Application Instructions

For acceptance to the Advanced Medical Imaging program, the applicant must:

1. Meet one of the following requirements:
   • Possess an active license or certification in a medical imaging-related discipline.
   • Hold an associate degree from an accredited program in a medical imaging-related discipline.
   • Be currently enrolled in an associate degree medical imaging-related program at a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale in college coursework

Medical imaging-related disciplines include radiography, nuclear medicine technology, sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiation therapy.

A portfolio review is highly encouraged for the Animation program. Contact 260-399-8064 or e-mail creativearts@sf.edu to set up a review.

Ten incoming first-year students will be chosen for the Assisi Program each year. Admissions decisions are made in view of the whole picture provided through the application process. Students selected for the Assisi Program will be awarded a yearly scholarship to cover half the cost of Room and Board, which can be combined with other sources of financial aid.

Application Requirements:

• High school Transcripts (Typically 3.25 GPA or greater)
• Two References (High school teacher and Pastor/Parish Leader)
• Personal Narrative Essay
• Interview

Visit Assisi Program for Discipleship and Leadership for more information and application deadlines.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program has two classifications of students: PreDMS and DMS.
Most often, students are accepted into the program as a PreDMS classification. These are students who are working to fulfill the below specified DMS admissions criteria.

To be fully admitted to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, the applicant must:

1. Submit all previous academic transcripts of attempted coursework and, upon review:
   • A minimum admissions GPA of 2.70 in high school or a minimum of 12 college credits.
2. Meet one of the following criteria for admission:
   • Take the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) exam with a Combined Score above 0. (A fee is assessed directly from Pegasus Lectures.)
   • SAT exam scores for admission are 1080 or higher.
   • ACT composite score of 19 or higher.
   • Attain a GPA of 3.2 or higher while taking at least 12 semester hours of coursework at Saint Francis.
3. Meet one of the following:
   • Graduate from an accredited high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above. Students who did not graduate from high school must have completed the General Education Development (GED) tests, with a composite score of at least 2,500 and no sub-score below 500.
   • Earn 12 or more credit hours in related college subjects, with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above. At least three credits must be from a biological or physical science course with a lab component.
   • Possess an associate or higher-level degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
4. Complete all prerequisite college courses with a grade of C or higher:
   • English Composition
   • Math: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Trigonometry or higher-level course
   • Physics with a lab/Physical Survey with a lab
   • Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
   • Anatomy and Physiology II with lab

A rubric is used for reviewing each application and scored. A minimum of 5 points is necessary to move from the PreDMS to DMS classification.
0 to 2 points are awarded in the following categories:

• High School GPA: 0, 1, 2
• Aptitude Test Scores: 0, 1, 2
• Saint Francis GPA: 0, 1, 2
• College Degree: 0, 1, 2
• Required General Education Course Completion Grade of ‘A’: 0,1,2

Additional options for 1 point each:

• A score of 3.7 or greater on the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) exam combined score
• An active healthcare license, examples: Medical Assistant, CNA, EMT
• Military Service
• GPA improvements of 0.5 or more from initial learning experiences to subsequent learning experiences.

There are no limitations on the number of PreDMS or DMS students overall. However, there is limited availability for the DMS Professional Course Sequence.

Earning the DMS classification makes you eligible for the Professional Course Sequence. Each fall semester, a cohort of DMS students will begin the Professional Course Sequence. Once the cohort is full, students continuing to apply to DMS will be placed on a cohort waitlist. Students will be notified by the program director when they are placed on the waitlist and when they are placed into a Professional Course Sequence cohort. Movement of students from the waitlist into an earlier class may occur if positions become available. It is mandatory for all students on the waitlist to maintain their Saint Francis enrollment to hold their spot for the next available cohort.

About the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) Exam

The USA is designed for students to determine their aptitude in the field of Sonography. This is an examination of intrinsic skills that are essential for the sonography profession. It is used as a tool for determining if this could be the right career for you. As well, it can be beneficial to your admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program at the University of Saint Francis.

