Thomas Jefferson University announced a comprehensive plan to expand its academic programs into the Lehigh Valley region, reinforcing Jefferson’s commitment to strengthening the regional health care workforce and supporting long-term economic growth.

Beginning this fall, Jefferson College of Nursing will broaden its footprint by offering on-site nursing education at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Center for Healthcare Education in Center Valley.

A full-time DNP–nurse anesthesia program will be offered at the location, along with a suite of online graduate programs including a Master of Science in nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner and mental health nurse practitioner. Programs include a Ph.D. in nursing, an RN-to-BSN program and advanced certificates.

“We are thrilled to expand our university’s world-class academic experience to the Lehigh Valley,” said Susan C. Aldridge, Ph.D., president of Thomas Jefferson University. “By investing in innovative pathways, comprehensive clinical training and strong regional partnerships, we are building a sustainable pipeline to prepare the next generation of health care professionals.”

Paramedicine

Additionally, this fall the university will launch an online Associate of Science program in paramedicine.

The program will award up to 30 academic credits for prior paramedic certification and training, creating an accelerated pathway for paramedics to earn a college degree and advance their careers.

Graduates will also receive direct admission into any of the College of Health Professions’ online bachelor’s degree programs, with all associate degree credits applied toward degree completion. Among them is the Bachelor of Science in respiratory therapy, which creates a pipeline to address the critical need for respiratory therapists in the Lehigh Valley area.

In late summer, Jefferson will open a satellite respiratory therapy laboratory at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where students can complete lab work and hands-on clinical training at Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region hospitals while completing didactic courses online. To create additional pathways for career advancement, respiratory therapy students maintaining a 3.5 grade-point average or higher will receive waived admission into the MS in cardiovascular perfusion or MS in physician assistant studies programs in Jefferson’s College of Health Professions.

Clinical rotations

During the 2025-26 academic year, eight physician assistant students and more than 80 Sidney Kimmel Medical College students are completing clinical rotations at Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region hospitals, with participation expected to more than double in 2026-27.

“Our expansion into the Lehigh Valley reflects Jefferson’s continued commitment to improve lives by providing high-quality education and training, while also establishing innovative solutions to address vital health care needs, improve workforce development and drive economic revitalization in the communities that we serve,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, chief executive officer, Jefferson.

Jefferson is creating a residential community in Allentown for students from all its Lehigh Valley-based programs.