General Program Description

The physical therapy program provides three years of pre-professional study during which students complete the general education studies and collateral requirements, followed by three years of study in the professional curriculum (including summers), which includes clinical experiences. Some individuals may be admitted to the professional curriculum, based on space availability, if they hold a baccalaureate degree and have completed the necessary prerequisite coursework. While the entire 6-year curriculum is taught on campus, selected educational experiences may occasionally require short-distance travel to local health care facilities. The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness offers students a fitness center, a human performance laboratory, and an on-campus multidisciplinary clinic.

Clinical Experiences
Students have their first 8-week clinical education experience in the summer following the completion of year 4. The fall semester of year 6 contains two 8-week experiences. The final 15-week clinical occurs during the end of the spring semester. Students will have experiences in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While the majority of the clinical sites are in the northeast, there are sites available in the south and west. Selected students have the opportunity to participate in a clinical education experience with major rehabilitation and long-term care centers near Florence, Italy.

Faculty
The program benefits from nine full-time faculty positions and a clinically diverse group of part-time adjunct faculty. Full-time faculty, many who are engaged in clinical practice related to the area they teach; have over 160 years of experience in teaching and clinical experience. The clinical courses in the program feature certified clinical specialists in orthopedic spots, neurologic, pediatric and a wound care specialist. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12 in lab courses.

Enrollment
There are approximately 2,400 students enrolled at the university on a full-time basis.

Admission
Most students enroll as freshmen in this 6-year entry-level DPT professional education program. Progression from the pre-professional program to the professional curriculum is guaranteed provided the student meets the progression criteria. Upon successful completion of the fourth or senior year, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science; the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree will be awarded after successful completion of the sixth year. Individuals holding a baccalaureate degree with the necessary prerequisite coursework are eligible for admission to the first year of the 3-year professional curriculum based on space availability. The following prerequisite (or equivalent) coursework is required for graduate admission: 12 credits of biology (8 of which must be Anatomy and Physiology), 8 credits of chemistry with labs, 8 credits of physics with labs, 3 credits of pre-calculus, 9 credits of psychology, 4 credits of exercise physiology with lab and 3 credits of statistics.

Outcomes
First-time pass Rate (3 year average, 2012-2014) 89.47%; and 100% of those program graduates responding to surveys are employed.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid The undergraduate tuition rate for the 2014-2015 academic year is $30,028. The rate for graduate tuition is $965 per credit. Students are assessed contingent fees and lab fees. The office of financial aid works closely with students to secure adequate funding for their studies. Approximately 90% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid and more than 80% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of grant assistance from Saint Francis University funds. Currently, Saint Francis University offers the Stafford loan for graduate students as well as multiple alternative loans (up to cost minus other aid).

Student life
Saint Francis University, located in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania, offers a unique combination of academics and high technology in a scenic mountain environment. Our scenic environment, complete with pine trees, fresh air, and acre upon acre of untouched woodlands, welcomes you immediately. The attractive 600-acre campus features nine residence halls, a student union, classroom and administrative buildings, an athletics center, dining hall, library and chapel. The Charles M. Schwab Estate and Gardens (now Mount Assisi Friary), Lake Saint Francis and Immergrun Golf Course further complement the Saint Francis Campus, making the setting ideal not only for focused learning, but tranquil living as well. Diverse cultural opportunities are available for students and area residents alike through the University’s fine arts program and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. Students have opportunities to become involved in campus life through intramural and Divisoin 1 athletic programs, numerous student clubs and organizations, and Greek life. Being part of the Allegheny Mountain region, Saint Francis University is near some of the best hiking, bicycling and skiing areas in the east.