Preparing Tomorrow’s Health Science Leaders Today

The members of the Health Science Education Department empower students to turn compassion into impact. By studying how the human body works, how health is shaped, and how care is delivered, you will gain purpose, confidence, and direction. This field builds a foundation for meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and service to others—preparing graduates to improve lives, strengthen communities, and adapt in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape.

Department Overview

We offer practical, career-ready value by uniting in-demand healthcare and health-related programs that share a strong scientific and patient-centered foundation. Students gain hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings, learning to apply theory to real-world care.

Through programs in the Department, you will develop and enhance essential skills such as clinical reasoning, patient communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and adaptability across healthcare environments.

Through programs in nursing, health science, exercise science, occupational therapy assisting, medical assisting, and opticianry, students build technical competencies, professional confidence, and a clear pathway to employment or continued education in a rapidly growing healthcare workforce.

Degree Programs

Pathways To Direct Employement

Certificate - Medical Assistant

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Degree - Nursing (RN or LPN to RN (PN/AD) Bridge)

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Degree - Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Degree - Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry)

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Certificate - Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry)

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Certificate - Fitness Specialist

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Pathways to Four Year Institutions

Associate of Science - Exercise Science

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Associate of Science - Exercise Science - Sport Management

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Associate of Science - Health Science

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Joint Degree

Veterinary Technology (joint degree program with St. Petersburg College (FL)

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Full Time Faculty

Blending knowledge and practical experience in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings

Mary Ann Balut
Mary Ann Balut

Mary Ann Balut

Professor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Family Health
  • Service Learning

Degrees:

  • Post Masters Certificate, The College of New Jersey
  • MS. & BS, Gwynedd-Mercy College
  • AS, Raritan Valley Community College
  • L.P.N., Warren County Community College
Keith Burns
Keith Burns

Keith Burns

Associate Professor and Program Lead for Exercise Science

Bio:

Professor Burns is an experienced lecturer and strength and conditioning coach with a demonstrated history in the health and human performance industry. He is passionate and skilled at translating complex concepts of human movement into tangible learning experiences, enabling him to lead, teach, and develop the next generation of health and human performance professionals.

https://bio.site/keithburns

NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CES,PES, FMS level 1

Degrees:

  • Graduate Certificate, Tactical Performance & Resiliency, The Citadel
  • MS, Human Movement, A.T. Still University
  • BS, Physical Eduation Studies, University of Delaware
Allison Campoli
Allison Campoli

Allison Campoli

Professor

Bio:

  • Certified High Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (RNC)
  • International Board Certified Lactation (IBCLC)
  • Areas of Expertise: Maternal Infant, Women’s Health, Medical Surgical, Oncology

Degrees:

  • MSN, Nursing Education, College of St. Elizabeth
Sarah Cuss
Sarah Cuss

Sarah Cuss

Instructor

Professor Sarah Cuss is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and a graduate of Georgetown University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program, where her Master’s thesis focused on childhood vaccinations. She graduated Valedictorian with her BSN from Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing, where she completed a critical care residency and was awarded a Registered Nurse scholarship for Excellence in Academics, Clinical Judgment, Empathy, and Professionalism. She enjoys educating students at RVCC, her alma mater, and serves as faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association, leading students in bridging the healthcare gap.

Degrees:

  • MSN, Georgetown University
  • BSN, Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing
  • AAS, Nursing, Raritan Valley Community College
Jennyfer Giffin
Jennyfer Giffin

Jennyfer Giffin

Assistant Professor

Bio:

  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Degrees:

  • MSN, Emphasis in Nursing Education, Grand Canyon University
  • BSN, Grand Canyon University
  • Diploma in Nursing, St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing
Heather Heithoff
Heather Heithoff

Heather Heithoff

Associate Profressor

Registered Nurse (RN)

Clinical Nurse Specialist,  Mental Health and Gerontology

Areas of Expertise: Psychology, Gerontology

Degrees:

  • Master of Nursing , Emory University Nell Hodgson School of Nursing
  • BSN, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Tracey Keegan
Tracey Keegan

Tracey Keegan

Assistant Professor, Nursing Program Director

Board Certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner Board (ANCC, FNP-BC)

Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) certificate Brighton College

Degrees: 

  • MSN, Rutgers University
  • BSN, Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • AAS, Nursing, Raritan Valley Community College
Jeffrey Kravitz
Jeffrey Kravitz

Jeffrey Kravitz

Instructor; Program Coordinator, Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry)

New Jersey Licensed Optician, ABO certified, NCLE certified

Degrees:

  • BA, Economics, Rutgers University
  • AAS, Ophthalmic Science, Essex County College
Maria del Carmen Molle
Maria del Carmen Molle

Maria del Carmen Molle

Assistant Professor

Board Certified in Case Management and Medical Surgical Nursing – American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Degrees: 

  • MSN, Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • BSN, Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • AAS, Felician College
Elizabeth O’Neill
Elizabeth O’Neill

Elizabeth O’Neill

Associate Professor

Area of Expertise: Pediatrics, Medical-Surgiocal, Maternity nursing

Degrees: 

  • EdD, Leadership in Higher education, St. Elizabeth University
  • MSN, Focus Education, College of St. Elizabeth
  • BSN, Kean University
  • AAS, Nursing, Raritan Valley Community College
Janette Rodriguez
Janette Rodriguez

Janette Rodriguez

Assistant Professor; Medical Assistant Program Coordinator

Areas of Expertise: 

  • American Association of Procedure Coders (CPC)
  • American Association of Procedure Coders Certified Instructor (CPC- I)
  • American Medical Technologist Allied Health Instructor (AHI)
  • American Medical Technologist Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Degrees:

  • MHA, University of Phoenix
  • BS, St Peter’s University
  • AAS Nursing, St. Francis School of Nursing
Linda J. Romaine
Linda J. Romaine

Linda J. Romaine

Professor; Department Chair, Health Science Education

Personal Trainer, Weightroom, Group Fitness, Les Mills, TRX, Pilates Mat, Reformer & Equipment, Yoga

American Red Cross (ARC) First Aid & CPR Instructor.

