Ten years ago, when many hospitals downsized or closed the doors on their nursing schools, Lancaster General took a different approach. Understanding the need for highly skilled, well-educated nurses and allied health professionals, the hospital invested in and expanded upon 100-plus years of educational excellence. With the support of executive leadership, board members, faculty, students and alumni, over the course of six years the school transitioned from a hospital-based, diploma-granting institution (Lancaster Institute for Health Education) to a private, degree-granting junior college (Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences).

The change seemed like a natural one for an educational institution with a reputation for producing in-demand, high-quality healthcare professionals. It was also one that students were asking for. “Many people who have earned their high school diploma see a college degree as the next natural step and we are responding to their needs,” says Gloria Hess, Director of Enrollment Management.

The College awarded its first associate’s degrees to allied health students in May 2004. Starting with this fall’s incoming freshman class, the transformation will be complete. Students will now be eligible for associate’s degrees in allied health sciences and nursing.

Lancaster General College is the only college in Pennsylvania and one of only two programs in the northeast region of the country to successfully transition from hospital-based diploma programs to a fully recognized and accredited college.

“The journey toward college status has been challenging, but ultimately, incredibly fulfilling,” says Mary Grace, EdD, RN, Simcox, College President. “We’re now even better prepared to educate highly skilled healthcare professionals, who are in incredible demand in today’s marketplace.”

In fact, Lancaster General College graduates are so sought after that nearly 100 percent of graduates find a job in their field.

“Our graduates can earn a great starting salary and the demand for them is tremendous,” Mary Grace says. “Once you earn your associate’s degree with us, your potential is limitless. You can earn your bachelor’s degree, go into pharmaceutical sales, health education—anything is possible with the proper foundation.”
Lancaster General College offers the following associate degree programs: nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, invasive cardiovascular technology, radiography and surgical technology. Diploma programs are also available in clinical laboratory science and nuclear medicine technology.

Whatever field you choose to study, you can expect your classroom experience to be remarkable. With a low student/faculty ratio, you will receive personalized attention and an individualized hands-on approach to learning. Class sizes are kept small to ensure that you receive the proper education. Nearly 250 men and women are enrolled in the nursing program and another 200 are in the allied health sciences fields. The average age of students varies—it’s nearly a 50/50 split between traditional college-age students (ages 18-24) and non-traditional students (ages 25 and older). In recognition of students’ diverse needs, in 2001 the College added an evening/ weekend nursing program. That 3-year program is actually seeing the largest enrollment increases as more and more people are seeking a career change.

“We even have people with PhDs coming back to become registered nurses,” Gloria reports.

Because of the College’s close ties with Lancaster General, you typically get to start your clinical experience sooner than students at many other institutions. Starting in academic year 2006, you will be able to use the Human Patient Simulator (HPS). The HPS is a computerized, life-sized mannequin that allows students to experience real-life healthcare situations in a safe, controlled environment. The HPS is no standard mannequin—it can breathe, talk, has a heartbeat and pulse and responds to CPR, intravenous medication, intubation, ventilation and catheterization. “Thanks to government and private funding, the College will be the only one in the area with this technology, providing an adjunct to the excellent existing clinical scenarios students currently experience,” says Marjorie Lamberson, Development Officer.
Many students gain additional patient care experience by working part-time at the Lancaster General Hospital. This way they’re able to further develop their skills and earn money for college. Lancaster General employees who meet certain work-related requirements may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement.

Tuition at Lancaster General College is comparable to other private colleges. Financial aid and scholarships are available to students who qualify.

Plans are also in the works to further develop the Alumni Association, which hosts special events to bring alumni together and to recognize their accomplishments following graduation.