Earning a Healthcare Science degree from Alvernia University prepares graduates for meaningful, big-picture roles and careers in the current healthcare environment. Students who earn a Healthcare Science bachelor's degree will be prepared to work in healthcare agencies, businesses and other healthcare settings as policy leaders, advocates and educators. It is also an excellent major to "jump start" into other healthcare degrees such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training and others.
Our Healthcare Services 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.
Design your right-fit program
Our affordable and flexible Healthcare Science program is offered at Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia campuses, and delivers students classroom and online instruction. Our faculty will work with you to incorporate your complementary interests to the required core competency courses.
Our Healthcare Science program is an excellent opportunity for students at all levels, including transfers or new applicants with associate degrees as occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, medical imaging professionals, dental hygienists, or respiratory therapists.
Program offered at the following locations:
- Reading campus
- Philadelphia campus
- Schuylkill campus
- Online
- Curriculum
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All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits, including 3 credits in a human diversity course, to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science 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.
Healthcare Science majors must complete 30 credits in the major. Required courses are:- 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)
Related required courses are:
- BIO 100 Human Biology (with lab)
- PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (Social Science Core applicable)
- BIO 216 Nutrition
- PSY 208 Human Development Across the Lifespan
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.
- Experiential Learning
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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
Your advisor, other faculty members and staff of Alvernia’s Career Development Center can help you decide if an internship is right for you.
- Tuition
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To determine the cost of this program, please visit our Tuition page. For a personalized estimate, please contact an admissions counselor at 610-790-8269 or at admissions@alvernia.edu.
- Financial Aid
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100% of Alvernia students receive some form of scholarship and/or aid. Our admissions counselors can help you identify the aid that is available to you and for your program. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
- Accreditation
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All programs offered by Alvernia University are approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Learn More
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
