Health Science Education

Health Science Education

Department Overview
It takes a special person to be a healthcare professional. Empathy, attention to detail, great interpersonal skills, flexibility, physical endurance and an ability to respond quickly are just a few of the traits that are found in successful healthcare providers.

If you think that healthcare is the field for you, we offer a wide variety of options. Here are just a few:
  • Registered Nurse including a bridge program for LPNs to earn an RN
  • Programs in Exercise Science and Health Science that are designed to transfer to four-year schools to pursue a bachelor’s degree
  • Programs in Ophthalmic Science and Health Information Technology that will prepare you to enter the workforce directly after graduation
  • Specialized certificate programs to train you for a career as a Fitness Specialist or Medical Coder
  • Courses that can prepare you to take certification exams in such fields as Certified Nurse Aide and Emergency Medical Technician while you earn college credits at the same time
  • Intensive programs that will train you for a new career and prepare you to sit for certification exams in such fields as Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician and Dental Radiology

Graduates of our programs have continued their education at such highly regarded colleges as Rutgers University, East Stroudsburg University, Kean University and the School of Professional Studies, The City University of New York.

Unleashing the Power of Healing
Compassion, dedication, service and the highest level of care. These are the principals that guide all of our Health Science Education programs. Whether you are looking to become a registered nurse or currently work in the healthcare field and want to enhance your skills, we have programs to meet your needs. Our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom and clinical setting. The diverse faculty brings expertise in such specialties as maternity, mental health, oncology, optometry, pediatrics, trauma, health information technology, medical assisting and fitness.

Degrees Designed to Lead to Direct Employment (A.A.S.)
Nursing/RN, Associate of Applied Science - Explore Careers
Nursing (PN/AD), Associate of Applied Science Degree Option in Nursing - Explore Careers
     *Important Nursing Program Information
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Associate of Applied Science - Explore Careers
Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry), Associate of Applied Science Degree in Ophthalmics - Explore Career - Click here to see an Optician at work

Degrees Designed to Transfer to Four-Year Colleges (A.S.)
Exercise Science, Associate of Science - Explore Careers
Exercise Science-Option in Sports Management, Associate of Science - Explore Careers
Exercise Science-Option in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Associate of Science - Explore Careers
Health Science, Associate of Science - Explore Career

Certificates Designed to Lead to Direct Employment
Fitness Specialist, Certificate - Explore Careers
Medical Assistant, Certificate - Explore Careers
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician, Certificate of Completion – Apprenticeship Option - Explore Careers - Click here to see an Optician at work
Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry), Certificate – Apprenticeship Option - Explore Careers

Joint Degrees with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Treatment, Associate of Science Degree, Joint Degree Program with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Explore Careers
Veterinary Technology, An Articulated Agreement Leading to the A.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College (Florida) - Explore Careers


Courses Leading to Professional Certifications
Certified Nurse Aide (4 college credits)
CPR
Dental Radiology
EKG Technician
Emergency Medical Technician (6 college credits)
Homemaker Home Health Aide
Pharmacy Technician
Yoga Instructor Certification

Online classes are an option for many Health Science degree requirements.  Click here to register for online college courses today!

 

Bio

Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: Post Masters Certificate, College of New Jersey; 
M.S., B.S., Gwynedd-Mercy College; L.P.N., Warren County Community College; A.S., Raritan Valley Community College

TEAGLE grant project, Janssen Pharmaceuticals grant for Diabetes awareness.  Schoolhouse project, funded by the University of Pittsburg Medical Center.  Grant to disseminate information about Emergency Preparedness.  Research poster presentation at Saint Peters University "Hypertension".     

Area of Expertise
Medical, Surgical, Service Learning, Family Health
Email
Bio

Assistant Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: M.S., Arizona School of Health Science; B.S., University of Delaware 

Area of Expertise
Exercise Science
Email
Bio

Nursing Program Coordinator

Associate Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: M.S.N., College of Saint Elizabeth

Area of Expertise
Nursing
Email
Bio

Instructor - Nursing

Academic degrees achieved:
M.S., Georgetown University, College of Nursing
B.S., Phillips School of Nursing at Mount Sinai Beth Israel
A.A.S., Nursing, Raritan Valley Community College

Nursing Certifications:
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner - Advanced Practice Nurse

Awards, research & grants:

  • Graduated Valedictorian from Phillips School of Nursing at Mount Sinai Beth Israel – BSN
  • Mount Sinai Hospital NY – Recipient of Sherman and Paula Raskin Award and Scholarship for Excellence in Clinical Judgment, Empathy and Overall Professionalism
  • Mount Sinai Hospital NY - Recipient of Jean Nerken Scholarship for Academic Excellence
  • Recipient of New Jersey League of Nursing Leadership Award, 2015
Area of Expertise
Medical, Surgical, Family Medicine
Email
Bio

