Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences

Kelly Stalker, Department Chair
Heather Krick, Program Director—Didactic Program in Dietetics
Laurie DiRosa, Program Director—Exercise Sciences
Anne Marie McCauley, Program Director—Allied Health and Health Care Management

Faculty

Jessica Burfield
Laurie DiRosa
Jillian Hall
Catherine Holt
Qian Jia
Heather Krick
Anne Marie McCauley
Christine Naegle
Nicholas Racich
Kelly Stalker

Barbara Gallagher, Emerita
Sister M. Carroll Isselmann, Emerita

Program Accreditation

The Didactic Program in Dietetics program is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Phone: 312-899- 0040. The DPD program provides the academic preparation necessary for entering supervised practice, leading to eligibility to become an entry level registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Programs Offered

Degrees - Majors

Bachelor of Science in Allied Health (BS) with tracks in:

• Clinical Professionals
• Pre-Speech Pathology
• Professional Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Allied Health (BS) – with partnership specializations* in:

• Cardiac Sonography
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Radiology Technician
• Respiratory Therapy Technician
• Surgical Technician
• Vascular Sonography Technician

*Please Note: not all specializations are available at all the partnership affiliations. Please consult the Allied Health Program Director prior to the start of enrolled first semester.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science – with concentrations in:

• Movement Science
• Pre-Athletic Training
• Pre-Occupational/Pre- Physical Therapy
• Pre-Physician Assistant

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Care Management (accelerated degree completion students only)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition and Dietetics

Degrees - Baccalaureate/Graduate

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science + Master of Athletic Training (MAT)
3 Years + 2 Years – Accelerated 5-year program at Immaculata University

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition and Dietetics + Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Nutrition
3 Years + 2 Years – Accelerated 5-year program at Immaculata University

Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Pharmacology (BS/Pharm.D.) in Allied Health - Pharmacology (Pharm.D. program with Thomas Jefferson
3 Years + 4 Years – Thomas Jefferson awards Pharm.D. degree)

Minors

Health Care Management
Movement Science
Nutrition
Pre-Health Professions

Allied Health Degrees

Program Vision

The programs in Allied Health strive to promote positive lifestyles for all students through education of the mind and body. The program recognizes the need to prepare students to become successful professionals by offering a variety of educational and practical opportunities. The program will ensure the needs of students and university are met by providing students with excellent academic experiences, hands-on practical experiences and internships.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Allied Health curriculum at Immaculata, students will be able to:

• apply theories and principles of the liberal arts with content specific health care clinical and management situations;
• utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the management of health care issues and the care of clients;
• identify and assess the spiritual, cultural, biological, psychological, social, and economic concepts of health/illness as it applies to health care consumers;
• evidence effective oral, written, and information technology skills when interacting with clients, health team members, healthcare organizations, and the public.

Allied Health majors must also meet the specific outcomes associated with the areas of specialization as determined by the partner institutions.

Pursuing a Major in Allied Health

While many programs may be flexible enough to accept students who choose a major by the end of freshman year, Allied Health students are encouraged to pursue their major as early possible in their studies at Immaculata because of the number of requirements which must be satisfied by the junior year.

Transfer students may be accepted into the major on a case by case basis. Because of the limitations in specialization placements, no guarantee can be made for choice of specialization.

Students interested in the major are encouraged to become informed about the curriculum and to contact the Allied Health Program Director.

Progression Requirements

To remain in the major, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.33 (C+) and a minimum of 2.33 (C+) in all mathematics, natural science, and department courses. Students are encouraged to review specific admissions criteria for the certification/specialization area they plan to pursue.

Allied Health (BS)
(Bachelor of Science)
(IU + Partner Institution: 3 years + 1 to 2+ years, program dependent)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  AHS 100, 200, 300; BIOL 208, 209, 210; CHE 101, 102, 201, 202*; HCM 120, 201, 421; CIS 226; MATH 203 and 204 or MATH 207 and 208* (meets math requirement); PHY 152 and 153 or PHY 203 and 204; PSY 101, 208; SPAN 150, 152; and THE 218. For Johns Hopkins concentrations, students must also take COM 250 and achieve a B or higher final grade in the course.
* Clinical (Medical) Laboratory Science has different requirements for Chemistry: (CHE 103, 104, 202, 211, and 212) and Mathematics (MATH 207 and 208).

