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Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science

Healthcare sciences focus on the development of knowledge and programs that promote health and well-being. Alvernia University's Bachelor of Science in 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.


Alvernia's program graduates advocate for individuals and communities that are underserved or underinformed on issues related to health and wellness, health-system policies and health management.

Majors

Getting Started

General Notes
  • A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
  • Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
  • Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
  • Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
  • Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
  • A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.
Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

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.

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Why Choose Alvernia?
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers more than 50 majors and minors.
• An ever-expanding number of experiential learning opportunities includes internships, field experiences, co-ops, research projects, and study/service abroad programs.
• A rich campus life allows students to enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 50 clubs, intramural sport and student leadership and governance opportunities.
• In growth mode, Alvernia continues to add value to its student experience: expanding academic programming in new facilities; adding student living space and updating residence halls; partnering with a community health provider; and adding amenities including a game room and new performance space.


Program Overview

Curriculum: General Education

Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Healthcare Science majors must complete 45-48 credits in the major.

First Year Curriculum: Enduring Questions

  • SEARCH Seminar-Enduring Questions or Honor Search-Enduring Questions (3 credits: SRH 101 or HNR 160)
  • COM 101 Composition & Research: Must earn a C or higher (3 credits)
  • THE 105 Foundations of Theology (3 credits)
  • PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)


Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration Credits

  • Exploring the Natural World (6-8 credits)
    • Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) (Met with related requirements)
    • Math (Other than MAT 100, MAT 208, or MAT 209; MAT 110 is recommended.)
  • Individuals & Communities (6 credits)
    • History or Political Science
    • PSY 101, HIS, POS, SOC, SSC, or ECON 3 (Met with related requirements)
  • Culture & Language (9 credits)
    • Communication (Not COM 100 or 101) 
    • World Language – 2 courses in sequence (6 credits)
  • Creative Expressions (6 credits)
    • Literature (ENG)
    • Art, Music, or Theatre


Ethical Leaders and Followers Credits

  • Theology or Philosophy (200-400 level) (3 credits)
  • Theology or Philosophy (Ethics/Morality @ 200 level) (3 credits)
Curriculum: Paths of Knowledge

Paths of Knowledge may count towards minor or Related Requirements, but not Mid-Level Arts Exploration requirements. Choose one path.

PATH 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media, Community & Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, Leadership Studies or Pre-Law.

PATH 2: Multi-disciplinary Study (MS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology.

PATH 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)

Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre or World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines.

Curriculum: Major Requirements

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-55 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Healthcare Science majors must complete 45-48 credits in the major.


Required Major Courses (30 credits)

  • HCS 305: Intro/Healthcare Informatics
  • HCS 310: Health & Wellness over the Lifespan
  • HCS 320: Healthcare Science & Cultural Competency
  • HCS 330: Healthcare Literacy & Advocacy
  • HCS 335: HCS 335 Population Health & Epidemiology
  • HCS 340: Healthcare Science Management
  • HCS 400: Healthcare Systems & Policy
  • HCS 410: Community Healthcare Organization & Administration
  • HCS 420: Current Issues in Healthcare Science
  • HCS 430: Capstone (pre-requisite: Senior standing)


Related Requirements (15-16 credits)

  • BIO (100 Level w/Lab)
  • BIO 216: Nutrition
  • PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
  • PSY 208: Human Development (pre-requisite: PSY 101)

 

Track 1: Healthcare Informatics (10-22 credits)

  • HCS 305 HIT Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
  • HCS 306: HIT Organization and Installation
  • HCS 307: HIT Administrative Apps
  • HCS 308: HIS Practice Applications

    RECOMMENDED:
  • CS 110: Intro to Computer Science
  • CS 155: Intro to Object Oriented Programming
  • CS 300: Data Analytics
  • CS 415: Data Mining and Machine Learn


Track 2: Athletic Coaching Requirements (14-16 credits)

  • PED 133: CPR/AED for the Professional
  • PED 110: Principles of Athletic Coaching
  • PSY 312: Psychology of Play
  • SM 210: Sport in Society
  • PED 325: Cultural Creation in Athletic Coaching (pre-requisite: HCS 110)
  • HCS 441: Healthcare Science Internship 


Track 3: Outdoor Adventures (16-18 credits)

  • PED 120: Day Hiking & Outdoor Skill Development
  • PED 210: Introduction to Outdoor Adventure
  • PED 350: Risk Management & Decision Making
  • SPE 345: Meeting Needs of Individuals Requiring Complex Support
  • PHI 215: Environmental Philosophy
  • HCS 441: Healthcare Science Internship 1-6

    CHOOSE 2 DIFFERENT TOPICS:
  • PED 125: Outdoor Activity (may be repeated under different topics)
  • PED 125: Outdoor Activity (may be repeated under different topics)
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 Statements
  • Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Career Outlook

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

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


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.

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College of Health Sciences
Alvernia's College of Health Sciences is committed to educating professionals who are prepared to meet the healthcare demands of an ever-changing society.
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Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia’s Heatlhcare Science program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Healthcare Science Program Director Thomas Porazzo at 610-796-8311 or tom.porrazzo@alvernia.edu.