Health Sciences School Merrimack | Health Majors, Degrees

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Compassionate Health Professionals

Home to leading programs and research efforts, and guided by our Augustinian values, we prepare students to be highly skilled, compassionate and ethical health professionals. Our mission is to provide a quality, innovative education built upon strong science, emerging technologies and real-world foundational experiences.

Students are mentored in the development of career-related skills in a student-centered curriculum that fosters an active learning environment and practical experience in health care and human performance.

Top Master of Science in Athletic Training in New England with a 5-year bachelor’s to master’s option
Required internships, graduate fellowships and nursing students begin clinicals as freshman
The Center for Health Inclusion, Practice and Research (CHIRP) offers student research opportunities focused on improving inclusive health equity
State-of-the-art Nursing Center and facilities including high fidelity manikins and anatomage 3-D medical imaging table

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Largest Program in New England

Students gain clinical experience, prepare for board certification and work with diverse clinical populations, superior faculty and cutting-edge technology.

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Career Outcomes Rate

94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service, or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.

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Student-Faculty Ratio

With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you will get to know your professors — experts who have literally been there and done that and want to help you do the same.

Graduate Programs

Northeastern University, Sacred Heart University, MCPHS and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs Nursing and Health Sciences graduates are attending.

TOP HIRING & INTERNSHIP COMPANIES

Nursing Program Receives Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Merrimack College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The accreditation process was finalized once the first cohort of students graduated in 2023.

Undergraduate Majors and Graduate Programs

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a number of undergraduate majors, minors and master’s degrees. Many master’s degrees offer competitive graduate fellowship opportunities. With online, hybrid and on-campus options, you’ll find a program that works best for you.

Athletic Training (M.S.)

On Campus

Athletic Training Dual Degree (B.S. and M.S.)

5-year bachelor's to master's program

On Campus

Exercise and Sport Science (M.S.)

On Campus

Exercise Science (B.S.)

On Campus

Health Promotion and Management (M.S.)

On Campus, Online, Hybrid

Health Science (B.S.)

On Campus

Health Sciences and Spanish (B.S.)

Combined major

On Campus

Healthcare Leadership (M.S.)

Online

Nursing (B.S.)

On Campus

Nutrition and Human Performance (M.S.)

On Campus

Nutrition and Human Performance Dual Degree (B.S. and M.S.)

5-year bachelor's to master's program

On Campus

Nutritional Sciences (B.S.)

On Campus

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical & Pre-Physician Assistant

On Campus

Public Health (B.S.)

On Campus

Public Health and Spanish (B.S.)

Combined major

On Campus

Undecided (B.S. or B.A.)

Undeclared major? Undecided students can explore different fields of study while staying on track for graduation.

On Campus

CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

EXPLORE NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Explore all that the School of Nursing and Health Sciences has to offer inside and outside of the classroom to tailor your experience to your unique needs, goals and dreams.

Faculty and students putting Manikin on stretcher

Graduate Fellowships

Health Sciences Graduate Fellowships link graduate study with an on-site practicum experience, building your professional skills and accelerating your career path.

Students gathered around Anatomage Table

Health Professions Advising

Our health professions advising program will help guide you on pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet and pre-physician assistant career pathways.

Two students looking at each other smiling

CHIRP

The Center for Health Inclusion, Research and Practice (CHIRP) focuses on closing the gaps in systematic health disparities.

Facilities

The 20,000-square-foot Nursing Center provides state-of-the-art facilities including simulation labs and classrooms.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“I don’t think there’s an experience in my life that has quite impacted me as much as being at Merrimack has.”

After earning his M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science in 2016, Cory went on to work under the MLB umbrella, where he was a Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Cubs Baseball team. Then he started a new journey as a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Cory Chapp M’16
Exercise and Sport Science Master’s Program
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Minnesota Duluth

Student, Faculty & Staff Highlights

Undergraduate Student

“Not only does Merrimack have a state-of-the-art athletic training program, there are also unlimited opportunities I could barely wait to explore. Everywhere I looked, there was a friendly face – whether staff or student – ready to help."

Kendall Nangle M'27

Athletic Training 3+2 B.S., M.S.

Graduate Student

“Earning my master’s degree from Merrimack allowed me to broaden my skill set and knowledge in the health and wellness field, and opened opportunities to a variety of different professional avenues." Brianna was a graduate fellow for the Office of Wellness Education.

Brianna MacDonald M'20

M.S., Community Health Education

Faculty Member

"My primary research focuses on promoting physical activity within underserved populations, specifically focusing on its impact on the treatment and prevention of chronic conditions that disproportionately affect these communities."

Alvin L. Martin III, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Exercise Science

Undergraduate Student

“Being at a school where you can have a connection with your professors and fellow students is really beneficial. Merrimack helped guide me in the right path to get all my prerequisite courses done in a timely manner in order to apply into PA school.”

Bianca Garafalo

Health Science Major

Graduate Student

“Merrimack was ahead of other MSAT programs, in my opinion, because they had great facilities with super personable faculty and a surplus of clinical affiliations. I knew that by going to Merrimack, I would be able to find the best fit for my practice."

Noah Collier '21

M.S., Athletic Training

Faculty Member

Juliana Cohen, a professor in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, offered her insight at a conference on April 17 that included the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and more.

Juliana Cohen, Ph.D.

Professor, Nutrition and Public Health

Undergraduate Student

"Within my first couple of weeks, the advising team knew what my goals, aspirations, and interests were, and have since done nothing but support me on my path to achieving them. I feel like who I am and what I do here matters.”