Selection of Allied Health Specialization

Students are encouraged to make an initial selection of specialization at the time they begin their study in the major. Selection of specialization is subject to the approval of the Allied Health Program Director, as are any changes in specialization. Students must meet application criteria for the site and certification/specialization area for which they are applying.

Programs of specialization within the Allied Health major include:

• Cardiovascular Technology
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Cardiac Sonography
• Radiology Technician
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Respiratory Therapy Technician
• Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences
• Surgical Technician
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Vascular Sonography Technician

In addition, advanced training in CT and MRI is available at certain affiliated institutions.

Partner Institutions:

• Bucks County Community College offers a clinical program in Radiology Technician.
• The Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medical Imaging offers clinical programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
• The PSU Hershey Medical Center MLS Program offers students the opportunity for Medical Laboratory Science concentration students to complete their clinical training in this area.
• St. Joseph’s University (SJU), at its site in Lancaster, PA, offers students training Cardiac Sonography, Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Science, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Surgical Technology, and Vascular Sonography;
• The Thomas Jefferson University offers students the opportunity to study and complete their doctoral degree in Pharmacy.
• The Widener/Crozer Program offers students the opportunity to study Radiology Technician as well as Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technician.

At the conclusion of the third year of study at Immaculata, the allied health student will transfer to a selected partner school program where they have been accepted for study in the clinical field. After successfully completing the first year of study at the partner institution, a minimum of 30 credits will be transferred back to Immaculata University and the student will be awarded a BS in Allied Health Science from Immaculata University.

Allied Health - Pharmacology (BS-Pharm.D.)
(Bachelor of Science – IU & Pharm.D. - TJU)
(IU + Thomas Jefferson University: 3 Years + 4 Years)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: AHS 100, 200, 300; BIO 209, 210, 233, 234, 323; CHE 103, 104, 211, 212; CIS 226; HCM 201,421 (meets ethics requirement); MATH 207 and 208; PHY 203, 204; PSY 101, 208 (meets social science requirements); SPAN 150, 152 (meets foreign language requirement); and THE 218.

Partnership Requirements 

A program in Pre-Pharmacy leading to a Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) (3 Years + 4 Years):

Students complete the specified program requirements at Immaculata before moving to Thomas Jefferson’s program to complete a total of four (4) years of study at Jefferson. After year one, a minimum of 30 credits are transferred back to Immaculata in order to grant the BS Degree for Immaculata University. After four years, all credits earned at Thomas Jefferson are applied to the Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacology) degree granted by Thomas Jefferson University.

Allied Health Science (BS) - Clinical Professionals Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  CIS 226; HCM 302, 321, 326, and 421 OR 340 (meets ethics requirement); MATH 217; ORBH 315, 325, 395; SPAN 150, 152 (meets foreign language requirement); and six credits (2 courses) in laboratory science.

Clinical Professionals Overview

For students who have completed a clinical training program at a community college or an accredited training program, this track provides a collaborative transfer/advanced placement option to completion of a baccalaureate degree. Applicants seeking admission to this track must have the equivalent of 30 academic credits within an allied health clinical field. Credits must be completed at a regionally-accredited institution or a program approved by the American Council on Education. Additionally, when a state or national exam is required to practice in the clinical field, the applicant must provide documentation of successful completion of the required exam. Applicants seeking admission to the B.S. in Allied Health Science Clinical Professionals track must be practicing clinicians, documented in a current resume, or have completed their training programs within 5 years of application for admission.

Allied Health (BS) – Pre-Speech Pathology Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  AHS 100, 200, 300; BIOL 208, 209, 210; CHE 101, 102, 201, 202*; COM 201; HCM 120, 201, 421; CIS 224 or 226; EXS 403; MATH 203-204 or MATH 207- 208* (meets math requirement); PHY 152-153 or PHY 203-204; PSY 101, 208, 324; SPAN 150, 152; THE 218; six (6) COMD courses (18 credits) to fulfill the Communications Disorders minor.

Pre-Speech Pathology Overview 

The goal of this program is to provide students with a well-rounded background in health sciences while incorporating the pre-requisites necessary for acceptance into graduate programs in the area of Speech-Language Pathology.

