Saint Francis University’s CERMUSA was granted a competitive award to develop distance-based educational programs for Navy Independent Duty Corpsmen (IDC) capable of being delivered to duty stations across the country.

 

On June 15 – 18, 2009, Melissa Kagarise, DHSc,PA-C, SFU/CERMUSA Physician Assistant Program Director, participated in the IDC/IDMT Armed Forces Operational Medicine Symposium. The symposium, which was attended by over 450 IDCs/IDMTs (Independent Duty Medical Technicians), was an ideal venue to present information about SFU/CERMUSA distance-based educational programs for IDC, including the Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) program and the Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Science program anticipated for accreditation in March 2010.

 

Dr. Kagarise gave a presentation to over 150 IDCs and over 50 IDMTs on the BSHS program, including application requirements and curriculum. She also reviewed the progress of the distance-based PA program, including paradigm, admission criteria, and clinical experience requirements.

 

Program information was distributed at an exhibit table manned by Dr. Kagarise and SFU Coordinator of Advising and Retention, Megan Gallagher. Participants also had the opportunity to have their transcripts reviewed for individual academic planning. Surveys to assess and gather information about the participants' specific distance learning needs were distributed and collected for review.