The USA points scoring system is from 0 to 50. A score between 1 and 50 determines there is aptitude toward being a sonographer.

How to Schedule the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) Exam and Exam Requirements

Testing is available Monday-Friday, 10 am – 4 pm EST, and students have two options to schedule the test.

Program Description:

Echocardiography is a specialized discipline of diagnostic medical sonography that pertains to diagnostic imaging of the heart, called an echocardiogram. A student in this certificate program will learn the fundamentals of echocardiography, as well as applications, techniques, and pathologies. During this course of study, the student will earn college credit and leave prepared for national credentialing examinations.

Admission Criteria:

The University of Saint Francis accepts a limited number of students each year into this specialized program. Candidates will be considered for admission to the program who are:

1. Active registrants of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) with a minimum of the Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) credential or American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) in Sonography or Vascular Sonography as evident through submission of certification.
2. Signed Clinical Internship Affiliate Verification Form.
3. Additional Requirements as designated by Clinical Affiliates.

Echocardiography Academy at Saint Francis specific requirements:

1. Submission of Official High School Transcript
2. Submission of Official College Transcripts
3. Essay
   1. Minimum 300-word essay answering the following questions:
      1. Why do you want to become an echocardiographer? Provide details on specific interactions that helped to shape this choice.
      2. What will allow you to be successful in this career? How can you be successful with the impact of going to school, working, family, life, and the balances that need to be maintained?
      3. Are you interested in a specific location for clinicals?
         1. Parkview Heart Institute
         2. Lutheran Health Network
         3. Franciscan Health Alliance
         4. Other
         5. No Preference

The determination of acceptance to the Echocardiography certificate program will be made after the individual review of each applicant’s file. Additional information may be requested prior to a decision being made.

Prior to enrollment in the first clinical course, the accepted student must submit proof of a physical exam, required immunizations, and the ability to meet the technical standards required of healthcare students. In addition, proof of certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required, and a current Criminal Background History must be completed. Negative information found in the criminal background check could result in the clinical affiliate withholding the clinical internship. If this were to happen, the student could not complete all aspects of the program and would be dismissed from the program.

Progression Criteria:

Students must maintain good academic standing within the university by maintaining a 2.7 overall GPA, a minimum of 82% in each specific Echocardiography course, and obtaining a minimum of 82% in the lab component of each Echocardiography course.

Certificate Completion Requirements:

All students must complete the certificate’s academic plan in full to receive the academic credits and certificate in echocardiography.

A portfolio review is highly encouraged for the Graphic Design program. Contact 260-399-8064 or e-mail creativearts@sf.edu to set up a review.

The online Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences degree is open to students interested in pursuing an allied health career. Concentrations include the Interdisciplinary Track or Completion Degrees for Surgical Technology/Paramedic certificate or license holders. Students currently enrolled in, or taking prerequisites for, a surgical technology or paramedic program are also eligible for the completion track.

Students with over 15 transferable college credits are not required to submit their high school transcripts.

Applicants without college experience must meet the following criteria:

• Have a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)

• Possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Acceptance into the University of Saint Francis serves as a student review for this degree. For completion tracks, proof of a current certificate or license is required during the semester prior to graduation.

Students in all majors who meet the following qualifications are invited to apply:

• Incoming freshmen must have a GPA of 3.5 or greater or a score of 1,200 on the SAT (Math and verbal) or 26 on the ACT
• Current Saint Francis or transfer students must have a GPA of 3.5 or greater

To progress in the Honors Program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or greater

To graduate with Honors Program distinction, students must

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater
• Complete all requirements of the program and the degree requirements of the major

Student applications are evaluated on a criteria-based point matrix using various submitted documents. Some of the documents reviewed are:

• SAT/ACT scores
• High school and college grade point averages (GPA)
• Health-related certifications such as certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, or others
• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score
  • Students will need to register for this test via ATI Testing. There is a cost for the test. Once there, select “Create Account.” Search for “U of St Francis IN.” Once logged in, select “Online Store” in the top corner, navigate to “TEAS Product,” find “Register for the TEAS” and select “Register.” Select “Register Now” and choose the In-Person or Remote Online test option. Select test options for Nursing Students. Should you need help registering, please call ATI at 800-667-7531 or contact Admissions at admis@sf.edu or 260-399-8000.
  • If you have taken the TEAS at another institution or did not opt to send your results to Saint Francis, you may email the score report to admis@sf.edu.

