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St. Luke’s celebrates opening of College of Health Sciences
Stacy Wescoe//May 18, 2026//
Listen to this articleSt. Luke’s University Health Network celebrated the opening of St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences Monday.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care and social assistance sector is projected to experience the largest job growth of any industry between 2024 and 2034, driven by an aging population and persistent workforce shortages.
The college is part of the health network’s effort to meet that health care workforce demand.
The college will operate on the campus of St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem and will offer associate degrees in Radiography and Respiratory Care and a bachelor’s degree for RN to BSN.
The inaugural student class includes approximately 150 students across all programs and courses with 73 starting during the summer session and the remaining beginning this fall.
“This is a historic milestone for the Lehigh Valley,” said Mary Grace Simcox, the first president of St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences. “The launch of 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.”
Respiratory Care and Radiography classes will be held at the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, while the RN to BSN program will be offered fully online with a curriculum designed to support adult learners seeking non-traditional college experiences. Students will also have access to simulation and skills labs, study areas and library resources.
St. Luke’s said its partnerships with regional colleges and universities will continue while the new college expands the network’s ability to address workforce shortages in critical health care roles by broadening access to education. Even with these strong partnerships, the need to establish an institution of higher learning is critical, Simcox said.
