Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (formerly Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences) is a private, co-educational, Middle States-accredited, four-year college offering a variety of associate and baccalaureate degree programs as well as certificate programs in healthcare. It is located at 850 Greenfield Road in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. A select group of more than 1,400 students study with faculty who are experts in their specialty areas. PA College is the educational arm of the Lancaster General Health system. The clinical facilities of the hospital enrich the learning environment for students. Hands-on learning is the College’s key to developing competent healthcare practitioners.
History
Founded in 1903, the Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing was established to provide educational advancement for the hospital's nursing staff and to fulfill the needs of the local community with qualified healthcare providers. As Lancaster County, Pennsylvania grew, so did the school. More than 4,000 nurses have now graduated from this program.
In 1952, Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) renewed its commitment to education and the community by developing Allied Health programs. The first major to be added was Medical Laboratory Science (now known as Clinical Laboratory Sciences). A program in Radiology Technology was added in 1960, followed by Surgical Technology.
As advances were made in healthcare, a need developed for more specialized healthcare practitioners. Since 1982, programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Invasive Specialty, and Nuclear Medicine have been added.
In 1994, the Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing and allied health programs combined to form the Lancaster Institute for Health Education. The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted approval for private school licensure.
The Institute petitioned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2001 and was granted approval to form the Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences. The parent organization of the College remains Lancaster General Health. The College offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and diploma and certificate programs.
As of 2006, Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The College received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2009 to offer baccalaureate education.
In August 2013, Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences changed their name to Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, hoping to clarify the school's purpose. The school will continue its relationship with Lancaster General Health and offer the same programs in healthcare management, training, and nursing.
In December 2014, the College's associate degree in nursing program was placed on provisional approval after too many graduates failed a licensing test on their first try. In September 2015, the College's pass rate was up to 84.08%.
The College announced in November 2015 that it will begin offering Pennsylvania's first three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Fall 2016.
Academics
The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences offers several academic programs:
- B.S. in Health Sciences is offered in an accelerated format and provides practicing healthcare professionals the opportunity for advanced clinical practice or leadership/management roles within their professional discipline.
- B.S. in Healthcare Administration is offered in a blended format and is established to graduate professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead within a healthcare organization.
- B.S.N. (RN to BSN) is offered in an accelerated format and prepares the practicing registered nurse to assume leadership positions in nursing care and management. Students can earn their bachelor's degree in a traditional RN to BSN program, or opt to earn their BSN degree in the state's first three-year program.
- Cardiac electrophysiology is a subspecialty in Cardiology. Graduates from this program assist physicians in the electrophysiology lab in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Cardiovascular Invasive Specialty prepares the graduate to assist physicians in the invasive cardiovascular laboratory, working on heart-related diagnostic and therapeutic studies. Students can become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.
- Medical Laboratory Science prepares a student to be a Medical Laboratory Scientist and function reliably in responsible positions in a laboratory environment, performing tests and procedures that require the use of an array of complex instruments and equipment.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography teaches students to image and evaluate organs and soft tissue structures utilizing high frequency sound waves. Graduates will be prepared to function as an integral part of the diagnostic medical imaging team.
- Emergency Medical Technicians are an important part of the healthcare community. They may work in Emergency Medical Service organizations, fire departments and special response teams. EMTs see patients at critical times.
- General education lays the groundwork for all educational programs. Students use the foundation skills learned in General Education courses to further their intellectual, personal and professional growth.
- Master of Healthcare Administration prepares health care professionals with the knowledge needed to effectively manage and lead health care provider organizations and other health care related industries. Can be completed online in two years and requires 33 credits to graduate.
- M.S. in Health Sciences - Education prepares licensed health care professionals to take leadership roles in health education across a wide range of higher learning institutions and hospitals. This is an online program that can be completed in two years and requires 33 credits to graduate.
- M.S.N. - Administration prepares registered nurses to take leadership roles in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, managed care organizations, clinics and other agencies.
- M.S.N. - Education provides cutting-edge educational theory in clinical as well as adult learning, including curriculum design, teaching strategies and assessment. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership roles in nursing education across a wide range of higher learning institutions and hospitals.
- Nuclear Medicine Technology prepares students to use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease utilizing gamma cameras and other specialized equipment to obtain information about virtually every major organ system.
- Nursing prepares students to practice as providers and coordinators of care, utilizing knowledge from the nursing arts, sciences and humanities. Graduates receive an ASN degree and are eligible to write the examination for licensure.
- Paramedics are an important part of the healthcare community, providing immediate treatment to victims of illness or injury. Outside the hospital setting, they are typically the highest level healthcare providers to respond during an emergency.
- Radiography teaches students to perform radiographic (x-ray) procedures on organs and body regions utilizing radiographic equipment. Radiographers are trained to meet the healthcare needs of the patient and the diagnostic needs of the physician.
- Respiratory Care prepares students to care for neonatal, pediatric and adult patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Graduates will be prepared take the examinations to be licensed in PA as Respiratory Therapist and to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
- Surgical Technology prepares students to be a Surgical Technologist. It is a discipline where the practitioner is specifically educated to be a respected and highly skilled member of the surgical team, trained to safely facilitate surgically performed invasive and diagnostic procedures.
References
External links
- Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