Evelyn Ocegueda

Health Science Major

Graduate Student

"From participating and running meetings/presentations to working in teams and individually to reach a common goal, this field experience gave me a feel of what the professional world is like.”

Anthony Lupi M'19

M.S., Health and Wellness Management

Faculty Member

"My research interests are broadly defined as determining effective lifestyle strategies for athletes and older adults — two populations that appear quite different, yet have unique metabolic and physiological needs."

Michael Corcoran, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Nutrition and Public Health

Undergraduate Student

"I feel that Merrimack has supported me by giving me a great sense of community - especially because of my involvements with clubs on campus and being apart of the Pioneer Program. I have also felt a lot of support from the College."

Veronica Maria-Severino '24

Nursing Major

Graduate Student

"This was the only program in the area that offered sports with nutrition, which is my focus. Needing to get my master's degree for my field, what stood out from Merrimack was that it included the internship with the program."

Dominic Pisello M'24

M.S., Nutrition & Human Performance

Faculty Member

"After taking a class with me I hope students will develop a deeper understanding of the nursing profession. I want them to be able to apply concepts learned in the classroom, lab or clinical setting into their future everyday nursing practice."

Carleen Cox, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Assistant Instructional Professor, Nursing

Undergraduate Student

"An important lesson that faculty has taught me is to not be afraid to ask for help. All of my professors have been so supportive and helpful and it is really beneficial to meet with them to go over material, complete assignments, or ask questions."

Bella Rondinelli '26

Nursing Major

Graduate Student

"You have to trust your intuition. Speaking with my mentor, I realized that athletic training was a passion of mine. Open yourself to the world and chase your passion - see what you bring to the world, and what doors will open for you."

Dylon Grzenda M'24

M.S., Athletic Training

Faculty Member

Jessica Cellucci, Assistant Professor of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, was a recipient of the Outstanding Academic and Leadership Accomplishments from the American Kinesiology Association in both 2017 and 2015.

Jessica Cellucci '12, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Undergraduate Student

"The level of education and opportunities that were available within the program made me choose Merrimack. Merrimack's connections have led me to several different opportunities within my field of strength and conditioning."

Anthony Fortuna '24

Exercise Science Major

Graduate Student

“Merrimack offers a fellowship opportunity that allows us to gain real-world experience in a field that we are interested in, and we are able to use it in our career search post-graduation. I couldn’t believe how affordable the program is."

Sophia Eisenhaure '23

M.S., Community Health Education

Faculty Member

Professor Zi Yan recently published “Run Kids: Exercise Physiology and Parents Practice Guide” in her home country that uses scientific evidence, as well as her own reflections as an expert to educate parents.

Zi Yan, Ph.D.

Professor, Nutrition & Public Health

Undergraduate Student

"Merrimack’s class size allows for genuine connections with your professors, which helped me do well in the classroom. I knew Merrimack’s exercise science program would prepare me to pursue a career within strength and conditioning."

Taylor Khoury '24

Exercise Science & Psychology Major

Graduate Student

"I loved being able to do my clinical hours off campus at other schools to see how other institutions practice athletic training. I also appreciated the program director’s and other instructors’ ability to listen to my feedback.”

April Pelligrini M.S. '19

M.S., Athletic Training

Faculty Member

Among Adelung’s most fulfilling care experiences was three medical missions to Haiti through the Foundation for Peace, an organization that works directly with communities to meet the needs of people living there.

Mark Adelung, Ph.D., RN

Associate Clinical Professor,
Nursing

Undergraduate Student

"Through this Merrimack internship, I was able to continue developing my professionalism, improve my communication skills and really expand upon both my exercise science and psychology degrees."

John McBain '24

Exercise Science & Psychology Major

Graduate Student

"Merrimack has given me a great skill set as a clinician and has also provided a smooth transition between my undergraduate education and my graduate education as the 3+2 is an accelerated program."

Anna Perrotti '23, M'24

M.S., Exercise Science

Faculty Member

"I tell my students that even if you don’t have a career plan, it’s always valuable for students to explore and use every available resource in your institution to expose yourself to what may be possible.”

Inyene Essien-Aleksi, Ph.D.,
NP-C, RN

Assistant Professor,
Nursing

Find out more about Merrimack faculty’s impact on society and academia through research.

Get Involved: Clubs & Organizations

There are endless opportunities to get involved at Merrimack and right within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Gain different perspectives, put learning into action and learn from peers and faculty advisors through one of our School of Nursing and Health Sciences clubs:

Athletic Training Club
Nursing Club
Active Minds
Health Profession Club

SCHOOL NEWS

Faculty Research in Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility Underway

Faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences said Merrimack College’s newest research incubator has benefited their work immensely.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Dr. Tunde Szivak, associate professor of health sciences, and Dr. Alyssa Yetter, assistant professor of criminology, in collaboration with former Exercise and Sport Science graduate student Timary Malley, recently published a paper titled "Physical Training Considerations for Police Academy Recruits".

UPCOMING EVENTS

Master of Science in Athletic Training Panel

March 5

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Compassionate Health Professionals

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Largest Program in New England

Career Outcomes Rate

Student-Faculty Ratio

Graduate Programs

TOP HIRING & INTERNSHIP COMPANIES

Undergraduate Majors and Graduate Programs

EXPLORE NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Student, Faculty & Staff Highlights

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Graduate Student

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Get Involved: Clubs & Organizations

SCHOOL NEWS

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

UPCOMING EVENTS

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