College of Health Sciences

Nursing faculty 2023

College of Health Sciences

 

 

College of Health Sciences Offerings

Athletic Training


The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Alvernia provides students with an intellectual and clinical foundation, enabling them to play an important role in the health care of athletes, those involved in physical activity, and those who seek to incorporate activity and wellness into their lives.
 

Baccalaureate offerings

 

Master's offerings

 

Exercise Science


Alvernia's exercise science program prepares entry-level exercise science students for careers in health promotion, fitness facilities, colleges and universities, clinical rehabilitation, and sport and athletic conditioning programs with potential eligibility for various certifications.


Baccalaureate offerings

 

Healthcare Science


Alvernia's Healthcare Science degree teaches students how to advocate for individuals and communities that are underserved or under-informed on issues related to health and wellness, health-system policies and health management. It is also an excellent major to "jump start" into other healthcare degrees such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and others.
 

Associate offerings

 

Baccalaureate offerings

 

Nursing 鈥 The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing


Alvernia's nursing programs 鈥 housed in the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing 鈥 continue to respond to current and emerging workforce needs by providing highly skilled, highly educated, values-based practitioners and leaders, at all levels in the healthcare continuum.
 

Baccalaureate offerings

 

Master's offerings

Occupational Therapy

 

Occupational therapy promotes health, well-being, and life satisfaction by supporting participation in meaningful, purposeful daily activities. Becoming an occupational therapist is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about helping others and are creative problem-solvers. Alvernia offers two MSOT degree tracks based upon a student's previous coursework. It also offers an online post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), the highest level of formal education available to entry-level occupational therapists.
 

Baccalaureate offerings

 

Master's offerings

 

Doctoral offerings

Physical Therapy


Alvernia鈥檚 DPT program utilizes a state-of-the-art facility, featuring Anatomage Virtual Dissection tables, a research lab with motion analysis system, a real-time ultrasound unit, a split-belt treadmill, surface electromyography and accelerometers.


A 3+3 year, accelerated format is available, allowing Alvernia students who are admitted as undergraduate first-year students into one of three majors to begin the professional phase of the curriculum in their senior year.
 

Baccalaureate offerings

 

Doctoral offerings

Physician Associate Studies


Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are licensed clinicians dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Alvernia offers two pathways to obtain a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies:

 

Baccalaureate offerings

 

Master's offerings

DPT physical therapy students

麻豆视频 the College of Health Sciences

Read our mission and vision statements, and discover the Franciscan values that comprise the foundation of an Alvernia education.

Physician Associate

Our Faculty

Our faculty members are educationally, clinically and experientially qualified and committed to academic excellence.

Partnership with BCHC

Alvernia, BCHC expand healthcare access in downtown Reading

The university and Berks Community Health Center are developing a state-of-the-art community-based health center at the former American House property.

Nursing space

Dean Patricia Reger's Message

During your time with us, you will be mentored by faculty and staff who will assist you as you navigate the transition from student to healthcare provider. Your success is our commitment.

Jeri Eifler Online Student

Online nursing program helps adult student achieve belated dream

Online nursing program helps adult student achieve belated dreamFor much of her childhood, Jeri Eifler 鈥23 suffered a tumultuous life.Her father died when she was 10 years old, and her mother sunk into a deep depression that only got worse. Before...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
Gym Jam

Community need sparks Alvernia grad's entrepreneurial spirit

As a student in Alvernia鈥檚 occupational therapy program, Mary Strausser MSOT 鈥08 did not anticipate a career that centered around children.鈥淚 remember telling my classmates I had no interest in working with kids,鈥 she recalled. 鈥淚 thought I鈥檇 be p...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
Regina Rossi Senior Scholar Golden Guide Ambassador MSOT

MSOT standout aims to advance use of 3-D prosthetic hands

As a high school student, Regina Rossi perused occupational therapy programs and Alvernia鈥檚 stood out. 鈥淲hen I discovered the school offered a five-year OT program, I was intrigued and when I visited the beautiful campus and spoke to the dedicated...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
麻豆视频 DPT Graduate Aron Rodriguez

Lone wolf finds his pack at AU

Aron's Comeback Story.modal { display: none; /* Hidden by default */ position: fixed; /* Stay in place */ z-index: 500; /* Sit on top */ padding-top: 400px; /* Location of the box */ ...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
Recent News

Alvernia highlights associate degree transfer pathway to accelerate bachelor鈥檚 completion

Policy recognizes general education completion and supports adult learners through flexible programs, advising and SOLAR services

Margarita Adult Student

Homecoming and Family Weekend mixes tried-and-true traditions with new offerings

A 5K race and a first-year family tailgate were among the events joining old favorites at the 2025 edition.

Homecoming 2025

Alvernia nursing students earn 100% NCLEX pass rate for second consecutive year

University also earns 2025鈥2026 Nursing College of Distinction recognition

Alvernia Nursing 100% NCLEX Pass Rate

Alvernia named a top-ranked national university for fourth consecutive year

The university was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for advancing social mobility and excellence in nursing education.

Alvernia U.S. News ranking 2025

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