Established in 2021, the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University is an historic academic health partnership between Rowan University, a top 100 public research institution, and Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system. 

As two of the region’s largest institutions, both Rowan and Virtua are leaders in higher education and health care, distinguished in the region and nationally—and united in a vision to improve the quality, experience and capabilities of health care for all people. Together, we are advancing research for the discovery of new treatments, breaking down barriers of inequality and access to care, resulting in the improved health and well-being of all.

Dedicated to improving health for all, the college will transform the practice of medicine using an approach that treats the whole person, not a disease. Driven by world-class physicians, healthcare professionals and researchers, the college aspires to become a national leader in healthcare education, discovery and innovation.

Together, Rowan University and Virtua Health are creating a learning environment that empowers students, healthcare providers and researchers to improve health and wellness for all.

Building upon the strengths of two well-established education programs, the Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions (Salva SNHP) equips health and wellness professionals and enhances their skills and collaborative capacity to provide care and expertise. We offer a variety of programs, from specialized certificates to undergraduate and graduate level degrees. Our graduates are destined to elevate health and wellness care as they serve in our communities.

The Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and research by providing students with outstanding degree programs in Health & Exercise Science and Nursing. Students are prepared to function in a multi-cultural and economically interdependent world. They are prepared to succeed in quality graduate/professional programs and careers in the health care industry, exercise science, nutrition, research, government and other health professions.

Salva SNHP Dean's Office

Peter Rattigan, PhD
Dean
856-256-5909
rattigan@rowan.edu  

Jennifer Ravelli, EdD, MPH
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
856-256-4869
ravelli@rowan.edu 

Megan McGahey, MA
Administrative Assistant, Finance & Budget Coordinator
856-256-5795
mcgahey@rowan.edu 

Department of Health & Exercise Science

Leslie Spencer, PhD
Department Chair
856-256-4500, ext. 53761
spencer@rowan.edu 

James Hall, Room 1039
201 Mullica Hill Rd
Glassboro, NJ 08028

Department of Nursing

Mary Ellen Santucci, RN, MSN, PhD
Department Head
856-256-5158
santucci@rowan.edu 

Rowan-Virtua Medicine Building
42 East Laurel Rd
Stratford, NJ 08084