Workforce-Ready Nurses

The United States is facing a critical nursing shortage, and Western Pennsylvania is no exception. Healthcare systems are struggling to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings.

Thanks to generous funding from Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and the Eden Hall Foundation, Carlow University launched its Practical Nursing Certificate Program, a 12-month, full-time program designed to expedite entry into the workforce and bridge critical gaps in patient care. Unlike traditional multi-year nursing programs, LPN programs produce workforce-ready nurses in a fraction of the time, making them a potent solution to the ongoing shortage.

Since launch, the program has already made an outsize impact, with its success attracting attention from local press—most notably with a featured interview on WPXI’s “4 the Record.”

Impact & Early Results

Our First Pinning Ceremony was held in December of 2024, marking a new milestone for Carlow’s nursing legacy. The success of the program is already visible:

Beyond the numbers, Carlow’s LPN graduates are making an immediate impact—stepping into positions that might otherwise remain unfilled, easing the burden on overworked RNs, and helping ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care.

“We are committed to preparing skilled nurses who are ready to meet the needs of our healthcare system today—not years from now. This program is a direct response to the workforce crisis, creating opportunities for students while strengthening our community.” — Dr Kathy Humphrey, Carlow President

Voices of Change: Stories from the Field

“I’m grateful to Carlow that they gave everyone this opportunity to get where we want to go… That shows hope” — Patricia Garland, LPN Certificate Program Class of 2024

“Carlow’s LPN graduates are stepping in where we need them most—on the front lines of patient care. This program is a game-changer.” — Dr. Angela Simmons, Founding Director, LPN Program

More Than an Academic Initiative

The Carlow Practical Nursing Certificate Program is more than an academic initiative—it’s a fast, effective workforce solution. In addition to academic instruction, additional services provided to students include:

• Scholarships & Emergency Financial Aid
• Childcare Assistance
• Food & Housing Security Initiatives
• Hands-On Job Placement Services & Career Development
• Flexible Learning & Curriculum Support
• Program Coordination & Student Support Services
• Financial Literacy Workshops

Thanks to strategic funding and forward-thinking partnerships, Carlow is reducing barriers to nursing education while helping healthcare employers address staffing shortages now—not years from now.

Devoted to Community Impact 

At Carlow University, our Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice empowers you to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Whether you’re advancing your career or shifting your path, you’ll find a supportive, student-focused environment focused on making a lasting impact. Join a network of changemakers shaping a more just and merciful world. 

The program spans one year, with five specializations that are cross-disciplinary, and skills based. All students will complete the core program requirements (totaling 12 credits) and will select from two specialization tracks (each consisting of 9 credits for a total of 18 credits). Specialty tracks include Forensic Psychology, Public Safety, Fraud Investigation, Forensic Accounting, and Cyber Threat Analytics. 

Where Theory Meets Real-World Application

The Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers students a 30-credit graduate degree that can be highly specialized depending on the student’s career interests. The program has four core courses (MCR 700 Advanced Criminological Theory, MCR 701 Justice Policy, PYM 706 Research Methods for the Social Sciences, and PYM 721 Systems of Criminal Justice) that form the foundation on which to build specialization.

Students can match any two of our five dynamic practice tracks to form unique learning experiences relevant to their future careers. Are you interested in developing skills to address financial crimes and money laundering? Complete the specialization tracks in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Do you want to understand how psychological assessment and treatment affects police and those who are incarcerated? Complete the specialization tracks in Public Safety and Forensic Psychology. Have you considered entering federal law enforcement and pursuing bad actors on the dark web? Specializations in Cyber Threat Analytics and Forensic Psychology or Fraud Investigation may be your best academic option.

Quick facts

Whatever career path you are considering, the Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help support your training for those next steps. Unique aspects of the program include:

• Five unique specializations that are not commonly offered by competitor programs
• Heavy emphasis on applied skills development
• A potential blend of psychology and criminology options for those exploring both disciplines
• Professors with both research and field experience who not only teach, but engage with their area of specialized practice in the community

Accreditation

The Carlow MCRM program does not have any required accrediting bodies.

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychology & Criminology Program Director of MS in Fraud & Forensic Program

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Empowering Movement, Transforming Lives: Your Journey Starts Here!

The programs offered in the Department of Physical Therapy program at Carlow University encompass the Mercy mission to serve the community by promoting the dignity of every person, advocating for equity and inclusion to address matters of social justice. At Carlow, we believe that non-technical skills are equally essential to your health professional training as the technical skills. Our programs emphasize three important habits of healthcare practice: Heart (professional formation/responsibilities), Head (cognitive knowledge), and Hand (clinical skills). It is the training in the habits of the heart that will allow you to act above and beyond your technical responsibilities and advocate for your patients. We strive to graduate healthcare professionals who would use the following principles within their professional practice.

