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Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

The adult education Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science program is available at the following Â鶹ÊÓƵ campuses:

• Reading
• Philadelphia
• Pottsville
• Online

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, February, March, May, and July).

Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation.

Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.

To get started, visit our Adult Education Application page for a list of instructions and documents needed.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Program Overview

Curriculum

Liberal Arts Core (31/55 credits)*
General Elective Requirements (as needed)**

Healthcare Science Major Requirements (30 Credits):

• HCS 305 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
• HCS 310 Health and Wellness Over the Lifespan
• HCS 320 Healthcare Science and Cultural Competence
• HCS 330 Healthcare Literacy and Advocacy
• HCS 335 Population Health and Epidemiology
• HCS 340 Healthcare Science Management
• HCS 400 Healthcare Systems and Policy
• HCS 410 Community Health Organization and Administration
• HCS 420 Current Issues in Healthcare
• HCS 430 Healthcare Science Capstone
• HCS 441 Internship (optional)

*All Â鶹ÊÓƵ students are required to complete between 31-55 credits toward the Liberal Arts core. Transfer work may be applicable for this area. As part of the application process, students receive specific information regarding remaining credits.

**A total of 123 credits including 3 credits in a human diversity course are required to complete a Bachelor’s degree. To adhere to Franciscan Values, community service hours are also required. In addition, at least 30 credits at the 300/400 level must be taken at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Recommended core 100 level science with lab: BIO 102, BIO 107/117, BIO 109 or BIO 115/116.

Related Requirements:

• BIO 100 level with lab (or BIO 203)
• PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (Social Science Core applicable)
• BIO 216 Nutrition
• PSY 208 Human Development Across Lifespan

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Through internships, students have opportunities to apply theories and knowledge learned in the classroom in a variety of professional settings. In addition to providing exposure to the activities and expectations of a real-world workplace, internship experiences help students develop their network of professional contacts.

You will not only benefit from experienced faculty members who have extensive experience in the business world, you’ll also get the opportunity to participate in learning opportunities in real business and/or healthcare settings through internships and cooperative experiences.

Some of the organizations with which Alvernia healthcare majors have had internships include:

• Reading Health System
• Reading Health Dispensary
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Lutheran Home of Topton
• St. Joseph Medical Center
• Chester County Hospital

Accreditation Statement

• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average for all occupations.

• Case Manager
• Care Manager
• Surgical Coordinator
• Supervisor for PAHM
• Hospice Care
• Patent Service Associate
• Community Engagement Coordinator
• Navigator (Patient Advocate)

For More Information

For more information about Alvernia’s Healthcare Science Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu, or reach out directly to:
 

Thomas G. Porrazzo, PH.D., LAT, ATC

Healthcare Science Program Director
Associate Professor
Nursing Resource Center 110
610-796-8311
tom.porrazzo@alvernia.edu

Get To Know Your Faculty (Alphabetical)