The release adds to a wave of health sciences momentum at HU, from the launch of its Doctor of Physical Therapy program to a 10-year accreditation for its MS in Nursing.
HARRISBURG, PA — Tonya Y. Miller, PT, DPT, PhD, Associate Professor and Academic Program Lead for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), has published a new book: “Professionalism in Advanced Practice Nursing: A Case-Based Approach,” co-authored with Rebecca Hietsch and published by McGraw Hill.
The book adapts the case-based framework of Dr. Miller’s 2024 textbook, “Professionalism in the Practice of Physical Therapy: A Case-Based Approach” (McGraw Hill), for the world of advanced practice nursing. Like its predecessor, the new volume connects the “human skills” of healthcare — emotional intelligence, resilience, accountability, communication, and leadership — to the complex clinical situations advanced practice nurses navigate every day.
“One of the greatest compliments I could receive was the opportunity to build upon the success of ‘Professionalism in the Practice of Physical Therapy: A Case-Based Approach’ and adapt it for advanced nursing practice,” said Dr. Miller. “Collaborating with my colleague and friend, Rebecca Hietsch, on this project has been a true privilege. Together, we created a resource that reflects the complex, real-world situations advanced practice nurses encounter every day, with a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence, resilience, accountability, effective communication, and professional leadership.
“Our hope is that this book equips nurses to strengthen not only their clinical practice, but also the human skills that build trust, foster collaboration, and enhance patient care. We hope it becomes a trusted resource for educators, students, and practicing clinicians who are committed to lifelong professional growth and excellence.”
Part of a Growing Health Sciences Story at HU
The book arrives amid significant momentum for health sciences education at Harrisburg University. In March, HU and Select Medical welcomed the inaugural cohort of the University’s new hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program — led by Dr. Miller — for its first on-campus lab immersion. The program’s first class of 52 students, drawn from 12 US states, follows the program’s achievement of accreditation candidacy in late 2025.
HU has also launched a four-year Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, a hybrid program that prepares high school graduates and transfer students for careers in health, fitness, and human performance — and complements HU’s existing Exercise Science PTA Pathway program for licensed physical therapist assistants.
And in June, HU’s Master of Science in Nursing program earned full reaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for the maximum 10-year term: a distinction reserved for established programs that demonstrate sustained quality.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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