Colleges of Distinction & U.S. News and World Report awards honor for high-impact practices
Alvernia University’s nursing program earns national recognition by Colleges of Distinction (COD) and the U.S. News and World Report for its high-impact curriculum and expansive experiential learning opportunities.
“To help address the shortage of nurses in the region, Alvernia University plans to increase enrollment in its prelicensure track as the program moves to its state-of-the-art facilities in CollegeTowne. Alvernia is committed to preparing students and alumni who can confidently navigate their career exploration and self-development in ways that incorporate Alvernia’s core Franciscan values,” said Dr. Patricia Reger, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “However, our commitment extends beyond that of our students. As members of the Reading and Berks County community, we continuously search for ways to improve the well-being of the community. This nursing enrollment expansion is just one example of how we can positively impact the health outcomes in our community.”
COD recognizes nursing programs that exhibit high-impact practices and criteria based on stability, excellence, high-impact practices, liberal arts exposure, practical experience, high mastery rates, and dedicated counseling and industry connections through a comprehensive vetting process.
Alvernia also received nods in the U.S. News & World Report's national undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) rankings, landing in the top 500 programs nationwide. The rankings are based on the judgments of deans and senior faculty members of nursing schools and departments at institutions across the country.
"The nursing program at Alvernia offers a unique combination of theory and clinical practice that prepares students to provide patients from diverse populations with safe, holistic care and advocate on their behalf with sensitivity and understanding," said Alvernia University Associate Professor of Nursing and Department Chairperson Deborah Greenawald. "Over 75% of our 2022 graduates had nursing jobs secured at the time of graduation. Many graduates go on to advance their education through higher degrees or specialty certifications within two to three years of their initial baccalaureate education."
Alvernia’s Nursing Program readies future healthcare professionals to provide healthcare in many different settings, from hospitals to schools to nursing homes to disaster relief sites. The university also hosts two nursing-related student-run organizations, the Alvernia Student Nurses' Association, in which students network with other student nurses and nursing professionals on a state and national level, and the Nursing Honor Society, which recognizes superior achievement and the development of leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work and strengthens commitment to the ideas and purposes of the nursing profession.
In July, Alvernia had a trio of badges bestowed upon it from COD, including being named a 2022-23 national, Catholic and Pennsylvania College of Distinction as well as recognition for their business programs.
For more information about Alvernia University’s nursing programs, visit the program’s website. To learn more about the awards, visit the Colleges of Distinction website & U.S. News and World Report website.