Degrees: 

  • MS, Exercise Science, East Stroudsburg University,
  • MBA ,Finance, Hofstra University,
  • Graduate Exercise Prescription Certificate, University of Connecticut
  • BS, Marketing, State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh
  • Fitness Certificate, Raritan Valley Community College
Joan A. Roop
Joan A. Roop

Joan A. Roop

Associate Professor

Dr. Joanie Roop graduated from Saint Elizabeth University with a Doctorate in Higher Education. Her doctoral research focused on “Replacing the Pediatric Traditional Clinical Experience with High-Fidelity Simulation.” She is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse board certified in Pediatrics and continues to practice at a private pediatrician office, sharing her compassion for children and their families.

Degrees: 

  • Ed.D, Educational Leadership, St. Elizabeth University
  • MSN, University of Pennsylvania
  • BSN, Villanova University
Kristen Ross
Kristen Ross

Kristen Ross

Instructor

Registered Nurse (RN)

Degrees:

  • MSN, Western Governors University
  • BSN, Western Governors University
  • Nursing Diploma, St. Luke’s School of Nursing
Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith

Instructor

Certified Medical- Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

Degrees:

  • MSN, Nursing Education, Ramapo College of New Jersey
  • BSN, Kean University
  • AAS, Nursing, Raritan Valley Community College
Ardath Youngblood
Ardath Youngblood

Ardath Youngblood

Assistant Professor

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Family Nursing

Certification in In-Patient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)

Degrees:

  • MN (Master of Nursing), Emory University
  • BS, Emory University
Beau A. Younker
Beau A. Younker

Beau A. Younker

Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Bio:

  • Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
  • NBCOT Certified

Degrees:

  • EdD, Organizational Leadership, Stockton University
  • MSOT, Seton Hall University
  • BA, Social Behavioral Sciences (minor in Psychology), Seton Hall University

Adjunct Faculty

Experienced professionals bringing real-world expertise, mentorship, and industry insight to you

Mary Allen

Degrees:

  • M.S., Health Science, Nursing, Loyola University New Orleans
  • B.S.N., Nursing, Villanova University

Denel Bingel

Degrees: 

  • M.Ed. Kinesiology, Temple University
  • B.A. Biology and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania

Kelsey Caemmerer

B.A., Psychology, Rutgers University

Gerard Case

Degrees:

  • M.P.H., Rutgers University
  • B.S., St. Joseph’s College Brooklyn

James Foran

M.S., Health Administration, Williamsburg University

Catherine Gardner

Degrees: 

  • Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Kentucky University
  • M.P.A., Healthcare, Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • B.S., Occupational Therapy, Kean University

Michael Harcarick

AAS, Ophthalmic Science, Raritan Valley Community College

Eugene Ketselman

Degrees:

  • D.P.T., Physical Therapy, Daemen College
  • M.S., Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy
  • B.S., Exercise Science, Rutgers University
  • A.S., Math & Science, Raritan Valley Community College

Josianne Manasse

O.D., Optometry, New England College of Optometry

Randy Marti

  • Ph.D., Education, Northcentral University
  • M.S., Occupation Therapy, Seton Hall University

James Norgalis

Degrees: 

  • M.S. Administration, Central Michigan University
  • B.A. Biology, Rutgers University
  • A.A.S., Raritan Valley Community College

Shalini Rajamani

Degrees: 

  • M.A., Commerce, Specialization in Banking & Finance, University of Mumbai – India
  • B.A., Commerce, University of Mumbai – India

Kathy Reilly

Degrees: 

  • MS, Learning Technologies, Drexel University
  • BS, Computer Science, Montclair State University
  • AAS, Health Information Technology, Raritan Valley Community College

Ryan Romaine

Degrees:

  • D.P.T., Doctor of Physical Therapy Misericordia University
  • B.S., Misericordia University,

Gina Taylor

Degrees:

  • M.S., Health Science – Occupational Therapy, Philadelphia University
  • B.S., Equestrian Studies, Averett University

Christropher Vaccaro

Degrees:

  • J.D., Law, CUNY School of Professional Studies
  • B.A., History, University of Massachusetts

William Velardi

Degrees: 

  • O.D., Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry
  • B.S., Biology, Seton Hall University

James Weyand

Degrees:

  • M.S., Athletic Training, Seton Hall University
  • B.A., Physics, Binghamton University

Brooke WIlliams

A.S., Occupational Therapy Assistant, Orange County Community College

Connect, Lead, Grow Beyond Academics

Service is at the root of our professions. Engage beyond the classroom, lab, or clinical.

  • Student Nurses Association (SNA): unites nursing and prospective students through service, fundraising, and health education, supporting initiatives such as blood drives, community outreach, and volunteer events that promote health and well-being. Membership is open to anyone who shares a passion for caring, service, and making a positive impact locally and beyond.
  • Student Occupational Therapy Assistant Association (SOTAA): a community-driven organization that connects OTA students through service, advocacy, and peer support, fostering leadership development, professional engagement, and meaningful collaboration within the OTA program and local community.
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Interested in opportunities in health and wellness?

Want to learn more?

  • Set up an appointment with the Health Science Education admission team now!
  • Talk to an Academic Advisor (link to advising/advisors)
  • Choose a program, reach out to the Progam Lead/Coordinator/Director (find under Full Time Faculty above)
  • Talk to a Career Coach
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