Student looking up from her microscope

Health Professions

Explore a transformative education at MCLA's Department of Health Professions, with programs offered both on our main campus and at North Adams Regional Hospital.

Health professions

Our Nursing, Public Health and Community Health Education, and Radiologic Technology programs are designed to prepare you for success in today’s most in-demand healthcare fields.

At MCLA, learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll gain valuable insights from experienced teacher-practitioners in collaborative, team-based environments, while honing your skills in state-of-the-art labs and through hands-on internship opportunities. Our Global Health and study-abroad courses will expand your worldview, offering unique learning experiences that foster a global perspective in your healthcare career.

Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance your expertise, the Department of Health Professions at MCLA is your gateway to a future of impact and leadership in healthcare. Join us and become part of the next generation of healthcare professionals, driving change and making a lasting difference in the industry.

Explore Our Programs

Two Nursing students interacting with a simulation manikin.

Nursing

The Nursing program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensing Examination in Nursing for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a required credential for nursing practice, while providing a strong foundation for graduate study in advanced nursing practice roles.
A PHCH student teaching a group of elementary school students.

Public Health and Community Health Education

The Public Health and Community Health Education major is an interdisciplinary program that trains students to be the front-line leaders on the front-line of public health locally and nationwide.
Two RAD Tech students practicing with a volunteer.

Radiologic Technology

Radiography is the art and science of using radiation as a diagnostic tool in performing radiographic examinations. The BS degree prepares students for a career in the diverse and growing field of diagnostic imaging.
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Students who gain real-world experience in clinics, labs, and health institutions and health-related organizations
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MCLA offers the only B.S. in Radiologic Technology education program in Western MA, and is one of two institutions offering this program in the entire state
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Graduates who entered workforce or graduate programs

Faculty & Staff

At MCLA Health Professions, you'll immerse yourself in the world of healthcare, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both practical skills and foundational theory. Our dedicated faculty are not only experienced healthcare professionals but also passionate educators committed to your success. In addition, we regularly invite industry experts to provide fresh perspectives and enhance your learning experience.

Our Health Professions faculty and staff are not only approachable and supportive, but they also remain actively engaged in the healthcare field, ensuring that their expertise stays current with the latest trends and advancements. They foster an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally, building meaningful connections that will support your career long after you graduate.

A photo of Dr. Nicole Porther

Dr. Nicole Porther

Chair, Department of Health Professions

Dr. Porther inspires the next generation of public health practitioners by bringing public health education to classrooms and the community. Her students have developed and facilitated public health curricula on key issues affecting children and adolescents and launched MCLA’s first public health podcast. Currently, she serves as a research consultant with BEAT in Pittsfield, exploring the health impacts of environmental exposures in Berkshire County. In 2026, Dr. Porther will lead a comparative healthcare course in the Caribbean, providing students with valuable global health insights.

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A photo of Dr. Normadeane Armstrong

Dr. Normadeane Armstrong

Nursing & PHCH Faculty

Dr. Armstrong is a new addition to MCLA and serves as a faculty member of the Nursing and Public Health and Community Health Education programs. In addition to her teaching, she actively volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps and the National Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, providing emergency and medical care at pop-up clinics in underserved communities. Her current research focuses on identifying the needs and key focus areas for LGBT+ curricular education in nursing programs; it was recently presented at the American Public Health Association conference and is under review for publication in the Journal of Nursing Education.

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A photo of Julie Walsh

Julie Walsh

Program Director, Radiologic Technology

Professor Walsh currently serves both as the Program Director for MCLA’s Radiologic Technology program and as an instructor for many of the program’s courses. With over 20 years of teaching experience in the radiology field, she encourages her students to become lifelong learners, gain valuable knowledge through hands-on clinicals, and promote the profession to the next generation of technologists. Outside of education, she continues to put her own teachings into practice by actively working as a registered technologist in Southern Vermont.

Health Professions Alumni Spotlight

Sarah Lavari
'21 PHCH, MADPH VFC Coordinator
Sarah is a proud alumna, a 2021 graduate of MCLA’s Public Health and Community Health Education program, and the recipient of the Health Achievement Award. After earning her MPH in epidemiology from George Washington University, she began a dynamic career in public health, including work in vector control for the state and managing the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. As an undergraduate, Sarah laid the foundation for impactful research, co-authoring a paper on barriers to HIV preventive care for transgender women in Florida. She credits MCLA’s Public Health program for its personalized education, which provided her with individualized learning opportunities and access to internships and research experiences. In 2026, Sarah will pursue a PhD in epidemiology focusing on infectious disease, further advancing her commitment to public health.

 

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