FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis is excited to announce a new pricing structure for select certificate and associate degree programs designed to increase opportunities for students pursuing high-demand nursing and allied health careers.
Saint Francis formed a healthcare education partnership with Leffler Academy in Gas City, Indiana, in 2024. The university has since expanded healthcare education across Indiana, offering programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Indianapolis and Lafayette.
Beginning in spring 2026, Saint Francis will adopt the Leffler Academy pricing structure to lower tuition for workforce development healthcare programs by building institutional aid directly into the cost of attendance. This approach offers students streamlined pricing and eliminates the need for separate scholarships.
“The Leffler Academy pricing structure has been a critical component in their success providing students with a viable route to their initial goals in entering the healthcare field,” said Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey. “We believe this model addresses students’ needs and encourages a greater number of people to pursue careers that meet urgent needs in the healthcare industry.”
These nursing and allied health programs—many of which can be completed in under two years or as quickly as eight weeks—prepare students for immediate employment or continued study toward advanced healthcare degrees. Tuition for 8- to 16-week certificates ranges from $1,150 to $2,950 per semester, while 1- to 2-year programs range from $5,800 to $8,750 per semester. Students may also qualify for federal and state financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement.
“The success of the Leffler Academy model is evident in the growing number of students completing these pathways and transitioning seamlessly into professional healthcare roles,” said Dr. Amanda Leffler, founder of Leffler Academy and Saint Francis Vice President for Workforce Development and Interim Chief Nursing Officer.
Courses are available in in-person, hybrid, online, and evening formats, supporting both traditional students and working adults. Graduates often continue their education through Saint Francis’ associate and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and allied health related fields.
Programs included are:
- Central Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) (Hybrid, 16 Weeks)
- Clinical Medical Assistant (Hybrid, 16 weeks)
- Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician (Online, 8 weeks)
- Emergency Medical Technician (In person, 16 weeks)
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Preparation (Online, 8 weeks)
- Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS) (Hybrid, 3–5 semesters)
- Nurse Aide (CNA) (In person, 8 weeks)
- Nursing (ADN) (In person, 4 semesters)
- Nursing (LPN to ADN) (In person, 3 semesters)
- Phlebotomy Technician Preparation (Hybrid, 8 weeks)
- Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) (In person, 16 weeks)
- Respiratory Therapy (AAS) (Hybrid, 5–7 semesters)
- Surgical Technology (AAS) (Hybrid, 4–5 semesters)
These programs address Indiana’s growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. For more information about these Saint Francis programs, visit sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.