Alvernia University and Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Renew Partnership to Expand Healthcare Education Pathways
Renewed agreement continues dual-enrollment pathways, degree opportunities and discounted bachelor’s completion options for RHSHS students
Alvernia University and Reading Hospital, through its Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences (RHSHS), have renewed their longstanding affiliation to provide general education coursework for students enrolled in RHSHS nursing, medical imaging, diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology, and paramedic programs.
Through the partnership, Alvernia faculty teach the general education courses required within these programs, allowing students to earn academic credit from both institutions while completing their healthcare education. The renewed agreement extends the partnership for another five years.
"For years, Alvernia’s partnership with Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences has helped students pursue meaningful careers in healthcare while advancing their education,” said Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “By renewing this partnership, we’re ensuring that future students can benefit from accessible educational pathways that prepare them to meet the growing needs of our region’s workforce.”
Students in nursing, medical imaging, diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology and paramedic education benefit from the partnership. Across all programs, students benefit from Alvernia faculty who teach the required general education courses at RHSHS.
“Both Reading Hospital and Alvernia University share a mission of education, making this a natural partnership,” said Dr. Charles F. Barbera, Reading Hospital President and CEO at Reading Hospital and member of the Board of Trustees at Alvernia University. “By working together, we are providing a unique learning opportunity that equips future healthcare workers with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to care for the community.”
Students can also pursue dual enrollment and have the opportunity to earn academic credit from both institutions. For nursing students, the pathway extends even further. RHSHS graduates who enroll in Alvernia's RN-to-BSN program receive six credits toward their bachelor's degree, helping them complete their BSN more efficiently. In addition, students have access to Alvernia student resources creating a coordinated education pathway between RHSHS and Alvernia.
“Our partnership with Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences creates a comprehensive educational experience that combines exceptional clinical training with a strong general education foundation,” said Patricia Reger, Ph.D., PT, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Alvernia University. “The general education coursework taught by Alvernia faculty helps students develop the critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning and scientific inquiry skills that are essential to sound clinical judgment and high-quality patient care. By pairing these experiences with the outstanding professional preparation students receive at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, we are helping to develop healthcare professionals who are not only technically proficient, but also well-equipped to meet the complex needs of patients, healthcare systems, and the communities they serve.”
According to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth faces one of the nation’s most significant healthcare workforce shortages, driven by an aging workforce, limited clinical training capacity and a shortage of graduates entering healthcare professions. By continuing their longstanding partnership, Alvernia and RHSHS are strengthening the educational pipeline for future healthcare professionals through integrated academic pathways that prepare students to enter the workforce.