Healthcare careers dominate the Lehigh Valley
According to Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, in an interview for the Morning Call, “At the height of its power, Bethlehem Steel employed 31,000 people at its flagship Bethlehem plant. Right now, 64,000 people are employed in the healthcare field across the Lehigh Valley.”
The industry continues to grow and expand. Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, includes 15 hospital campuses, along with urgent care locations, primary care offices, pharmacies, imaging centers, home care services, community clinics and laboratory testing facilities.
St. Luke’s University Health Network is the largest employer in the greater Lehigh Valley, with 16 campuses, 350 outpatient facilities and more than 23,000 employees.
Industry expertise meets personalized learning
With industry leaders and nursing instructors who bring decades of experience, students benefit from real-world experts who challenge them to succeed.
Small cohorts complete coursework, clinical rotations and hands-on learning experiences together, fostering a culture of professionalism and support.
“Professors — they’re right there with you,” said Erney. “They always want you to become that amazing nurse they know you can become.”
About Penn State Lehigh Valley
Founded in 1912, Penn State Lehigh Valley brings together more than a century of academic excellence with personalized instruction delivered by industry-connected faculty. The campus serves students from Bucks County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and surrounding regions, as well as students from across the country and around the world. Penn State Lehigh Valley offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed entirely on campus and provides pathways into more than 275 Penn State majors through the University’s 2+2 program.