St. Luke’s University Health Network welcomed the first students to its new College of Health Sciences, creating a pipeline of talent to bolster its health care workforce, the leading employment sector in the Lehigh Valley. 
Seventy-three students started classes on May 18, with about another 77 scheduled to begin in the fall. The college offers associates degrees in radiology and respiratory care, and a registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing pathway, along with general education courses.
“The St. Luke's College of Health Sciences, the first and only college in the Lehigh Valley solely focused on the education of health care professionals, was created with a clear purpose - to expand access to high-quality education, open new career pathways, and address critical workforce needs,” College President Mary Grace Simcox said during a dedication ceremony at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, where the campus is located.
More than 71,000 people work in health care in the Lehigh Valley. The region’s health care ecosystem, which includes St. Luke’s, Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, is a key contributor to the Lehigh Valley’s quality of life.
The initial programs offered by St. Luke’s are among the health care occupations forecasted to grow in the next five years, according to Chmura Economics JobsEQ 2025 Q4.
“Why did we start the medical school? To this day, we don't have enough rad techs, we don't have enough respiratory therapy techs, we don't have enough nurses in this community and across the country. And that's why we started it,” said Joel Fagerstrom, St. Luke’s Chief Operating Officer.
More than 900 students applied for entry, Simcox said, “a powerful reflection of the demand for accessibility, high-quality health science education.”
The curriculum is geared to adult learners, with the RN to BSN program offered fully online. Students will also have access to simulation and skills labs, study areas and library resources.
The College of Health Sciences is intended to supplement, not replace, the longstanding partnerships St. Luke’s has forged with regional colleges and universities, Simcox said.
Students are guaranteed clinical placement within the St. Luke’s network. The college plans to expand its course offerings in the future.
“This is only the beginning. Our vision is to be a nationally recognized leader in providing transformative, exceptional education in healthcare specialties to prepare the workforce of the future,” Simcox said.