Transfer credits are evaluated and may be applied toward degree requirements if criteria are met, and the University and program accept them. Students may be admitted directly to the program major – even students directly out of high school – if admission and prerequisites are met. Students have different paths to enter the nursing program based on the point matrix. They may be admitted directly to the major (even students directly out of high school), or they may begin their Saint Francis education in a pre-nursing or exploratory healthcare major in which they can meet pre-requisites and take courses required in the nursing curriculum before moving to the nursing major.

Student applications are evaluated on a criteria-based point matrix using various submitted documents. Some of the documents reviewed are:

• SAT/ACT scores
• High school and college grade point averages (GPA)
• Health-related certifications such as certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, or others
• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score
  • Students will need to register for this test via ATI Testing. There is a cost for the test. Once there, select “Create Account.” Search for “U of St Francis IN.” Once logged in, select “Online Store” in the top corner, navigate to “TEAS Product,” find “Register for the TEAS,” and select “Register.” Select “Register Now” and choose the In-Person or Remote Online test option. Select test options for Nursing Students. Should you need help registering, please call ATI at 800-667-7531 or contact Admissions at admis@sf.edu or 260-399-8000.
  • If you have taken the TEAS at another institution or did not opt to send your results to Saint Francis, you may email the score report to admis@sf.edu.

Transfer credits are evaluated and may be applied toward degree requirements if criteria are met, and the University and program accept them. Students may be admitted directly to the program major – even students directly out of high school – if admission and prerequisites are met. Students have different paths to enter the nursing program based on the point matrix. They may be admitted directly to the major (even students directly out of high school), or they may begin their Saint Francis education in a pre-nursing or exploratory healthcare major in which they can meet pre-requisites and take courses required in the nursing curriculum before moving to the nursing major.

Student applications are evaluated on a criteria-based point matrix using various submitted documents. Some of the documents reviewed are:

• Proof of an active, unencumbered LPN license
• LPN program and other college grade point averages (GPA) and course grades
• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score
  • Students will need to register for this test via ATI Testing. Once there, select “Create Account.” Search for “U of St Francis”. Should you need help registering, please call 800-667-7531 for assistance.

Transfer credits are evaluated and may be applied toward degree requirements if criteria are met, and the University and program accept them. Students have different paths to enter the nursing program based on the point matrix. They may be admitted directly to the major, or they may begin their Saint Francis education in a pre-nursing or exploratory healthcare major in which they can meet pre-requisites and take courses required in the nursing curriculum before moving to the nursing major.

The University of Saint Francis accepts a limited number of students each year into this academically competitive program. Applicants are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.  The Physical Therapist Assistant Program has two classifications of students: Pre-PTA and PTA.  Most often, students are accepted as a Pre-PTA status.  These are students who are working to fulfill the below specified PTA admissions criteria. To be considered for full admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant program, applicants must meet all University of Saint Francis admission requirements and must:

1. Submit all previous academic transcripts of attempted coursework and, upon review:

• Have a minimum admissions GPA of 3.0 in high school or a minimum score of 2500 on the GED examination or a minimum admissions GPA of 2.7 on a minimum of 15 college credits. GPAs presented to the Admissions Committee for each applicant will be a cumulative record of all college-level work.

2. Meet one of the following criteria for admission:

• SAT re-centered composite score of 1080 or higher post May 2016. SAT composite score of 1000 prior to May 2016.
• ACT re-centered composite score of 19 or higher post May 2016. ACT composite score of 21 or higher prior to May 2016.
• TEAS Composite Score of 60% or higher.
• Attain a GPA of 2.7 or higher while taking a minimum of 15 credit hours at The University of Saint Francis.

