Saint Francis University

What you study matters; how you use it matters more.

Saint Francis University carries forward the Franciscan health care tradition of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, through our well-respected programs in the health sciences.  A spirit of achievement humbled by service is at the heart of the Saint Francis University experience. No matter what your dream is, we believe you can become that someone you were meant to be. We support your career and life goals by providing rigorous health care programs that include clinical and service opportunities that honor the Franciscan tradition and prepare you to do great things. In fact, 99% of our graduates are employed or in graduate school within nine months of graduation. We will help you write your success story with career advice, internship assistance, one-on-one counseling, and career exploration workshops. 

Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiologists study how and why the body responds to exercise in order to maintain or improve health, fitness, and athletic performance and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The Saint Francis Exercise Physiology program provides students with the contemporary knowledge and skills necessary for immediate employment inthe fitness industry and graduate education in Exercise Physiology, Allied Health, or Medicine. Lab experiences and internships provide practical applications of knowledge.

Nursing
A degree in Nursing from Saint Francis provides the clinical expertise required of nurses today. The Saint Francis program also helps students understand the faith perspective that is critical when dealing with the emotional and ethical considerations of this demanding profession. The four-year program reflects our belief that a diverse academic base and a strong moral foundation are essential tools for success. Students gain clinical experience in a variety of settings.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help people across the life span—from pediatrics to geriatrics—face life challenges and regain functional independence through purposeful and occupation-based activities when daily routines are compromised by injury or illness. The Occupational Therapy program at Saint Francis University is a five-year program that provides solid professional education rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Students admitted to the entry-level program who meet academic progression standards will gain a Bachelor of Science and automatically progress into the master’s program.

Pharmacy
Saint Francis offers accelerated programs in Pharmacy in conjunction with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). The 3+3 program allows students to complete the three-year undergraduate Pre-pharmacy program based in the liberal arts tradition at Saint Francis then matriculate into the LECOM School of Pharmacy for three years to complete the professional curriculum. Students can gain a bachelor’s and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in six years. In the same way, the 2+3 program gives students the opportunity to earn their PharmD in five years.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapists use physical and therapeutic measures to design treatment plans that optimize quality oflife. They also rehabilitate people affected by pain, disease, or injury. The Physical Therapy program at Saint Francis prepares students to work ascompetent, ethical, caring doctors. Within six years, students gain both a Bachelor of Science with a solid liberal arts foundation and a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Physician Assistant Science
Physician assistants provide healthcare to all, respecting the uniqueness of each person. The Physician Assistant Science program at Saint Francis is a five-year program where students learn to provide competent, compassionate, and comprehensive health care. Students admitted to the entry-level program who meet academic progression standards will automatically move into the master’s program. Simulation lab sessions and clinical rotations round out the academic experience.

Public Health
If the previously mentioned careers aren’t quite what you want but you’d like to work in the health field, consider the Public Health program at Saint Francis. The Bachelor of Science prepares students for challenging careers working with people or applying to graduate school. The Bachelor of Arts prepares students who want a career that impacts people indirectly in environmental or legislative areas. If you’re considering advanced medical disciplines, a pre-professional Bachelor of Science is also available.

Admission
Application deadlines vary by program. Visit francis.edu/admissions.