1. Healthcare equity is the cornerstone of a healthy society.
2. Health and wellness promotion for the population/community is essential in conjunction with individual patient care.
3. Every individual is a leader who must be prepared for a dynamic healthcare environment.
4. Clinical decision-making shall be based on the three pillars of evidence-informed practice (using the best available research evidence, applying clinical experience/expertise, and incorporating patients’/clients’ beliefs and values with empathy and compassion).
5. Physical therapy graduates and clinicians must be proficient in clinical competencies based on the contemporary standards of physical therapy practice.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty comprises practicing clinicians with a wealth of experience in physical therapy, blending real-world insights with academic rigor. As experienced educators, they impart their passion for the profession to students, nurturing a commitment to clinical excellence. Join us to learn from the best and embark on your journey towards mastery.

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

Accreditation

Effective 04/25/23, Carlow University, Doctor of Physical Therapy program, has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please email: dptprogram@carlow.edu. Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/ professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.

Department Points of Pride

• Emphasis on Interprofessional education
• Focus on community health and service learning
• Inculcate the habits of the Heart, Head, and Hand
• Develop healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs

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Fostering collaborative excellence. Discover the advantages of a transformational educational experience at Carlow University

Carlow has a long history and outstanding reputation for educating great nurses. Our mercy centered mission, along with small class sizes and state of the art skills and simulation facilities make Carlow a perfect place to pursue a nursing degree. Students receive individualized attention and mentorship from our experienced nursing faculty who are experts in their area of nursing. Located in the heart of Oakland, we have partnerships with healthcare facilities within the Pittsburgh region and easy access to a variety of clinical experiences within the community, in acute care and community health.  Throughout our program, Carlow nursing students learn about nursing care with a focus on ethics, a commitment to social justice and a goal of decreasing heath disparities.  Students have opportunities to explore different aspects of nursing as they learn and grow into professional nurses. If you have an interest in becoming a nurse, whether you are looking for a traditional BSN program, a 2^nd Degree BSN program, an RN to BSN program, or a Practical Nurse Certificate program, one or Carlow’s undergraduate nursing programs can help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse.

Carlow Skills and Innovative Learning (CSIL) skills and simulation labs are incorporated into all clinical courses in the curriculum.

Faculty mentoring for individualized student NCLEX preparation in the final semester of the program.

Perioperative summer internship program offered as a summer elective for BSN students

Faculty & staff

In addition to their advanced degrees, all our faculty have clinical practice experience in the areas of nursing that they are teaching. Our smaller class sizes and faculty advising model provide students with opportunities for individualized learning and career mentoring starting in the first year of the program. We hire adjunct clinical faculty with expertise and current experience in the areas of nursing practice that they are teaching.

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

Make a difference in the world through the Carlow University Department of Public Health

Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to hands-on, inter-professional collaborative education. The program was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery. It is our belief that frequent hands-on training transforms learning from theoretical knowledge into high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care. Students train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a clinically focused learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:

• Education
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Respiratory Therapy

Unique to Carlow University, students learn the value of clinical application through extensive clinical skills labs that will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to enter professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff have decades of real-world senior leadership experience, and constantly share that expertise with our students.  You will be learning from people who have “been there” and “done that” at the highest levels.  By learning from industry leaders our graduates have a tremendous advantage over other students.  The Carlow Department of Public Health Professors will prepare you for life in the healthcare industry.  

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

Accreditation

All programs in the Department of Public Health are Middle States accredited, with the Respiratory Therapy program having additional certifications as required for that field of study.

Fostering collaborative excellence. Discover the advantages of a transformational educational experience in Carlow University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to hands-on, interprofessional collaborative education. The program was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery. It is our belief that frequent hands-on training transforms learning from theoretical knowledge into high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care. Students train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a clinically focused learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:

• Education
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Respiratory Therapy

Unique to Carlow University, students learn the value of clinical application through extensive clinical skills labs that will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to enter professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.

Faculty & staff

At Carlow, we are devoted to a teaching-learning climate of compassion, mutual respect, and ethical accountability as these elements are fundamental to cultivating a higher level of professional practice. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to delivering transformational educational experiences through innovation, close faculty mentorship, and diverse learning experiences.

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Carlow University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Nursing Programs

As a graduate nursing department, we prepare exceptionally skilled providers, leaders and educators in doctoral, masters, and certificate tracks to meet the healthcare and health promotion needs of populations. Nursing graduate students have experiences with people nationally and internationally via didactic, clinical and study abroad opportunities. The School of Nursing educates practitioners of tomorrow and encourages a passion for evidenced-based practice, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in the spirit of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. 

