accessibility coordinator upon request of the accommodation.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
Progression in the Saint Francis University 3+2 accelerated Bachelors to Master of Physician Assistant Program is based upon scholastic achievement and personal qualities for the professional practice of medicine as a physician assistant. In addition to academic standards for acceptance, students must be able to meet the Program’s Technical Standards, with or without accommodations, meet prgression standards for each year of enrollment and abide by policies and procedures of the department.
Progression Standards for Freshman-Junior Years
1. A maximum of two (2) repeated courses are permitted in the total curriculum of the Physician Assistant Program in the freshman-junior year years. See program policy manual for specifics.
2. Receipt of a final grade of an “F” in ANY course is a cause for dismissal from the Physician Assistant Program
Progression Standards for Each Year
Freshman (Year 01)
1. Obtain a minimum 3.00 cumulative Q.P.A. at the completion of the spring semester of freshman year, and
2. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all science courses
Sophomore (Year 02)
1. Maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative Q.P.A. each semester during the sophomore year, and
2. Earn a minimum grade of “B” in all major courses each semester, and
3. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all science courses each semester and
4. Obtain a minimum 2.666 Q.P.A. (“B-“) average in a combined Q.P.A. of BIOL 205/205L and BIOL 206/206L, if taken during the sophomore year and
5. Obtain a minimum 3.00 cumulative Q.P.A. for all major and science courses by the completion of the spring semester of the sophomore year
Junior (Year 03)
1. Obtain a minimum 3.20 cumulative Q.P.A. at the completion of the spring semester of the junior year, and
2. Obtain a minimum 3.00 cumulative Q.P.A. for all major and science courses by the completion of the spring semester of the junior year, and
3. Earn a minimum grade of “B” in all major courses each semester, and
4. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all science courses each semester, and
5. Obtain a minimum 2.666 Q.P.A. (“B-“) average in a combined Q.P.A. of BIOL 205/205L and BIOL 206/206L and
6. Provide documentation of 100 hours of health care experience (40 of which must be spent directly shadowing a PA in clinical practice) by the last day of class before final examinations start.
Senior (Year 04 Didactic)
Didactic Year:
1. Obtain a minimum 2.75 cumulative Q.P.A. in the didactic phase course work by the end of the spring semester
2. Complete each letter-graded Physician Assistant course with a minimum grade of “C”
3. Complete each pass/fail Physician Assistant course with a grade of “P.”
All students who complete the undergraduate requirements and have met all progression standards automatically matriculate through to the Masters phase.
Graduation Requirements:
A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete all major, collateral and program requirements for the approved program of study;
- Complete the minimum number of credits for a bachelor’s degree (128);
- Complete the last 30 credits for the degree at SFU;
- Satisfy the requirements of the General Education core curriculum;
- Meet all progression standards for the program;
- Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and
- Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
Other information to include, related to this program:
- Students are responsible for costs associated with the completion, documentation and submission of all required health information including physical examination, labs, immunizations and titers as per CDC recommendations to participate in clinical experiences in the 4th year of the program.
- Criminal background checks, child abuse clearance and fingerprinting are required for clinical experiences in the 4th year of the program and are paid by the student.
- Students are required to provide their own transportation to scheduled clinical experiences.
Estimated Completion Time:
BS to MPAS Accelerated Program: Typically four years of full-time study to complete the B.S. in Health Sciences, plus one additional year of full-time study to complete the Master of Physician Assistant Sciences degree.
Go to information for Physician Assistant Sciences .