Instructor

Area of Expertise
Nursing
Email
Bio

Assistant Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: M.N., Emory University; B.S.N., Vanderbilt University

Area of Expertise
Psychology, Gerontology
Email
Bio

Instructor

Area of Expertise
Nursing
Email
Bio

Assistant Professor - Nursing

Academic Degrees Achieved:
    ADN Felician College, Lodi, NJ
    BSN  Fairleigh Dickenson, Teaneck, NJ
    MSN Fairleigh Dickenson, Teaneck, NJ

Nursing Certifications:
           ANCC- Medical Surgical Nursing
           ANCC- Nurse Case Management

Awards etc:
           November, 2018- United Nations NGO presentation: Roma Gypsies
           May, 2012- Faculty Perseverance Award
           May, 2012- Sigma Theta Tau International: Nursing Honor Society


          

Area of Expertise
Nursing Theory, Lab, Clinical
Email
Bio

Assistant Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved:
M.S.N., College of St. Elizabeth; B.S.N., Kean University; A.A.S., Nursing, Raritan Valley Community College

Graduated Magna Cum Laude, College of Saint Elizabeth, 2012; RVCC Honoree for Women’s History Month, March 2011; NJSNA Merit Scholarship 2010; Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Mu Theta, 2008; Graduated Magna Cum Laude, Kean University;  Claire Goldstein Scholarship Award, 2006 

Area of Expertise
Pediatrics, Medical-Surgiocal, Maternity nursing
Email
Bio

Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved:
Post Graduate Course Work, Seton Hall University; Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, Rutgers University; M.S.,Seton Hall University; B.S., Jersey City State College; R.N., A.A.S., Middlesex County College

New Jersey League for Nursing President’s Award (1999)  Five-year recipient of Who’s Who Among American Teachers in America   “Professor Nightengale’s Test Taking Strategies for Nursing Students” CD-ROM  American Nursing Association’s Electronic Media Award (2005)   Community Visiting Nurse Association of Somerville: Marie G. Gemeroy Award for Dedication and Voluntary service to CVNA (2014)     New Jersey State Nurses Association’s “Diva in Nursing” Award (2014)  NJ Governor’s Appointment to the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (2015)  

Area of Expertise
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Email
Bio

Coordinator/Instructor Health Information Technology

Academic Degrees Achieved:
M.S. Drexel University, expected completion March, 2016; B.S., Montclair State University; A.A.S., Raritan Valley Community College

Area of Expertise
Health Information Technology
Email
Bio

Medical Assistant Program Coordinator

Academic degrees achieved: Masters in Healthcare Administration, University of Phoenix; B.S., University of Phoenix

Area of Expertise
Medical Assisting Program
Email
Bio

Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: M.S., East Stroudsburg University; M.B.A., Hofstra University; B.S., SUNY Plattsburgh; Fitness Certificate, Raritan Valley Community College

Plattsburgh State Sports Hall of Fame, East Islip High School Hall of Fame, Michael Brennan Spirit Award, 2014  

Area of Expertise
Exercise Science
Email
Bio

Assistant Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: EdD, Saint Elizabeth University; MSN, University of Pennsylvania; BSN, Villanova University; APRN, Pediatrics Board Certified

Area of Expertise
Pediatrics
Email
Bio

Professor, Ophthalmic Science

Academic Degrees Achieved:
Ph.D., Seton Hall University; M.A., Seton Hall University/UMDNJ; A.A., Union College; B.S., Montclair State University; A.A.S., Essex County College

Recipient, “Certificate of Recognition,” from the National Academy of Opticianry, June, 1994;  Recipient, “Certificate of Recognition,” from the National Academy of Opticianry, September, 1996;  Nominated and accepted to the 1997, 2000 and 2002 editions of “Who’s who among America’s Teachers;” Recipient, “Opticianry Education Achievement Award” from the National Academy Of Opticianry in Las Vegas, Nevada – September, 2002;   Author, “Professional Liability for opticians: A procedure to minimize risk,” National Academy of Opticianry Homestudy Course, June, 1993;  Author, “An Optician’s guide to strabismus and amblyopia,” National Academy of Opticianry Homestudy Course, November, 1994;  Author, “The essentials of soft contact lens fitting,” National Academy of Opticianry Homestudy Course, April, 1996;  Author, Guest editorial, Infocus magazine, Winter, 1993 and Spring, 1994;  Author, “Opticianry: The legal arena awaits,” Academy Newsletter, National Academy of Opticianry, March/April, 1994;  Author, “Transitions Technology: The optical impact,” Eyequest, September, 1995;  Author, “High index issues: The keys to careful dispensing,” 20/20, September, 1998;  Author, “Optical Dilemma’s and Solutions,” National Academy of Opticianry Homestudy course, 1999;   Author/editor, “Career Progression program” National Academy of Opticianry. Revised chapters on Anisometropia, Aphakic spectacles, Basic optical principles, Dispensing skills, & high minus lenses 1/2003;  Author, “Professional Liability for opticians: A procedure to minimize risk,” National Academy of Opticianry Homestudy Course, revision of previous work, 2003;  Author, “An Optician’s guide to strabismus and amblyopia,” National Academy of Opticianry Homestudy Course, revision of previous work, 2003;   Contributing author, “Teachable Moments: Practical suggestions for teaching ethics across the curriculum,” National Science Foundation, 1997 