3. Complete or transfer the equivalent of 15 credit hours of the following pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or higher; conditional completion before entering the Professional Sequence of The PTA Program.

• Anatomy and Physiology I with lab or Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
• Anatomy and Physiology II with lab or Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
• Math: College Algebra
• Physical Survey with lab
• General Psychology
• Cultural Diversity
• English: Rhetoric and Composition
• Psychology: Human Growth and Development

4. Perform a minimum of 8 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting submitted with documentation

A rubric is used by the PTA Program Admissions Committee for reviewing and scoring each application. A minimum of 8 points is necessary to move from the Pre-PTA to the PTA classification. The determination of acceptance to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be made after an individual review of each candidate’s file.

0-3 Points are awarded in the following categories:

• High School Weighted GPA or GED: 0,1,2
• Aptitude Test Scores: 0,1,2
• College GPA for 15 credit hours or more: 0, 1, 2, 3
• Program Required Course Completion Grade of “B” : 0, 1, 2
• Observation Hours in a Physical Therapy Setting with Documentation: 0, 1, 2
• Additional options for 1 point each (maximum of 2 points)
  • Military service
  • Consistently elevated grades in all years of math and science: All grades “B” or above
  • 2 letters of recommendation submitted with application: One from a PT or PTA and from a teacher/professor or healthcare professional
  • Observation hours of 24 or higher with documentation
  • An active healthcare license or certification. Examples: CNA, MA, EMT, ATC, or other
  • Prior college degree has been awarded
  • Completion of 2 in-person written essay prompts proctored by PTA faculty and other faculty. Student will schedule a meeting.

 * The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) may be substituted for the SAT or ACT scores. Applicants who take the TEAS will be responsible for any additional costs associated with this test. Information on taking the TEAS test will be provided to the candidate upon request. The TEAS test may only be retaken twice by the candidate to achieve a higher score that is counted toward the admission rubric.

A candidate’s position in the class will only be guaranteed if the candidate’s records for subsequent coursework continue to be at a level that supports the application score required for admission.

Earning the PTA classification makes the applicant eligible the Professional Sequence of The Program. Each fall semester, a cohort of PTA students will begin the Professional Sequence of The Program.

Admissions Process & Timeline

In addition to a completed application, transcripts, and test scores, candidates must submit:

• Documentation of physical therapy observations.
  • Applicants are required to observe a minimum of 8 to 24 hours in at least 1 physical therapy setting to build their application toward the USF PTA program admission. Please follow the instructions on the form.
  • Applicants will submit a brief 2 to 3 paragraph reflection with the observation form that includes; types of patients and diagnosis observed, job duties observed, and thoughts about why you feel the physical therapy profession is the appropriate choice for your future.   

The committee works to fill the upcoming cohort with the most qualified applicants. Once the class is filled, remaining qualified applicants will be placed on a Wait List, and a position will be held for them in the next class. Movement of applicants from the Wait List into an earlier class may occur if positions become available.

Standards for admission into the Radiologic Technology program include the following:

• Have three years of high school math with a minimum of two years of algebra or an equivalent college-level course in algebra.
• Follow a college preparatory curriculum including four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of social sciences, and three years of laboratory science.

Submit all previous academic transcripts of attempted coursework and, upon review:

• Demonstrates that no course in the required general education has been repeated more than once for successful completion in the last two years.

• Displays only one semester of academic credit that is between a 2.0 and 2.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last two years of coursework.
• Meet two of the following:
  • Graduate from an accredited high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above. Students who did not graduate from high school must have completed the General Education Development (GED) tests, with a composite score of at least 2500 and no sub-score below 500.
  • Earn 12 or more credit hours in applicable college subjects, as either a pre-radiologic technology student or a transfer student with a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or above. At least three credits must be from a biological or physical science course with a lab component.
  • Possess an associate or higher-level degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Meet one of the following Test Scores:
    • SAT score of 1000 or higher
    • ACT composite score of 19 or higher
    • Allied Health Programs by ATI TEAS exam with desired scores of Math: 65% or higher, Reading: 65% or higher, English: 55% or higher, Science: 45% or higher, and a total score of 58% or higher.
    • Complete 12 hours of academic coursework at a 3.2 GPA or higher.

