St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences marked another major milestone today as it welcomed its first in-person group of students for its Respiratory Care and Radiography programs on the first day of fall classes.
The College begins the semester with full enrollment for both programs, including all 58 seats filled in Radiography and all 16 seats filled in Respiratory Care. The strong enrollment reflects growing interest in accessible, career-focused health care education and the need for skilled professionals in high-demand fields across the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new students to campus as they begin this exciting next step in their education,” said Mary Grace Simcox, EdD, RN, President of St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences. “Our summer session went very well, and now we are especially excited to have students here in person to learn, grow and prepare for their future careers through classroom instruction and clinical rotations on campus.
“This is exactly why the College was created — to provide students with meaningful opportunities to pursue health care careers while helping strengthen the workforce our communities rely on.”
Located on the campus of St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences offers associate degree programs in Radiography and Respiratory Care, a fully online RN to BSN program, and general education courses. The Respiratory Care and Radiography programs provide students with hands-on learning, classroom instruction and clinical experiences designed to prepare them for essential roles in patient care.
The College also continues to offer rolling admissions for its fully online RN-to-BSN program and General Education courses, providing students and working professionals with flexible opportunities to continue their education and advance their careers.
For students like Bri Storm, a St. Luke’s employee and MRI Clinical Assistant, the College represents a pathway to a long-term career in health care. Bri, 33, of Lehighton, graduated from college with a degree in recreation management and began her career in marketing for a ski resort. After joining St. Luke’s, however, she discovered a new direction. Through a variety of roles across the Network, she developed an interest in medical imaging and decided to pursue a career in the field.
Over the past year, Bri completed advancer coursework at local community colleges while continuing to work and gain experience at St. Luke’s. She is now a member of the College’s inaugural class and plans to graduate, earn her certification, and advance into X-ray, MRI and other imaging specialties.
Bri said the College’s program is an ideal fit because it allows her to continue her education while maintaining full-time employment.
“I still need an income,” she said, noting that classes are scheduled throughout the week in a way that minimizes disruption to her work schedule. She also credits the support of her supervisors and colleagues, who, she said, “want to see me grow.”
Bri’s journey is one example of the opportunities St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences is creating for students seeking a direct, supportive path into health care. Prospective students can learn more about programs, admissions and upcoming opportunities at StLukesCollege.org.
