The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private, non-profit, coeducational four-year institution located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1887 as the Central State Normal School and Business Institute and has since grown to become one of the largest private colleges in the state, with over 6,000 students enrolled in 2018.
Penn College offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees and certificates across 12 schools and colleges that focus on fields like business administration or nursing. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is one of the fastest growing colleges in Lancaster County. The college offers degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as certificate programs.
History
The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (PCHS) was initially founded in 1903 as the Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing. In 1989, the school shifted its focus to include a wider range of healthcare programs and changed its name to reflect this expansion. In 2010, PCHS became part of Penn State University and has continued to expand since then.
Acreage
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the campus of Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences occupies 20 acres. The property was purchased by the school in 2012 and is owned by Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences.
The campus is located in a residential area just south of Interstate 83. Surrounded by apartment complexes, it sits on Lawrence Avenue near Walnut Street and Park Road.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Address
Alumni
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences has alumni in every state in the union, and all over the world. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences alumni are known for their loyalty and commitment to the college.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences alums are a special group of individuals who have excelled at their profession, and have made outstanding contributions to their community, industry and society as a whole. They are leaders because they value being part of something greater than themselves – an organization that helps students learn how to make a difference in people’s lives by providing them with an education at no cost.
Application Deadline
Application deadlines are the dates by which all application materials must be received.
- For spring 2023, the deadline is October 1, 2022.
- For summer 2023, the deadline is March 1, 2023.
- For fall 2023, the deadline is June 1, 2023
Employment
The employer is the party that provides a job to an employee, who in turn works for the employer. The employee is the person hired to perform tasks for the company and can be either full-time or part-time. Employee benefits include health insurance, paid vacation time, retirement plans and more. An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is an arrangement where employees are given stock options in their company as they are hired or after they have been working there for a certain period of time.
Employees can also apply through an employment agency rather than directly with a particular firm; these agencies typically charge fees on both sides of this transaction but may help fill positions that otherwise would not be filled due to lack of qualified applicants.
Faculty and Staff
The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences has a total of 1,000 full-time faculty, staff and administrators. The average salary for these people is $50,000 per year.
Of the total number of people employed by the school, 70% work there full time and 30% work there part time. Of those who work there full time, 64% are female and 36% are male. In terms of racial diversity in the workforce, 77% are white and 23% are black or African American.
Financial Aid
The financial aid office at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is here to help you find the aid you need to afford your education. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.
We encourage you to apply for financial aid each year. Start the process by completing our application for admission.
As part of this process, we’ll help you complete your financial aid package by gathering information about your family’s income, assets and other factors that may affect your eligibility for federal student loans or other sources of funding. The more accurate information we have from you now and throughout the year, the better we will be able to assist with getting any remaining balances covered when it comes time for bill payments each semester (and keeping them as low as possible).
We also offer resources such as answers to frequently asked questions about our loan policies or ways parents can save money on college costs through 529 plans or Section 529 Plans.”
Graduate Programs
Penn College has a large selection of graduate programs that you can become involved in. Some of the popular options include:
- Nursing, which is offered at all campuses except Williamsport
- Health Sciences, which is offered at all campuses except Williamsport and Altoona
- Occupational Therapy , available only at the Harrisburg campus
- Physician Assistant Studies, available only at the Harrisburg campus and online (see below)
- Physical Therapy, also available only at the Harrisburg campus
One that doesn’t fit into any category but I would highly recommend for students who want a career in healthcare: Radiologic Technology – this program is offered exclusively online through Penn State Abington.
Nursing Program Application Requirements
- You must have a 2.5 GPA and a SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21 to be eligible for admission.
- CNA certification is not required, but you need to submit three letters of recommendation with your application.
- You’ll also need to complete at least 90 hours of paid or volunteer work in a healthcare setting that includes direct patient contact. This can include working as an EMT or paramedic, volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, hospice programs, etc., etc., as long as it’s done within the last two years and involves direct patient contact (not just shadowing). The more experience you have working with patients under supervision—and if you can demonstrate leadership qualities—the better! You must also complete a 200-hour practicum in a healthcare setting within twelve months prior to matriculation into Penn College’s nursing program.
Graduation Rate
The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences graduation rate is 72%. This number is lower than the national average and state average, which are both 80%.
The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences has an overall graduation rate of 72%, which makes it one of the worst ranked schools in Pennsylvania. The school’s net price is $15,500 per year compared to an average net price of $13,865 for other online colleges.
Operational Hours
- Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday and Sunday Closed.
Job openings at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
If you’re interested in applying for an open position, you’ll need to check this page. The college has a number of positions available, including:
- Faculty – Psychiatric Mental Health NP Track Coordinator
- Adjunct Faculty – Surgical Technology
- Clinical Coordinator – Undergraduate Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN) 4L Ortho/Total Joints Unit (Full-time, 36 hrs/wk, Night shift)
- Storeroom Clerk
- Student Success Coach (Undergrad Nursing)
