Dr. Karen Montalto
Dr. Karen Montalto serves as Dean of Health Sciences at ƹƵ (RCBC), where she leads all academic programs housed under the Health Sciences umbrella, including Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiography, Paramedic Science, Healthcare Management, and other general Healthcare degrees. She maintains a focus on graduating safe, accountable, and professional practitioners to join and strengthen our county’s workforce. Since joining the college in 2016, Dr. Montalto has played a key role in establishing the Division of Health Sciences, as these programs were previously housed under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) umbrella. Prior to joining RCBC, Dr. Montalto was Assistant Dean of Nursing Student Success at Rutgers University, Camden, having created that role and department to assist nursing students.
Dr. Montalto was recognized by the NJ National League for Nursing in 2018 for her efforts in leading the nursing program in accreditation and growth initiatives, including developing a grant-funded position for nursing student success. Previously, Dr. Montalto received a Daisy Award for leading innovation and licensure success in the Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Holy Family University as the program Chair. On the national level, Dr. Montalto was previously chosen as one of seven nurse administrators for the Emerging Educational Administrators Institute through the National Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, completed while here at RCBC.
Since joining RCBC, Dr. Montalto has developed the 300-level nursing courses for the 3+1 BSN program in collaboration with Rowan University, as well as courses for Healthcare Management. Recently, Dr. Montalto was instrumental in acquiring the New Jersey State-run “Pay It Forward” program for Nursing and Radiography students at RCBC. This program provides interest-free loans to students along with a monthly living stipend and access to emergency funds.
Dr. Montalto holds a BS degree from The Ohio State University, an MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. from Widener University. Prior to entering education, Dr. Montalto worked as a critical care nurse and certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, serving various hospitals throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She has expertise in associate degree, baccalaureate degree, and master’s degree education for health careers.
Dr. Montalto’s research has focused on enhancing student success and reducing stress in nursing. She serves as a reviewer for Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education and a Peer Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education. She also currently teaches at Rowan University. Dr. Montalto is a firm believer in affordability in education and is committed to providing students in New Jersey with the most affordable and successful route to their BSN in nursing and associate degrees in other sought-after healthcare degrees.