St. Luke’s University Health Network has officially launched the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences, now accepting applications for its inaugural class set to begin in May 2026. The College, located on the campus of St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, aims to address the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals in the region.
The College is enrolling students for several programs, including an Associate Degree in Radiography, an Associate Degree in Respiratory Care, and a Bachelor’s Degree in RN to BSN. In addition to these degree offerings, the College will provide general education coursework to enhance the educational experience.
Approval for the establishment of the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences was granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in October 2025. This development marks a significant milestone in healthcare education and workforce development within the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Mary Grace Simcox, EdD, RN, who serves as the first president of the College, expressed her enthusiasm about this initiative. “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 healthcare workforce by providing an affordable, local pathway to high-demand careers complete with guaranteed clinical placements, hands-on learning, small class sizes, and clear opportunities for professional advancement.”
Classes for the Radiography and Respiratory Care programs will be held at the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center. The RN to BSN program, designed for adult learners, will be offered entirely online, catering to those seeking flexible educational opportunities. Students will benefit from access to simulation and skills labs, study areas, and library resources to enhance their learning experience.
St. Luke’s has a rich history in medical education, operating the oldest School of Nursing in the United States and a four-year medical school through the Temple St. Luke’s School of Medicine. Additionally, the network offers more than 60 Graduate Medical Education programs, establishing itself as a leader in healthcare education.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare and social assistance sector is expected to witness the largest job growth of any industry between 2024 and 2034, largely due to an aging population and ongoing workforce shortages. In response to this demand, strong and accessible education pathways are essential.
“The launch of the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences reflects St. Luke’s ongoing commitment as a national leader in healthcare education and builds on that foundation,” Simcox added. “We are excited to welcome our first class of students and help them start, grow, and thrive in a healthcare career.”
For further details or to apply, interested individuals can visit www.StLukesCollege.org. St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in the region and ensuring that a well-trained workforce is ready to meet the challenges ahead.
Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network employing over 23,000 people across 16 campuses and more than 350 outpatient sites. The network reported an annual net revenue of $4.5 billion and serves an extensive area across 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, solidifying its position as a preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania.