Saint Francis University

Last update to this page: February 29, 2012 

Please feel free to contact me if you need anything.  Ms. Link

Here is a list of a few current students willing to answer some questions:

• Marissa Jacko: mjj101@mail.francis.edu
• Cole Pizzingrilli: cjp100@mail.francis.edu
• Sharon Santangelo: ses101@mail.francis.edu
• David Brown: dcb100@mail.francis.edu

Some of the following material is available for viewing/printing via Adobe Acrobat Reader):

Please remember that you must be able to meet the Technical Standards of the Program. Please see them for review.

(continually being updated - 2/7/2012) Housing Information

(updated 2/7/12) Background Checks/Urine Drug Screens:

A Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Criminal Record Check and FBI Criminal History Background Check will be required upon entrance into the professional phase of the Program. Each student will be notified by the Department with instructions for completion of the above background checks. A specific date will be identified for required completion prior to the start of the professional phase of the Program. Failure to complete this process by the stated due date may delay the student’s progression in the PA Program and prevent or delay graduation

(2/7/12) Health Requirements

(any questions regarding health requirements can be directed to: Ms. Beck (MBeck@francis.edu)

• One goal of the PA Program is to provide the student with patient contact early in the professional phase of his/her training. In order to meet the requirements of some of the clinical affiliations, the Department has implemented health guidelines for all professional phase students.
• Utilizing the ‘Professional Student Immunization Record Summary’ checklist please forward documentation of immunizations to SFU Student Health Services (SHS) c/o Karen McCabe, RN.
• Upon your arrival you will be required to complete additional lab studies for titers, a two-step PPD and Urine Drug Screen. These studies will be completed by the SFU Student Health Center at a date and time determined by the Department.
  In the event that you have had titers done previously, please submit copies along with your immunization records to the SFU SHS office.
• It is your responsibility to assure that immunization records and any titers you have had completed be submitted to SFU/SHS by June 4, 2012. SFU/SHS will verify completion of all health requirements and notify the Department of the student’s clearance.
  

(02/29/2012) Medical Equipment

Please have your oto-ophthalmoscope fully charged for the first day of class.

You will need medical equipment to fit the description on the following list. We do not endorse a particular brand, but recommend you go with a name brand to assure quality and guarantee of service, parts, etc. You will need to have this equipment for the start of school on June 1, when you will begin to learn the physical examination.

• Dual Head Stethoscope (with bell and diaphragm)
• BP Cuff (you don't need to buy an expensive one) - Adult Size
• Snellen Chart (that is held 14" from the patient's face)
• Reflex Hammer
• Tuning Fork 512 CPS (unweighted)
• Tuning Fork 128 CPS (weighted)
• Penlight
• Thermometer (your choice)
• Oto-Ophthalmoscope Set (Pan optic or traditional coaxial)

• Department recommends staying with the Welch Allyn brand. SFU PA students have articulated that they are able to visualize the fundus of the eye much easier with the Welch Allyn pan optic ophthalmoscope than with the traditional coaxial ophthalmoscope. The traditional scope is used more commonly in clinical practice. Also, do NOT purchase the pocket or so called "mini" Oto-Ophthalmoscope sets. Halogen sets are preferable to non-halogen sets. You should purchase a 3.5v halogen set.
• Basic models include the Welch Allyn 97800-MS (pan optic) or the 97200-MS (traditional coaxial), Any set which contains the basic materials in either of these two models will be sufficient.
• pneumatic insufflation bulb for otoscope

• Pregnancy Wheel
• Tape measure, paper clips, 6 inch ruler
• Coffee, vanilla, or other distinguishable scents in small container - like the little plastic containers that film comes in. The vanilla scent is best kept in the container it comes in.
• Paper clip x 2, bottle cap, penny, cotton balls x 2
• Six inch ruler (solid)
• Felt tip pen
• White Lab Coat (at least one short lab coat)
• Bag to carry medical equipment (you may buy traditional "Doctor" type bag or use any sort of professional looking canvas bag).

Where you buy your medical equipment is up to you. Here are a couple Web sites for medical equipment:

• www.reddingmedical.com
• Steele Supply Company - www.steeles.com (1-800-747-1372)

 (05/27/11) Policy Manual: please take some time and review the materials contained in the Department policy manual. Contained within it you will find the compilation of Program policies that you should read and be familiar with. May I ask you to direct specific attention to the sections on technical standards, progression, and graduation requirements. After you have read the policies, please sign the learning contract and send it to the Department office prior to the beginning of the summer semester. Note, a signed contract must be in your file prior to the beginning of the summer semester. Should you have any questions concerning any of the material located in the policy manual, please contact Ms. Donna Yeisley, Chair at 814-472-3131.

General Information (05/27/11)

Professional Phase (05/27/11)

Clinical Year Policies (05/27/11)

Learning Contract (05/27/11)

  (04/18/11) Textbooks

The University allows students to reserve/purchase their books from the bookstore before they arrive at school.

• (04/18/2011) Book List

(2/29/2012) You will be provided with an IBM laptop for utilization during your graduate studies (see technology fee on expense sheet). The laptop has wireless Internet access while on campus and a modem for dial-up access off campus. The fee includes support service, printing and all software required by the Department. The laptop will be yours to keep after the successful completion of the Program.

(2/29/2012) PSPA Membership

• All students are strongly encouraged to join the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA). Member benefits abound, even as a student. Whether you join the PSPA or your home state constituent chapter, it is time to support YOUR profession. Applicants for membership are available at www.pspa.net.

(2/29/2012) AAPA Membership

• It is encouraged that all students become American Academy of Physician Assistant (AAPA) members. Membership allows one to begin to nurture their growth as a member of a health profession. An application for membership can be obtained by calling: 703-836-2272 (ask for a membership application); utilizing the AAPA Website (www.aapa.org) or by e-mailing aapa@aapa.org. You may list Donna Yeisley as sponsoring member, if you wish.
  

SFU Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office wants to remind all incoming students to make sure that they have the 2011-2012 FAFSA on file in their Office. Please see an updated expense sheet for 2011-2012.

Some miscellaneous expenses that may occur during the first year :

• ACLS Certification: approximately $100.00 (includes text, materials and course)

(2/29/2012) Transportation
All didactic students are assigned to clinical experiences on a rotating basis, at local hospitals and clinics. Most are less than a forty-minute drive. Please remember the Physician Assistant Program does not provide transportation to clinical experiences.

(2/29/2012) Malpractice Insurance
Saint Francis University will be able to provide malpractice insurance for students. Currently, no extra cost will be passed on to the student. Physician Assistant Program currently requires each professional phase student to maintain a current malpractice policy in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 (subject to change as necessary).

(2/29/2012) Health Insurance
It is Saint Francis University policy that all students carry health insurance. The school has a health insurance policy that may be purchased. Information about this policy can be obtained from the University Business Office (814-472-3006). Please plan to show proof of health insurance coverage upon arrival.

(2/29/2012) Physical Exam Lab Attire
In order to participate in the physical exam labs, it will be necessary for women to bring a pair of shorts, t-shirt and a bra-type (sports bra) top, no halter tops. Men wear gym shorts and t-shirts. Please be sure to bring these items with you to the first week of classes.

• Musculoskeletal
• HEENT
• Abdomen
• Thorax and Lung
• Cardiovascular
• Neuro

 Please contact me for your Blackboard ID (05/20/11)