College of Health Sciences
51³Ô¹Ï the College of Health Sciences
Read our mission and vision statements, and discover the Franciscan values that comprise the foundation of an Alvernia education.
Our Faculty
Our faculty members are educationally, clinically and experientially qualified and committed to academic excellence.
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.
Getting Started
College of Health Sciences Offerings
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 of Science in Athletic Training (5-year Master's Degree)
Master's Offerings
• Master of Science in Athletic Training (Post-Baccalaureate)
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
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Bachelor of Science in Exercise 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
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Associate of Science in Healthcare Science
Baccalaureate offerings
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science (Online)
Alvernia's nursing programs — housed in the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing — 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
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Bachelor of Science in Nursing
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;RN to BSN Completion Program
Master's Offerings
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Master of Science in Nursing
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Nursing Education
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration
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
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Master's Offerings
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Doctoral Offerings
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional)
Alvernia’s 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
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;DPT: Biochemistry track
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;DPT: Biology track
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;DPT: Healthcare Science track
Doctoral Offerings
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Doctor of Physical Therapy
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
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.
Online nursing program helps adult student achieve belated dream
For much of her childhood, Jeri Eifler ’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 the end of her first semester on full scholarship at The New Sc...
Athletic Training Student Wins National Scholarship
Rachel Miller, a second-year Master of Science in Athletic Training student, was recently awarded the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFBATS) Jerry Rhea Scholarship from the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) for her hi...
Changing career ambitions sparks educational comebackÂ
Jennifer'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 */ left: 0; top: 0; width: 1...
Wide range of Alvernia experiences helped prepare for role as U.S. Navy nurse, alumna says
PHOTO: Morgan Petry, at right, during an Alternative Break trip to Cuba.When it came to selecting a place to continue her education, Long Island, N.Y., resident Morgan Petry '19 dreamed it would be a place where she could entertain more than one p...
51³Ô¹Ï breaks ground on American House renovation at Reading CollegeTowne
Renovation will expand healthcare access, experiential learning and inclusive workforce development in downtown Reading
Alvernia highlights associate degree transfer pathway to accelerate bachelor’s completion
Policy recognizes general education completion and supports adult learners through flexible programs, advising and SOLAR services
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.
Alvernia nursing students earn 100% NCLEX pass rate for second consecutive year
University also earns 2025–2026 Nursing College of Distinction recognition
