From operating rooms to hospital leadership, graduates of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies are advancing health care and preparing the professionals who will follow them.
Meet three alumni whose careers illustrate the many paths a Hofstra education can open and the lasting connections that extend beyond graduation.
Vivian Moreno ’24
Perfusionist, Houston Extracorporeal Technologies
Vivian Moreno, BS, MS, ’24, CCP, LP, discovered her passion for perfusion while working in a research laboratory at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Visits to cardiac operating rooms, where she watched perfusionists manage heart-lung machines during surgery, inspired her to pursue a career combining science and patient care.
Moreno enrolled in Hofstra’s Master of Science in Cardiovascular Sciences and Perfusion Medicine program, where a rigorous curriculum challenged her academically and prepared her for clinical practice.
“The program didn’t just focus on knowledge,” Moreno said. “It emphasized applying what we learned, which prepared me for the realities of the profession.”
At Hofstra, Moreno presented research at professional conferences, was selected to deliver the commencement address and received the program’s Pride Award. She also received the Stanley Sirote Charitable Foundation Scholarship, which supported her academic and clinical training.
Today, Moreno works as a cardiovascular perfusionist and hosts Vital & Vibes, a podcast featuring conversations with professionals about their careers.
“Hofstra gave me the foundation and confidence to succeed as a perfusionist,” she said.
Michael Maglione ’13
Associate Director of Perioperative PA and NP Services, NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk
Michael Maglione, MS, ’13, PA-C, DFAAPA, knew Hofstra was the right fit during his first interview. He was drawn to the Physician Assistant Studies program’s commitment to underserved communities and its strong reputation.
“The faculty were incredibly welcoming, and you could tell they were truly invested in student success,” Maglione said.
As a student, Maglione helped establish two student initiatives: a peer mentorship program pairing second-year students with incoming students and the PA Prom, which became a tradition. Those experiences in leadership and advocacy helped shape his career.
Today, Maglione oversees multiple clinical departments and helped guide operations through a major hospital system integration. He also remains connected to Hofstra as an adjunct instructor and clinical preceptor in surgery, mentoring future physician assistants.
“The program planted the seeds early,” Maglione said. “Those opportunities and the emphasis on advocacy helped prepare me to take the next step in my career.”
Maglione describes his Hofstra experience in three words: advocacy, excellence and community.
Dina Barbarino ’24
Assistant Vice President, Advanced Clinical Providers, Northwell Health
After years in cardiothoracic surgery as an adult nurse practitioner, Dina Barbarino, DNP, ’24, AGACNP-BC, ANP-BC, came to Hofstra to expand her expertise in acute care.
Barbarino enrolled in Hofstra’s Advanced Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program when Northwell Health aligned its clinical policies with the national Consensus Model. She found that Hofstra’s close relationship with Northwell complemented the program’s strong sense of community.
“The faculty and students felt like a community, and that support system made the experience incredibly meaningful,” Barbarino said.
Today, Barbarino helps oversee recruitment, professional development and mentorship for nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives across Northwell Health. Her leadership role keeps her connected to Hofstra students as they pursue clinical opportunities and prepare to enter the workforce.
She continues to give back as a clinical faculty member, focusing on new graduates’ transition from the classroom to clinical practice.
“Hofstra students are incredibly dedicated,” Barbarino said. “It’s inspiring to help support the next generation of providers.”
