St. Luke’s Launches St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences to Strengthen Regional Health Care Workforce
The newly established St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has begun accepting applications for its inaugural class, set to commence in May 2026. This initiative, launched by the St. Luke’s University Health Network, aims to enhance the regional health care workforce by offering affordable education pathways in high-demand fields.
Programs and Facilities
The College is currently enrolling students for several degree programs, including Associate Degrees in Radiography and Respiratory Care, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in RN to BSN. In addition to these core programs, students will have access to general education coursework, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
Classes for Radiography and Respiratory Care will be conducted at the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, while the RN to BSN program will be delivered entirely online, catering to adult learners seeking flexible study options. The College is equipped with simulation and skills labs, study areas, and library resources to support student success.
Strategic Impact on Health Care Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted approval for the establishment of the College in October 2025, marking a pivotal moment in health care education for the Lehigh Valley and surrounding regions. Mary Grace Simcox, EdD, RN, the first president of the College, emphasized the commitment to addressing workforce shortages through affordable, local educational opportunities. “This is a historic milestone for the Lehigh Valley,” Simcox stated. “The launch of the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences reflects a bold commitment to strengthening our health care workforce by providing guaranteed clinical placements, hands-on learning, and clear opportunities for professional advancement.”
The need for skilled professionals in the health care sector is underscored by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts that the health care and social assistance sector will experience the largest job growth of any industry between 2024 and 2034. This growth is driven by an aging population and ongoing workforce shortages, necessitating robust educational frameworks.
St. Luke’s has a long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education, operating the oldest School of Nursing in the United States and hosting a four-year medical school in collaboration with The Temple St. Luke’s School of Medicine. The College builds on this foundation, aiming to further solidify St. Luke’s position as a national leader in health care education.
As St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences prepares to welcome its first cohort of students, it represents a significant advancement in the region’s approach to meeting the growing demand for health care professionals. For more information or to apply, interested candidates can visit www.StLukesCollege.org.
