PHILADELPHIA, PA — Saint Joseph’s University has finalized a merger with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (PA College). The deal brings a bounty of over 15 new nursing and allied health programs to Saint Joseph’s academic portfolio, further bolstering its presence in the broader region and introducing a bachelor’s level nursing program at its Philadelphia campus.
The merger follows Saint Joseph’s successful integration with the University of the Sciences and underscores the University’s commitment to expanding its offerings in high-demand nursing and healthcare programs. “This merger continues PA College’s legacy of excellence in healthcare education and allows Saint Joseph’s to educate and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, president of Saint Joseph’s.
Prospective nursing and allied health students stand to gain significantly from this merger. With access to an accredited curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship from experienced faculty, students are poised for success in their chosen healthcare careers.
“By combining our strengths with Saint Joseph’s, we create a dynamic educational environment that fosters innovation and hands-on learning,” said Melissa Snyder, DEd, FNP, CNE, former assistant dean of nursing at PA College and inaugural dean of nursing and allied health at Saint Joseph’s.
The merger is accompanied by two additional agreements with Lancaster General Health and Penn Medicine, aimed at creating a robust healthcare-education pipeline. This initiative promises rewarding, financially secure careers for Lancaster-area residents and offers tuition benefits and clinical placements. Moreover, Penn Medicine will reserve clinical placements in the Philadelphia metropolitan area for Saint Joseph’s Hawk Hill nursing students.
PA College, known for its outstanding licensure exam (NCLEX) passage rates—97.62% for 2022-2023 BSN students—brings a legacy of excellence to the merger. Saint Joseph’s pledges to uphold these high educational standards, infusing them with its respected liberal arts foundation and robust Jesuit roots.
This merger marks a significant development in healthcare education, offering potential students expanded opportunities and resources. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for well-trained professionals remains high. The strengthened academic portfolio of Saint Joseph’s University is poised to meet this demand, shaping the future of healthcare education in Lancaster, Philadelphia, and beyond.
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