St. Luke’s University Health Network has officially launched the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences, which is now accepting applications for its inaugural class set to begin in May 2026. This new educational institution is located on the campus of St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Prospective students can apply at www.StLukesCollege.org, with programs available in Radiography and Respiratory Care, both offering Associate Degrees, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree option for registered nurses through the RN to BSN program.
The establishment of the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in October 2025. This initiative represents a significant development aimed at enhancing the regional health care workforce in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.
Mary Grace Simcox, EdD, RN, who serves as the college’s first president, expressed enthusiasm about the launch. “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 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.”
The college will conduct classes for the Respiratory Care and Radiography programs at the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center. The RN to BSN program is designed to be fully online, catering to adult learners seeking flexible educational options. Students will benefit from access to simulation and skills labs, dedicated study areas, and library resources.
St. Luke’s University Health Network has a longstanding history in medical education, evidenced by its operation of the oldest School of Nursing in the United States and a four-year medical school in collaboration with The Temple St. Luke’s School of Medicine. Alongside this, the network offers over 60 Graduate Medical Education programs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care and social assistance sector is expected to see the most substantial job growth of any industry between 2024 and 2034. This growth is largely driven by an aging population and ongoing workforce shortages. As such, the need for strong and accessible educational pathways has never been more critical.
Simcox emphasized that the college aims to address this demand while maintaining the network’s reputation as a national leader in health care education. “We are excited to welcome our first class of students and help them start, grow, and thrive in a health care career,” she added.
For additional details or to apply, interested individuals can visit www.StLukesCollege.org or view the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences Overview Video.
Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network is a comprehensive, non-profit network that employs over 23,000 individuals across 16 campuses and more than 350 outpatient sites. With an annual net revenue of $4.5 billion, the network serves a diverse population across 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
