Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science

Prepare for a career in good health

Healthcare sciences focus on the development of knowledge and programs that promote health and well-being. Alvernia University's adult education 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 advocates for individuals and communities that are underserved or underinformed on issues related to health and wellness, health-system policies and health management. Flexible scheduling allows adult learners to incorporate classes into their busy lives.

Estimated Program Length	2-4 years
Credit Hours	123
Course Length	7 weeks
Transfer Credits Accepted	75
Cost per Credit	$640*

*Tuition discount available. Ask for details!

Adult Education Programs

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

The adult education Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science program is available at the following Alvernia University campuses:

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 Alvernia University 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 Alvernia University. 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
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 Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). 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