Area of Expertise
Optical (Opticianry)
Email
Bio

Assistant Professor - Nursing/Maternity

Academic Degrees Achieved: B.S.,M.N. Emory University

Honors:
Wescott Award winner at Hunterdon Medical Center 2005, for exemplary service
2015 Patient Safety Award: Hunterdon Healthcare: For Extraordinary Patient Safety &   
    Team Work Performance

Certifications and Memberships:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant 2003 to present
NCC Certification In-Patient Obstetrics 2010 to present
Nurse Executive Certification (American Nurses Credentialing Center) December, 2015
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)    Principles & Practices Fetal Monitoring Instructor 2002 to present
American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor 2002 to present
The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program (infant stabilization) Instructor 2003 to present
Team STEPPS Trainer June 18, 2014 to present

Professional Organizations and Affiliations:
AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical, and Neonatal Nurses) 2001 to present.

Publications:
Dougherty, S., Whaley, J., Youngblood, A, Pickoff, R.  Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare, Nov/Dec. 2007, Delivering System Transformation: Part 1: Respect, Communication & Best Practices.

Dougherty, S., Whaley, J., Youngblood, A., Pickoff, R. Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare, Sept/Oct. 2009, Unit Transformation Improves Safety for Mothers and Infants.

Youngblood.Ardath,   Supporting a Devout Catholic Couple Through the Birth of Their Anencephalic Infant   Abstract published in the Perinatal/Neonatal Nursing: Finding Our Way Toward Evidence-Based Practice Conference Bulletin.  Monmouth University. West Long Branch, NJ. June, 2012.

Youngblood, Ardath.  Code White: Process and Protocols.  Abstract published in the  Perinatal/Neonatal Nursing: Finding Our Way Toward Evidence-Based Practice.  Monmouth University Conference Bulletin. West Long Branch, NJ. June, 2012.

Youngblood, Ardath.  Respect, Communication and Best Practices: Preventing the Preventable.  Abstract published in the AWHONN National Conference Supplement: Papers and Posters Presented at the AWHONN Annual Convention . Washington, D.C., June, 2012.

Area of Expertise
Nursing are Maternity and Newborn Care
Email
Bio

Occupational Therapy Assistant Coordinator
Assistant Professor

Academic Degrees Achieved: M.S., B.A., Seton Hall University

 

Area of Expertise
Adult Psychology, Adult/Geriatric Rehabilitation
Email

Raritan Valley Community College online courses, as well as face-to-face classes, are taught by accomplished adjunct and full-time faculty.

Charlotte G. Avallone    charlotte.avallone@raritanval.edu
M.S. Special Education, Adelphi University
B.S. Education, SUNY Fredonia

Denel Bingel    dbingel@raritanval.edu
M.Ed. Kinesiology, Temple University
B.A. Biology and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania

Gerard Case  Gerard.case@raritanval.edu
B.S., St. Joseph’s College Brooklyn
M.P.H., Rutgers University

Chun-Wen Chen  Chun-Wen.chen@raritanval.edu
PHD., Texas A&M University

Penny DelMoral  Penny.delmoral@raritanval.edu
B.S., Management Science, Kean University
M.S., Management, New Jersey Institute of Technology
M.B.A., Management of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Allison Dunne  Allison.dunne@raritanval.edu
B.S., University of Delaware

Tobenna Erike Tobenna.erike@raritanval.edu
M.S., Public Service, Rutgers University

Scott Morgan Evans     sevans5@its.jnj.com
B.S., The College of New Jersey

Marsha Faden  Marsha.faden@raritanval.edu
B.S., Health Records Administration, Temple University
M.B.A., Computer Information Systems, DeSales University

Edna Fameux     efameux@raritanval.edu
M.S.N., Kean University, Union, NJ
R.N., Muhlenberg School of Nursing, Plainfield, NJ
B.S. Biology, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

James Foran James.foran@raritanval.edu
M.S., Health Administration, Williamsburg University

Patty Gillespie, MBA, RHIA      patricia.gillespie@raritanval.edu
M.B.A., Davenport University Online Grand Rapids, MI
B.S., HAS/HIM Weber State University Ogden, UT

Michael Harcarik Michael.harcarik@raritanval.edu
A.S., Raritan Valley Community College; Ophthalmic Science