Allied Health (BS) - Professional Health Sciences Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  AHS 404, BIOL 209, 210, one course (3-4 credits) in CHE; HCM 302, 321; PSY 101, 208; two courses (7-8 credits) from BIOL 104, 204, 205, 207, 208, 233, 234, 335, PHY 152, 153, 203, or 204; and three courses (9 credits) in AHS, ATEP, EXS, FNU, HCM, or NUR (Note that these courses may not count elsewhere, and all 9 credits must be completed in the same area of study/discipline – e.g.  9 credits in HCM or 9 credits in NUR).

Professional Health Sciences Overview

The goal of this program is to guide students with a well-rounded background in health sciences through a culminating program of coursework that will provide broad information across health-related disciplines, allowing such students to apply most of their professional or pre-professional degree course credits to this track. Graduates from this program should be suited to work in a variety of health-related venues (hospitals, medical centers, pharmaceutical firms, long-term care facilities, health insurance companies, physician’s offices) with the exception of certified or licensed positions. This program is only open to students in their junior or senior year who are transferring out of another Immaculata healthcare program.

Exercise Science Degree

Program Vision

The programs in Exercise Science strive to promote positive lifestyles for all students through education of the mind and body. The program recognizes the need to prepare students to become successful professionals by offering a variety of educational and practical opportunities. The program will ensure the needs of students and university are met by providing students with excellent academic, hands-on, and practicum experiences.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Exercise Science curriculum, students will be able to:

• Effectively communicate issues which relate to health, fitness and/or rehabilitation, and sport performance;
• Demonstrate an ability to plan, design, implement and assess fitness and/or rehabilitation programs;
• Critically analyze exercise science related concepts using evidence based practice;
• Exhibit high quality interpersonal skills, professionalism, leadership and ethical behaviors through practical experiences inside and outside of the classroom in the field of exercise science;
• Effectively develop, conduct and present an independent research project related to health, fitness or rehabilitation, or sport performance;
• Analyze human movement using research based methods and understand the impact on health and human performance.

Graduate Professional Program Affiliations

Immaculata University maintains pathways with a variety of universities for our Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy and Pre-Physician Assistant programs, giving our undergraduate students an advantage when applying to these schools. Students interested in these schools are encouraged to contact the Exercise Science Program Director.

Progression Requirements

All EXS Majors

Students in any exercise science track must successfully complete EXS 201 or an equivalent with a minimum of a ‘C’ to continue in the major.

Pre –Professional tracks

Students preparing for careers in athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or physician assistant must maintain a high degree of academic excellence to be considered for the competitive graduate school process. Students in these programs should earn a ‘C’ or above in all department, science, and social sciences courses. Students earning below a ‘C’ in any of these courses should re-take the course in order to remain competitive in the graduate school process.

Pre-Athletic Training (3+2 BS/MAT)

Students accepted into the accelerated 3+2 pre-athletic training program must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a C+ or higher in all pre-requisite courses in order to remain in the accelerated pre-athletic training track.

Exercise Science (BS) – Movement Science Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  BIOL 209, 210; CHE 100; EXS 201, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 310, 405, 407, 408, two courses (6 credits) in EXS core; FNU 208, 317; HCM 201; MATH 203 and 204 or 207 and 208; PHY 152; PSY 101, 250 or 357, 324; and SCI 250 or PSY 208.

Exercise Science (BS) – Pre-Athletic Training Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  ATEP 312; BIOL 209, 210 and one of the following: BIOL 111, 205, 208; CHE 100; EXS 201, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 403, 405, two (2) courses (6 credits) in EXS electives; FNU 208, 317; HCM 201; MATH 203 and 204; PHY 152; PSY 101, 250 or 357, 324; SCI 250 or PSY 208.

Exercise Science (BS) in Exercise Science + Pre-Athletic Training Track (MAT) – 3 + 2 Program
(Accelerated Bachelor of Science + Masters of Athletic Training)

The 3+2 track provides students an option to complete their baccalaureate and master’s degree in a total of five years with guaranteed acceptance to the Master of Athletic Training program.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: ATEP 312; BIOL 209, 210 and one of the following: BIOL 111, 205, 208; CHE 100; EXS 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 403, 405; FNU 208, 317; HCM 201; MATH 203 and 204; PHY 152; PSY 101, 250 or 357; and SCI 250 or PSY 208. (See Immaculata University Graduate Catalog for graduate program requirements.)

Exercise Science (BS) - Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Occupational Therapy Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  BIOL 209, 210, 233, 234; CHE 103, 104; EXS 201, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 310, 403, one course (3 credits) in EXS core; FNU 208; HCM 201; MATH 203 and 204 OR 207 and 208; PHY 152 and 153 or 203 and 204; PSY 101, 324, one elective course (3 credits) in PSY; SCI 250 or PSY 208; and SOC 328 or 345 or 353.

