BETHLEHEM, Pa. – St Luke’s University Health Network is celebrating the grand opening of its college of health sciences.
Doors officially opened for students in the college’s summer session.
University officials said the launch reflects a commitment to stronger health care and providing an affordable pathway to high-demand careers.
“My name is Brianne Swope, right now I’m an R.N,” said the student.
The graduate of St Luke’s School of Nursing found herself right back in the classroom.
She is one of the first students to start taking classes in the College of Health Sciences in the R.N. to B.S.N program.
“That’s covered through the tuition reimbursement, was a great opportunity to move forward and not have so much college debt,” said Swope.
Swope’s mother worked in healthcare for more than 40 years and now she’s following the same footsteps, one stethoscope at a time.
“I do eventually want to move on to my nurse practitioners.” said Swope.
It’s been more than a decade in the making to perfect the pathway for nurses, like Swope.
The college offers programs for students to excel their careers in the world of healthcare, such as general education classes and allows students to earn associates degrees in Radiography and Respiratory Care and Bachelor of Science Nursing degrees.
“It’s a perfect match,” said Mary Grace Simcox, President of Health Sciences.
Simcox is the President of the College of Health Sciences.
“Where else would you want a college connected to a health system that does only health care education?” asked Simcox. “There’s a school of nursing and a school of medicine, and it makes sense to do a college of health sciences.”
There are more than 100 students across all programs and courses, with more than 70 students during the summer session and the remaining, beginning classes in the fall.
Respiratory care and radiography classes will be held inside the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center and the R.N. to B.S.N program will be fully online.
Students also have access to simulation and skill labs, study areas and library resources.
“St. Luke’s has a mission to serve, but in order to serve, you need people who can provide that particular kind of service,” said Simcox.
After all, they say that life is better with scrubs and smiles.
“It’s just a great opportunity for everybody,” said Swope.