Heather Heithoff     Heather.Heithoff@raritanval.edu
B.S.N., Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
M.N., Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Deborah Johnson, RHIA    Deborah.Johnson@raritanval.edu
B.S., HAS/HIM Weber State University Ogden, UT

Jeffrey Kravitz Jeffrey.kravitz@raritanval.edu
A.A.S., Ophthalmic Dispensing, Essex County College
B.A., Economics, Rutgers University
N.J. Licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser, State of New Jersey
A.B.O. Certified Optician

Josianne Manasse Josianne.manasse@raritanval.edu
O.D., Optometry, New England College of Optometry

James Norgalis     norgalis@raritanval.edu
A.A.S., Raritan Valley Community College
B.A. Biology, Rutgers University
M.S. Administration, Central Michigan University

Donna Prete  Donna.prete@raritanval.edu
B.S., Thomas Edison State College

Charles Ray  Charles.ray@raritanval.edu
B.S., Sociology, Louisiana State University
J.D., Law, Rutgers School of Law, Camden

Ann Ryan Ann.ryan@raritanval.edu
B.A., English Lit., Rosemont College
M.A., Special Education, Centenary College

Lara Seligman-Russo Lara.seligman-russo@raritanval.edu
B.S., English Literature, United States Military Academy
M.B.A., Marketing, University of Central Arkansas

Kasandra Semanchik  Kasandra.semanchik@raritanval.edu
B.S., Health & Physical  Ed., Lock Haven University
M.S., Physical Ed./Teacher Ed., West Virginia University

Eric Specian Eric.specian@raritanval.edu
B.A., English (minor Film & Media), Kean University
M.A., English, The College of New Jersey

Chris S. Stellatella    stellatella@co.somerset.nj.us
B.S., Rutgers University

Lorraine Sutphin     lorraine.sutphin@raritanval.edu
B.S.N., Rutgers University
M.S.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Dr. Siobhan Marie Trohalides     strohali@raritanval.edu
B.S. Health and Physical Education, Slippery Rock University 
M.S. Health and Physical Education, Indiana University
M.S. Recreation, Indiana University
NJ New Jersey State Supervisor’s Certificate, Caldwell College
Doctor of Education Degree, Technology-Enhanced Fitness and Wellness, Teacher Leadership, Walden University

William Velardi  William.velardi@raritanval.edu
B.S., Biology, Seton Hall University
O.D., Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry

Enrique Watson Enrique.watson@raritanval.edu
M.D., University of Havana

RoseAnn Webb, MNM, RHIA, CHPS, FAHIMA, LHRM    roseann.webb@raritanval.edu
A.S. Liberal Arts, Broward County Community College
B.S. Medical Record Administration, Florida International University
Master of Nonprofit Managment, Florida Atlantic University

Health Science Education Information Sessions are held annually and Nursing Information Sessions are held monthly during the Fall and Spring Semesters.

The Health information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education – CAHIIM.

The RN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and NJ BON.

Career Coach – Learn more about health science career opportunities

Contact Information:
Jennifer East
jennifer.east@raritanval.edu
908-526-1200 x8610

 

TAACCCT Grant  


Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) offers grant-funded training opportunities through a health professions grant that can help you start a career in healthcare. This initiative, provided through the New Jersey Health Professions Consortium (NJHPC), is designed to reduce roadblocks and help individuals and their families obtain education, training and employment in a wide range of healthcare occupations.

This opportunity is offered through a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training (TAACCCT) grant, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. It is a region-wide capacity building initiative with a goal of strengthening and expanding occupational training in the healthcare sector through workforce readiness and integrated basic skills preparation for unemployed, underemployed or low income individuals, including TANF and GA recipients, who meet the eligibility requirements.

HEALTH PROFESSION CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

RVCC offers several different healthcare training programs which can take from three weeks up to two years to complete, depending on the field of study. We offer:
 

  • Coding
  • Medical Assisting
  • Licensed Practical Nursing
  • EKG/ECG
  • Pharmacy Tech
  • Phlebotomy
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant


 To be enrolled in the program you must:
 

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Meet residency requirements
  • Be unemployed/underemployed or low income


PROGRAM BENEFITS

Participants in the program will receive the training, and practicum placement that are essential to obtaining desired careers in the health care field and one-on-one job placement advisement. Partnerships are being developed with local health care employers focused on launching graduates into their new careers.

LEARN MORE

Contact us today to learn more about the program.
Inieka Stafford, MPA
College Site Coordinator
908.526.1200 x8519

 

 

Taking online community college classes offers you the flexibility and convenience to fit college into your schedule. You have an opportunity to interact with instructors and fellow students online. RVCC offers special online course orientations to help you to prepare for studying virtually and to show you how to make the most of the educational experience.

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