History and Mission
Overview
For over 120 years, Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster, formerly known as Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, has been educating healthcare professionals. Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster grew from one nursing program with a handful of students to nearly 20 degree options with over 1,800 students enrolled.
Our Affiliation
Our affiliation with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health guarantees that you’ll receive clinical access to one of the largest health systems in south central Pennsylvania. This includes:
- Lancaster General Hospital (533 beds)
- Women & Babies Hospital (98 beds)
- Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital (59 beds)
- 14 outpatient centers
- Several urgent care sites
At these facilities, you’ll work with cutting-edge technology and equipment. You’ll learn alongside some of the industry’s top health care professionals, building important relationships from day one.
What that means for Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health employees
Advance your career, tuition-free. Eligible Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health employees receive 100 percent tuition reimbursement* at Saint Joseph's - Lancaster, and dependents are eligible for a 10 percent discount. Choose from our wide variety of health care programs, certificates and degrees, all tailored to fit your busy lifestyle.
*Less any taxes and non-tuition fees
About Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Lancaster General Hospital is a three-time Magnet hospital for Nursing Excellence. In 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked LG Health one of the best in the nation for three specialties, and among the top five hospitals in Pennsylvania.
These distinctions recognize LG Health’s excellence in treating the sickest patients and measuring reputation, outcomes, safety and other care-related indicators. On-site clinical experience here prepares you to meet any situation, for a lifetime of health care success and career satisfaction.
Saint Joseph's - Lancaster Timeline
1893
Lancaster General Hospital was founded “for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a hospital for the treatment and care of the sick and suffering, and the training of nurses to be employed in such care.”
1903
Lancaster General Hospital established its School of Nursing, which offered a three-year training program.
1949
The hospital developed a medical laboratory science, its first allied health program. It continued to add programs throughout the following decades.
1974
The school graduated its first male nurse.
1995
The nursing and health sciences programs merged to form the Lancaster Institute for Health Education.
2001
The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted the Institute the ability to confer degrees. The Institute became the Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
2006
The College received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
2009
The College introduced several baccalaureate degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an RN to BSN option.
2009
As a result of two years of branding research, the Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences announced a new name: The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences.
2015
PA College began offering graduate-level courses for four master’s degree programs.
2016
The College moved from the Lancaster General Hospital campus to its location on Greenfield Road in Lancaster.
2017
The College added a doctoral degree with the launch of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
2024
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences merged with Saint Joseph's University.