Students who have not taken the SAT or ACT can take the ATI Teas Exam for Allied Health Programs.  A fee is assessed for the standardized testing of applicants and will be paid directly to ATI. Standardized tests may be completed once. Permission will be granted to repeat the exam only once, for those who do not achieve the required scores. The applicant may retake after one month of the initial testing date.

The determination of acceptance to the Radiologic Technology Program will be made after the individual review of each applicant’s file.  Additional information on the individual applicant may be requested at the committee’s discretion prior to a decision being made.  The Admissions Committee reserves the right to admit a student on a one-semester probationary status. Any students enrolled in current semester classes will be admitted conditionally, until receipt of semester grades.

Eligibility for examination to become certified in radiography requires that the candidate be of good moral character.  Conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may indicate a lack of good moral character for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ (ARRT) purposes and for acceptance into a clinical assignment.

Pre-application review procedures are in place to allow individuals who are not yet enrolled in an educational program to determine if a conviction would interfere with exam eligibility.  Pre-application Review Forms may be requested from the Department of Regulatory Services at the ARRT office.

Standards for admission into the Respiratory Therapy, AAS program include the following:

• The applicant without previous college experience must meet two of the following criteria:
  • Rank in the upper half of the high school graduating class.
  • Have a high school GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Earn an SAT score of 1,000 (verbal/critical reading and math combined) or above or an ACT composite score of 21 or higher. For SAT test administrations prior to April 1995, a score of 800 or above is required.
  • Possess a General Educational Development (GED) total score of 2,500, with no sub-score below 500. Prior to 2002, a composite score of at least 50 and no sub-score below 40 is required.
• Applicants who have previously attended an accredited college or university must submit official college transcripts with a GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale in 12 credit hours of academic subjects.
• Previous healthcare experience is helpful, but not required.
• The Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee will make final consideration for acceptance. Each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. Exceptions to the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
• The accepted student must submit proof of a physical exam, required immunizations, and the ability to meet technical standards required of healthcare students.  In addition, proof of certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is required, and a current Criminal Background History must be completed.  Negative information found in the criminal background check could result in the affiliating agencies withholding the clinical experience.  If this were to happen, the student could not complete all aspects of the program and would be dismissed from the program.

Standards for admission into the Respiratory Therapy BS program include the following:

• The applicant must meet ALL the following criteria:
  • Completion of a CoARC-accredited associate degree program in Respiratory Therapy
  • Applicants must submit official college transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • An active RRT credential issued by the National Board of Respiratory Care
• The Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee will make final consideration for acceptance. Each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. Exceptions to the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

A portfolio review is highly encouraged for the Studio Art program. Contact 260-399-8064 or e-mail creativearts@sf.edu to set up a review.

Saint Francis accepts a limited number of applicants to its surgical technology program. It is recommended that applicants have previous college experience in English, math, laboratory science, and the social sciences. Applicants must submit official college transcripts and have a GPA of 2.4 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in 12 credit hours of academic courses.

Applicants without college experience must meet two of the following criteria:

• Rank in the upper half of high school graduating class
• Have a high school GPA of 2.4 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
• Earn a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1,000 on Verbal/Critical Reading and Math combined or an ACT composite score of 21 or higher.
  If you took the SAT prior to April 1995, a score of 800 is required.
• Possess a General Educational Development (GED) total score of 2,500, with no subscore below 500.
• If you earned your GED prior to 2002, a composite score of at least 50 and no subscore below 40 is required.
• Previous healthcare experience is helpful but not required.

Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. Final consideration for acceptance will be made by the Surgical Technology Admissions Committee, and exceptions to the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the committee.