Exercise Science (BS) – Pre-Physician Assistant Track
(Bachelor of Science)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  BIOL 209, 210, 233, 234, 323; CHE 103, 104, 201 and 202 or 211 and 212; EXS 201, 204, 210, 302, 303, 403, two courses (6 credits) in EXS core; HCM 201, 302; MATH 203 and 204 OR  207 and 208; PHY 203, 204; PSY 324; and SCI 250 or PSY 208.

Exercise Science Minors

Movement Science
(Minor)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: EXS 201, 302, 303; and three courses (9 credits) chosen from EXS 202, 301, 304, 305, 310, 405.

Pre-Health Professions
(Minor)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Pre-requisites: CHE 103-104, PHY 152-153 or 203-204. Requirements: BIOL 209-210; EXS 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305.

Health Care Management Degree and Minor

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Health Care Management program, students will be able to:

• Recognize the complexities of healthcare systems, including factors that influence healthcare outcomes, delivery modalities, performance, and growth in healthcare resources;
• Demonstrate awareness of the legal, regulatory, and ethical issues within health care and how they impact providers, policies, and institutional practices in multifaceted and diverse organizational environments;
• Evidence the use of various information technologies and organizational data to access, strategically plan and manage information, delivery and outcomes in healthcare settings;
• Conduct financial management processes and problem-solving skills for budgetary operations at various levels within the management of healthcare delivery and patient services;
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders;
• Interpret the qualitative and quantitative methodology involved in the reliable management of healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Health Care Management (BS)
(Bachelor of Science)
(Accelerated Degree Completion Program – Part time students)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The BS in Health Care Management is an accelerated degree completion program for the working adult (part time students) and includes the following program requirements: BUSL 378; CCS 341; COM 355; ENG 242; HCM 302, 306, 307, 311, 314, 315, 321, 326, 340; ORBH 315, 325, 395; and PHI 384. Requirements beyond accelerated program, by advisement, to complete core courses and electives as needed for a total of 126 credits.

Health Care Management
(Minor)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: HCM 120, 201 or 307, 302, 321, 326, 340, 421, and one (1) elective course from HCM 306, 311, or 314.

Nutrition and Dietetics Degree Tracks and Minor

Program Mission

The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Immaculata University is to provide educational excellence that prepares graduates for supervised practice, leading them to be eligible for the CDR credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists. The Didactic Program also strives to promote a lifelong appreciation for the attributes of a liberal arts education beyond graduation, encompassing ethical integrity, service, justice, and peace.

Program Goals and Objectives

To accomplish this mission, the DPD Program has the following goals:

Goal #1 – Graduates will be well prepared in the field of nutrition and dietetics, demonstrating logical and critical thought, independent study, and integration of knowledge.
Objective 1.1: At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150%) of the program length.
Objective 1.2: Graduates who respond to the post-program completion survey will rank program satisfaction as a minimum overall mean score of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Objective 1.3: 80% of supervised practice program directors will indicate overall satisfaction with graduate’s preparation for supervised practice.

Goal #2 – Graduates who successfully complete the DPD program will be eligible for supervised practice, graduate school, or employment.
Objective 2.1: 70% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 2.2: 70% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
Objective 2.3: The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
Objective 2.4: Graduates who respond to the post-program completion survey will indicate that the program promoted mastery of subject material to prepare them for employment as a minimum overall mean score of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Goal #3 – Graduates will be prepared to communicate ideas effectively in a multicultural society, while respecting diversity, exhibiting personal integrity, and displaying ethical conduct.
Objective 3.1: Graduates who respond to the post-program completion survey will rank preparedness to work professionally and communicate within a multicultural society as a minimum overall mean score of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Objective 3.2: Graduates who respond to the post-program completion survey will rank overall coursework relating to professional growth as a minimum overall mean score of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Nutrition and Dietetics (BS)
(Bachelor of Science)

The courses in this program are adapted to meet the requirements of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) by means of the accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics*.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  BIOL 204, 205, 209, 210; CHE 101, 102, 201, 202; ECO 201 or 202 or 203; FNU 109, 206, 208, 212, 220, 305, 310, 320, 322, 325, 326, 353, 357, 358, 359, 362, 370, 372; one (1) FNU elective course (three credits) from the following: FNU 200, 315, or 317; and one (1) elective course (three credits) from the following:  PSY 101 or 324 or SOC 202.

