Department Contact:
Chair: Dr. Kristofer S. Wisniewski, kwisniewski@francis.edu, 814-471-1132
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Accelerated, Pre-Professional Concentration is designed to prepare students for admission to professional schools-Physician Assistant, Medical, Chiropractic, Dentistry, Optometry, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy-across the field of health. The accelerated undergraduate pathway is intended for academically motivated students who wish to complete their undergraduate degree in 3 years. This program incorporates a solid health studies core with a general education curriculum reflecting the Goals of Franciscan Higher Education. Completion of this degree within 3 years, is designed to save the student time and money as they prepare to apply to a graduate Professional Program of their choosing.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Accelerated, Pre Pre-Professional Concentration is considered to serve as excellent academic preparation for students seeking admission to a graduate Professional Program. The Pre-Professional concentration is designed to fulfill most graduate admission requirements across the field of Health Science. It is recommended that students communicate their career aspiration and plans to apply to a specific graduate program to their Academic Advisor. This will allow the student and the Academic Advisor to best plan to tailor free electives in meeting any additional graduate requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Critical Thinking and Research Skills: Students will learn to apply critical and scientific inquiry to identify and evaluate health related issues prevalent in today’s society. From this inquiry students will identify a gap in the literature, design and conduct a research project to solvea pressing health care issue. (Assess through EXPH 375/PSYC 311; PUBH 430).
- Healthcare Systems and Practices: Students will develop an understanding of the current U.S. and global healthcare systems and foster a vision to bring forth healthcare reform. (Assess through PUBH 101 and PUBH 401)
- Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: Student will apply ethical principles and legal responsibilities to foster effective interventions in the delivery of healthcare. (Assess through PHIL 212).
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Students will promote preventative actions and health behaviors to optimize health and wellness across the lifespan. (Assess through PUBH 101, PUBH 202, and PUBH 110).
Admission Requirements:
The accelerated format of this program requires students to demonstrate academic self-efficacy, and self-discipline foundational to academic success across the field of Health Science. Applicants must meet the general University admission requirements, demonstrate academic excellence through high SAT/ACT scores (if available), solid cumulative GPA within a rigorous high school curriculum as noted:
- Without Standardized Test Scores:
- HS Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher out of 4.0
- With Standardized Test Scores (Recommended):
- SAT of 1060 or higher or
- ACT of 21 or higher
- +HS Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher out of 4.0
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
Pre-Professional Concentration Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
All students in the B.S. Health Science, Accelerated, Pre-PA Concentration must meet the following academic requirements to progress within the concentration and graduate from the B.S. Health Science, Accelerated, Pre-PA Concentration.
- All students in the concentration must maintain a 3.0 QPA.
- Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in the following science courses: and their associated labs: BIOL 111, BIOL 205; BIOL 206; CHEM 121, CHEM 122, CHEM 221, CHEM 222, BCHM 405, and BIOL 214.
- Students must earn a minimum grade of “B” in PA 200.
Failure to meet the progression standards will result in dismissal from the B.S. Health Science, Accelerated, Pre-Professional Concentration but not the major or the university. Students dismissed from the B.S. Health Science, Accelerated, Pre-Professional Concentration should contact their academic advisor.
Students are advised to engage in clinical shadowing/direct observation as most graduate professional programs require such documentation for application to their programs. Students will be required to obtain, maintain, and provide documentation of their hours of clinical shadowing/direct observation of patient care under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. Students should discuss specific shadowing requirements with their Academic Advisor that align with their career goals.
Graduation Requirements:
Undergraduate:
A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
- Complete the minimum number of credits (128 for a bachelor’s degree; 64 for an associate’s degree);
- Meet program progression and retention standards
- Complete the last 30 credits for the degree at SFU;
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at SFU;
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all major or collateral requirements;
- Satisfy the requirements of the General Education core curriculum;
- Satisfy the capstone requirement as specified by the major department(s);
- Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and
- Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
Graduate:
A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
- Complete the minimum number of credits as specified in this publication;
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and
- Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically, 3 years of full-time study, including two full-time summer sessions
Total Credits Required:
128 credits
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