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St. Luke's College of Health Sciences: A New Era for Healthcare Education

In an exciting development for the healthcare landscape of the region, St. Luke’s University Health Network has announced the opening of its new St. Luke's College of Health Sciences. This initiative aims to strengthen the local healthcare workforce by providing educational programs tailored to meet the growing demand for qualified health professionals.

A Bold Commitment to Healthcare Education

The College officially began accepting applications for its inaugural class, which is set to start in May 2026. This step has been viewed as a key milestone in enhancing the educational infrastructure of the Lehigh Valley area. According to Dr. Mary Grace Simcox, the first president of St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences, this initiative exemplifies a significant leap toward providing accessible and quality education in health sciences. "This day represents our dedication to fostering a competent healthcare workforce through affordable, local pathways for high-demand careers," said Simcox.

The college will be located on the same campus as St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem, offering various programs, including Radiography and Respiratory Care, both available as associate degrees, as well as an RN to BSN pathway for registered nurses seeking to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the College will present general education coursework to support students in their educational pursuits.

Curriculum Designed for Adult Learners

Classes for the Respiratory Care and Radiography programs will be held at the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, while the RN to BSN program will be conducted entirely online. This online offering is particularly designed to accommodate adult learners, allowing them to juggle their studies alongside work and family commitments. Furthermore, students of St. Luke’s College will have access to state-of-the-art simulation and skills labs, along with dedicated study areas and library resources to facilitate their learning experience.

Moreover, St. Luke's longstanding collaborations with regional colleges and universities will continue to flourish, ensuring a seamless integration of educational efforts across platforms.

Addressing an Increasing Demand for Healthcare Professionals

The urgency for such educational advancements is underscored by findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which notes that the healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to see the most substantial job growth across all industries from 2024 to 2034. This predicted growth is largely driven by an aging population and ongoing workforce shortages, making accessible education pathways all the more crucial for fulfilling the demand for healthcare professionals in the region.

St. Luke's has proven to be a fixture in the healthcare education domain, overseeing the oldest School of Nursing in the United States and operating a four-year medical school through The Temple St. Luke's School of Medicine. The opening of the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences represents a continuation of this legacy, affirming the network's position as a national leader in health care education.

Dr. Simcox further highlighted, "Our mission is to not just educate but empower students to embark on fulfilling careers in healthcare. With our first class on the horizon, we are eager to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals who will significantly contribute to the health and well-being of our communities."

Join the Journey

For information on programs, or to apply, prospective students and interested parties can visit www.StLukesCollege.org for full details. An overview video of the College is also available, providing insights into what students can expect from their educational journey at St. Luke's.

Founded in 1872, St. Luke's University Health Network represents a fully integrated, nonprofit network providing crucial services across 16 campuses and over 350 outpatient sites, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to advance healthcare education while ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to the community at large. As the network gears up to embrace its first cohort, it stands ready to contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare in the region and beyond.