SFU Students Achieve 100% Physician Assistant National Certification Exam

Loretto, PA (09/18/2020) —

All 51 of Saint Francis University's Physician Assistant Science program recent graduates successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) on their first attempt. This news solidifies a 98% first-time tester pass rate for the program over the past five years; higher than the national average of 96%.

The Physician Assistant Science program prides itself on producing graduates with a strong medical knowledge, an exceptional demonstration of clinical competence along with a high level of interpersonal and communication skills. SFU Physician Assistant Science graduates also acquire skills in professionalism that are designed to lead them towards health care leadership positions.

"Much of the program's success can be attributed to the hard work of students, faculty, staff, and the support of administration. We are so grateful for all of the time and effort that the faculty and students have put forth in achieving such outstanding outcomes. Our students are definitely motivated by the opportunity to positively contribute to patient care," said Dr. Carrie Beebout, who serves as the Physician Assistant Department Chair.

According to Dr. Beebout, job placement for Saint Francis Master of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) graduates has been excellent. In fact, over the past three years MPAS graduates have posted a 100% employment rate within 6 months of graduation according to the University's First Destination Report published annually. The 2019 results continue the trend of achieving an 100% employment rate by graduates.

The Class of 2019 graduates found employment with companies/organizations including: Cleveland Clinic, Magee Women's Specialty, Geisinger Medical Center, UPMC, Pediatric Care Center, Western Maryland Health Systems, Southern Oregon Orthopedics, Inc.

About the Program

The mission of the Physician Assistant Program is to educate physician assistants to provide competent, compassionate and comprehensive health care to people and communities in need, as expressed through the Franciscan tradition. Saint Francis University offers two pathways for degree options. Students may pursue the 5-year B.S. in Health Science + Master of Physician Assistant Science program or the Master of Physician Assistant Science 2-year program. Enrolled students study an integrated body system approach to medicine taught by expert faculty, many of whom continue to practice clinically.

Saint Francis University prides itself on a long-standing tradition of preparing tomorrow's healthcare workers across a variety of healthcare fields.

Accreditation

Continuously since September 1980, Saint Francis University has maintained its accreditation by The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Recognizing the future need for this type of professional, Saint Francis University was one of the first institutions to establish an accredited Physician Assistant Science program in the state of Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the Saint Francis University Physician Assistant Program visit francis.edu/Physician-Assistant-Science/

Saint Francis University (www.francis.edu) in Loretto, PA is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of generosity, respect, discovery and joy.

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