We offer study in a hybrid face-to-face modality that incorporates twice monthly evening classes with online coursework to fit the needs of today’s full-time working nurse, while affording opportunities for 1:1 faculty engagement, and peer group networking and support. 

A fully online program is also available, for students out of the Pittsburgh region, and/or for those desiring a non-synchronous education program.  

View the School of Nursing’s program outcomes and accreditation information.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The high demand for qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners stems in large part from the increased normalization of mental health issues.

Faculty & staff

Nursing, like all other health care professions, does not exist in isolation. Advanced practice nursing education must integrate other aspects of our humanity if the profession is going to truly do what it pledges to do from the outset of a nurse’s oath. A commitment to justice and mercy requires critical thinking and self-reflection. Carlow University has a rich tradition of service and a mission that flows from the Mercy Core Values. These values: Hospitality, Service, Discovery, and Sacredness of Creation, are embraced within a framework of reflective practice. We recognize that no single discipline can fully educate today’s advanced practice providers who care for families across the lifespan. We are a uniquely positioned university with the ability to fully utilize our colleagues in theology, art, pharmacology, biology, creative writing, and communications to guide discovery within our students. We are not only these disciplines, but more, together, each contributing to the development of a critically thinking, ethical, and merciful human being who will go into the community transformed, and ready to lead.

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

Department Points of Pride

• On June 26^th, 2023, Carlow University received over $2.6 million to increase the number of Family Nurse Practitioner graduates educated to provide primary care services, with advanced education in mental health, substance use disorders, and women’s and maternal health care. The Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) grant – funded through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is aimed at increasing access to primary care providers for those living in medically underserved communities. The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities”​.  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement.
• HRSA Nursing Faculty Loan Program to repay 85% of tuition costs with post-graduate employment in the role of nursing educator.
• 97% AANP & 100% ANCC certification exam pass rate for FNPs 
• “Very Strong” NCC certification exam pass rate for WHNPs 
• In 2023, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers Carlow University established a one-year pilot program, funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), to develop clinically sound evidence-based practicing NPs. FNP graduates have a year of residency (transition to primary care) after completion of an educational program at Carlow University. 
• Carlow Graduate Nursing Department is a CEU provider through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) for professional development training for preceptors, clinical faculty, and students. 

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology Programs

Are you interested in a career that benefits from a strong understanding of human behavior and mental processes? At Carlow, we prepare students with the knowledge and skills for a wide variety of careers involved in working with people in diverse ways.

Our undergraduate majors provide students with foundational knowledge in psychology, neuropsychology, and criminology, with opportunities to specialize in such areas as Child Development, Counseling, Crisis and Trauma, and Applied Criminal Justice. There are opportunities for field placements or to participate in faculty-led research teams. Can’t decide on one major? We make it easy to double major or add a minor or a concentration to your major, so you can explore all your interests.

At the graduate level, Carlow offers programs that prepare students for careers in mental health-related fields, research, fraud and forensics, and more.

At Carlow, we understand the needs of a diverse student body. Some of our programs can be completed fully online, offering flexibility and opening doors for students who are otherwise unable to pursue a degree. In addition, we offer accelerated pathways that help save students time and money so that they can achieve their goals sooner at a more affordable cost.

Faculty & staff

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

Accreditation

The PsyD in Counseling Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The MS in Professional Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP).

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Biology Programs

As a Biology or Health Science major at Carlow University, learn the scientific principles of living organisms, conduct student research, and prepare for your dream career or graduate studies in the healthcare, research, or environmental fields.

The biology major curriculum covers the entire scope of biological sciences from the structure and function of genes, proteins and cells to the ecology and evolution of organisms. 

Specializations have been designed to accommodate your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, health science, environmental science & management, human biology). 

Before graduating you will have the opportunity to conduct student research and/or complete a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity through the Senior Capstone course. Both provide an advantage for you as you pursue a career or graduate studies.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, so our graduates are well prepared to achieve their goals with the skill sets needed to be successful in the 21^st century workforce.

Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Associate Professor

Navpreet Kaur, PT, PhD, DPT, Dip ACLM Associate Professor

Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

Department Points of Pride

Choose your concentration:

Environmental Science 

You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. 

Cardiovascular Perfusion 

As you work toward your bachelor of science degree in Biology through Carlow University, you will complete requirements at UPMC Shadyside, while beginning your clinical training. In this accelerated Cardiovascular Perfusion program, you will pursue Biology within the tradition of the liberal arts while accumulating the technical proficiency and professional skills required of health care professionals. 

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered in coordination with the UPMC School of Perfusion. Up to 15 students per year are accepted into the Master of Science program. 

Human Biology 

Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields. Be prepared to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry.