Gettysburg College has entered affiliation agreements with the Penn State College of Medicine, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. These health professions partnerships offer Gettysburgians new opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies in frontline health care fields.
Gettysburg College is proud to announce three new affiliation partnerships to support students pursuing postgraduate studies for careers as physicians and nurses. Beginning today, Gettysburg will partner with the Penn State College of Medicine, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) to provide these distinctive offerings.
“I am delighted for Gettysburg College to partner with these distinguished institutions to prepare the next generation of dedicated health care professionals,” said Gettysburg College Provost Jamila Bookwala. “Our communities—and our nation—depend on cultivating knowledgeable and compassionate leaders in these roles, and our three new partnerships affirm Gettysburg’s commitment to producing graduates who are ready to meet this need.
“I am deeply grateful to Penn State, Villanova, and MSOM, as well as Director Katy Mattson, Prof. Matt Kittelberger, Prof. Josef Brandauer, and our entire Health Professions Advising Committee for making these new offerings for our students possible.”
Explore our new partnerships:
- Penn State College of Medicine
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University
- Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine
The Early Assurance Program between Gettysburg College and the Penn State College of Medicine (COM) offers exceptional sophomore-year students in excellent academic standing the opportunity to apply for a provisional early acceptance to the COM.
Gettysburg students who apply to the program must maintain a strong academic record in a pre-medical curriculum, demonstrate exposure to medicine, and possess a record of community service, among other admissions criteria.
“We are delighted to establish an agreement with Gettysburg College, which affirms our shared commitment to cultivating promising young leaders in medicine. Gettysburg students will bring intellectual curiosity, global awareness, and a deep commitment to service, all qualities that enrich our learning environment and advance our mission to train our students to become the physicians who will shape the future of health care,” said Bernadatte Gilbert, MD, associate dean for admissions and financial aid, assistant professor, and liaison for student support for the Office of Health Advancement & Community Engagement at the Penn State College of Medicine.
About Penn State College of Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine, founded with a $50 million gift from the Milton S. Hershey Foundation, educates more than 1,700 students and trainees across its Hershey and University Park locations. The college offers MD, Ph.D., master’s and dual-degree programs and partners with Penn State Health to advance research, medical education and patient care. Guided by Penn State’s strategic priority to transform health care through academic and clinical synergy, the college delivers breakthrough medicine powered by Penn State.
M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University
Up to five qualified Gettysburg College graduates per year who meet undergraduate prerequisites for nursing in accordance with an approved program plan, as well as fulfill specific admissions requirements, will be invited to enroll in the Second Degree Accelerated BSN track through the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University. Graduates from the College of Nursing will receive a BSN degree upon successful completion of Villanova University’s requirements for the Second Degree Accelerated BSN track.
Beginning with the first year of study at Villanova University, qualified Gettysburg graduates will be eligible to apply for all Villanova University need-based and merit scholarships and for all loan programs available to students at Villanova University.
Students must meet the following admissions criteria:
- Complete all course requirements as outlined on the Villanova University program website with a grade of C or better for each course.
- Earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 through the end of the undergraduate semester at Gettysburg.
- Successfully complete their junior year at Gettysburg.
“We are thrilled to establish this partnership with Gettysburg College,” said Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor. “The new affiliation creates an exciting pathway for Gettysburg graduates to pursue a rewarding, challenging career in nursing and help address the critical need for BSN-prepared nurses in our health care system.”
About the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University is a nationally recognized, premier nursing program, committed to its Augustinian, Catholic values and the tireless pursuit of academic, clinical, and research excellence in nursing and nursing education. Founded in 1953, the College is designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. The College is committed to a teacher-clinician-scholar model, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and health care professional development programs that prepare students to assume positions as productive, ethical, and socially responsible practitioners and leaders at the forefront of modern health care. For more, visit villanova.edu/nursing.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Degree Program at MSOM
Gettysburg College graduates who successfully meet defined academic and admissions criteria will be guaranteed a formal interview opportunity for consideration of MSOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree program.
To be eligible for interview consideration, students must:
- Be currently enrolled or have graduated within the last two years from Gettysburg at the time of application.
- Maintain an overall and science GPA of 3.3 or greater at the time of application.
- Achieve a minimum MCAT score of 500 within the last three years.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from Gettysburg’s Health Professions Committee or pre-health advisor.
- Successfully complete or be on track to complete all MSOM prerequisite coursework as outlined in the MSOM catalog and website before the start of the academic year of application.
“Beyond the guaranteed interview, students will gain early access to valuable pre-medical resources, including MCAT preparation workshops, D.O. student shadowing opportunities, and other MSOM-sponsored pre-admission activities designed to support students on their journey to medical school,” said Chanté Richardson, associate dean of the student services and community engagement at MSOM. “The mission of MSOM is to train physicians who will be socially responsible, professionally accomplished, and community-oriented.”
About Meritus Health
Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the region by providing the best health care, health services, and medical education. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus has more than 4,000 employees and serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com, or visit the Meritus Facebook page and LinkedIn page.
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By Michael Vyskocil
Main photo by Shawna Sherrell Photos provided by Meritus Health, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University, and Penn State College of Medicine (unless otherwise noted)
Posted: 12/10/25