Degree Programs at Saint Francis University
In August 2007, the U.S. Navy solicited proposals for the development of online degree programs with the following goals:
• Designed specifically for Navy IDCs
• Support the concept of life-long learning by accepting and acknowledging the training and experience of the IDCs for college credit
• Be delivered to IDCs at all duty stations with access to a computer, both at sea and on shore
The overall objective of the proposal was to provide IDCs with academic credentials advance their career opportunities. Saint Francis University responded and was awarded a one year grant to develop an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) degree program and to study the feasibility of an online Master of Physician Assistant Science degree program, specifically for qualified IDCs.
Saint Francis University is developing a BSHS degree program for IDCs to provide them the opportunity to maximize their military experiences and any prior college-level course work in the pursuit of a science-based undergraduate degree through distance education. Completion of this program will help IDCs to be prepared for advanced professional healthcare degrees. The program under development will include prerequisite coursework necessary to become eligible for Saint Francis University’s Physician Assistant Program, including:
• Chemistry – 8 credits (must have labs)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology – 8 credits (must have labs)
• Microbiology – 4 credits (must have lab)
• Psychology – 3 credits
• Statistics – 3 credits (or upper level math)
The initial enrollment process for the BSHS degree program is targeted to begin during the fall 2008 academic semester with a spring 2009 start. During the upcoming academic year the University plans to complete development of additional courses.
Concurrently, Saint Francis University continues to explore the feasibility of an online Master of Physician Assistant Science program that will meet published educational standards set forth by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. By collaborating with Navy Medicine, the online program, leading to the MPAS degree, will be developed to complement the needs and duty assignments of the IDC.
Additional news articles can be found on the Saint Francis University site at: www.cermusa.francis.edu 
and search "IDC"
Saint Francis University
P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
Phone (814) 472-3389 / Fax (814) 472-3377
www.cermusa.francis.edu
I received the following
I received the following email from one of the St Francis reps regarding the IDC to PA program. Just FYI:
A complete Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) degree paradigm has been developed to provide IDC's the opportunity to obtain a science-based undergraduate degree through distance education. Through this program, healthcare experienced IDC will have the opportunity to maximize their prior college-level course work and military experiences in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree. This program incorporates a solid health science core with a general education curriculum reflecting the goals of Franciscan higher education. The degree paradigm includes all of the prerequisite courses for Saint Francis University's Physician Assistant Program. Enrollment process for the BSHS degree program is targeted to begin during the Fall 2008 academic semester with a Spring
2009 start date.
The Masters of Physician Assistant Sciences program will follow as quickly as possible after that. Currently there are no online PA programs anywhere (there are however some online courses) and the accrediting body is being very careful on its approval process for online programs.
In an effort to keep you apprised of our progress, an informational website (http://www.cermusa.francis.edu/idc
) has been developed to keep you updated on the progress of this program. Please check this website periodically for updates and program announcements. If you should have any further questions, please email idc [at] cermusa [dot] francis [dot] edu.
Doc Mac
Degree Programs at Saint
In this specific case I can see why the University was so eager to get online recognition, all the students there need it. There are plenty universities that could use such a complementary degree program and I believe in a short while some of them will adopt it and enter the trend.
Karoll, Ohio Dominican University
I received the following
I have found the way to do it on line. Go to University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program and look at the Pilot program. I am now a second year student, retire in 3 mos and will graduate 6 after that. Hit me up at rpcurl35 [at] yahoo [dot] com and I will give you the skinny. Spread the word and we can all get paid when we retire.
M. Flint