*For those students who have a baccalaureate degree, the program can be completed without earning an additional degree. Courses required will vary based on transcript evaluation. It may be possible to take some courses at the graduate as well as undergraduate levels. (A minimum of 6 credits must be taken at Immaculata University including one semester of Medical Nutrition Therapy at the graduate or undergraduate level.)

Progression Requirements

Undergraduate students in the B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program are required to have a minimum overall GPA of 2.6 and earn a minimum grade of B- in all FNU courses to graduate and receive the Verification Statement. This document is required to apply for a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian or to be eligible to take the exam to be a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR).

Transfer students must meet the same GPA, grade, and course requirements as all other Nutrition and Dietetic majors. Transfer students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits at Immaculata University to be able to complete the DPD program and receive the Verification Statement.

Students must earn at least a grade of C in all science courses required for the DPD program.

Students that meet the minimum GPA requirement but have earned lower than a B- in any FNU course(s) must repeat the course(s) before graduation and earn the minimum grade requirement of B- to receive a Verification Statement. If a student does not meet the minimum overall GPA of 2.6, and/or does not meet the minimum grade requirement of B- in all FNU courses, they may still graduate but will not earn a Verification Statement.

*For those students who have a baccalaureate degree, regardless of the area of study, the DPD program can be completed without earning an additional degree. Courses required will vary based on transcript evaluation by the academic advisor.

Nutrition and Dietetics (BS) + Clinical Nutrition (MS) – 3+2 program
(Accelerated Bachelor of Science + Masters of Science)

The 3+2 track provides students an option to complete their baccalaureate degree in three years as well as guarantees acceptance into the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition.
The courses in this program are adapted to meet the requirements of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) by means of the accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics*.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS for BS:  BIOL 204, 205 or 208, 209, 210; CHE 101, 102, 201, 202; FNU 109, 206, 208, 212, 220, 305, 310, 320, 322, 325, 326, 353, 357, 358, 359, 362, 370, 372; one (1) FNU elective course (three credits) from the following: FNU 200, 315, or 317; HCM 201; and one (1) elective course (three credits) from the following:  PSY 101 or 324 or SOC 202.

Admissions and Progression Requirements 

In order to participate in this option, students must meet the following admission and progression requirements.

Admissions Requirements

The 3+2 track provides an accelerated pathway to completion of the baccalaureate degree and entry into an Immaculata nutrition graduate program. Students applying to the accelerated 3+2 track must:

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school.
• Have achieved a 3.0 GPA in sciences courses within their high school curriculum.
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation that speak to the ability of the student to be successful in an accelerated schedule.
• Submit an admissions essay in which the applicant states their personal goals, describes their interest in the field of Nutrition, and outlines personal attributes that speak to their commitment and qualifications to be successful in the accelerated 3+2 track.
• Complete a successful interview with Undergraduate Nutrition Program Director.

The accelerated 3+2 track is designed for first time freshman; however, transfer students will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Admittance to the 3+2 year track is dependent upon previous course work and grades.

Transfer students admitted to the 3+2 track must:

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Have a minimum of C or above in all CHE and BIO courses.
• Have a minimum of B in all nutrition courses.
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation that speak to the ability of the student be successful in an accelerated schedule.
• Submit an admissions essay in which the applicant states their personal goals, describes their interest in the field of Nutrition, and outlines personal attributes that speak to their commitment and qualifications to be successful in the accelerated 3+2 track.
• Complete a successful interview with Undergraduate Nutrition Program Director.

Progression Requirements

Students in the 3+2 Program must meet the following progression standards:

• Achieve a minimum C grade in all CHE and BIO science courses.
• Achieve a minimum B- grade in all FNU courses.
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Follow the outlined course sequence sheet, including winter and summer courses.

Students enrolled in the 3+2 accelerated program will earn their baccalaureate degree after completing the stated major and degree requirements. Students enrolling in this program will be expected to enroll in summer and winter courses to accelerate their baccalaureate degree. See the Immaculata University Graduate Catalog for specific information about the MS program application processes.

Nutrition
(Minor)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  FNU 109, 208, 220; three courses (nine credits) from among the following: FNU 200, 212, 315, 317.