School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Athletic Training | Exercise Science | Exercise & Sport Science | Health Promotion and Management | Health Science | Nursing | Nutritional Sciences | Nutrition and Human Performance | Public Health | Rehabilitation Sciences

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. 

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

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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 Dual Degree (B.S. and M.S.)
5-year bachelor's to master's program
On Campus
Health Promotion and Management (M.S.)
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Health Sciences and Spanish (B.S.)
Combined major
On Campus
Nursing (B.S.)
On Campus
Nutrition and Human Performance Dual Degree (B.S. and M.S.)
5-year bachelor's to master's program
On Campus
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical & Pre-Physician Assistant
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

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

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

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

Student examining Manikin doll

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

Cory Chapp M'16

Student, Faculty & Staff Highlights

Kendall Nangle
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.
Brianna MacDonald M'20
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.
M.S., Community Health Education
Alvin Morton III
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
Bianca Garofalo 2026
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
Noah Collier '21
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."
M.S., Athletic Training
Julia Cohen
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.
Professor, Nutrition and Public Health
Evelyn Ocegueda
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
21095_HS_Anthony_Lupi
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.”
M.S., Health and Wellness Management
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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."
Associate Professor, Nutrition and Public Health
Veronica Maria-Severino
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."
Nursing Major
Dominic Pisello M'24
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."
M.S., Nutrition & Human Performance
Carleen Cox
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."
Assistant Instructional Professor, Nursing
Bella Rondinelli 2026
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."
Nursing Major
Dylon Grzenda
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."
M.S., Athletic Training
Jessica Cellucci
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.
Assistant Professor, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
Anthony Fortuna
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."
Exercise Science Major
Sophia
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."
M.S., Community Health Education
Zi Yan
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.
Professor, Nutrition & Public Health
Taylor Khoury
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."
Exercise Science & Psychology Major
April Pelligrini
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.”
M.S., Athletic Training
Headshot of Mark Adelung
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.
Associate Clinical Professor,
Nursing
John McBain
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."
Exercise Science & Psychology Major
Anna Perrotti
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."
M.S., Exercise Science
Inyene Essien-Aleksi
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.”
Assistant Professor,
Nursing
Student resting face on hand

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 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".