Ribbon Cutting Celebrates the New Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing at LVHN

The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) officially cut the ribbon of a brand-new school on Friday, September 13 moving from the neighborhood it occupied for more than 129 years. The new location is 700 Schuylkill Manor Road, on the campus of Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill E. Norwegian St. The school had been on the hospital’s South Jackson St. campus since its founding in 1895.

“Across our network, we have thousands of colleagues who chose a career in health care because they are passionate about helping and caring for others,” says Michael Rossi, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of LVHN. “Education is the foundation of what we do. It is also part of our vision for the future.” Dr. Rossi noted the partnership between the school of Nursing and Alvernia University to offer the three-year registered nurse program.

Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing is a dual-enrollment program with Alvernia where students complete their first year of courses at the CollegeTowne campus in Pottsville and move on to the McCloskey School of Nursing for their junior and senior years. Graduates of the program earn a diploma through the school of nursing and an associate degree of applied science from Alvernia University. School leaders see growth as a key factor going forward.

The new facility is more than 16,000 square feet with five classrooms, smart board technology in all classrooms, a large computer lab, library, focus rooms and student lounge, study areas and space for future growth.

“Over the past few years, we recognized the need for new and expanded educational facilities and worked closely with our partners at Alvernia University CollegeTowne to grow the incoming freshmen nursing class at Alvernia this past school year,” says Jennifer Jones-Lapp, DNP, Director of Strategic Development for the school of nursing.

While construction was underway, school officials announced a new evening and weekend program, designed especially for a non-traditional student and offering the flexibility to earn a nursing diploma in the same time as a traditional student. That program just launched with its first 30 students taking classes being held both in Pottsville and the Lehigh Valley. More than 100 students have enrolled as freshmen at Alvernia for this program and 60 freshmen have entered the traditional program.

Graduates of the school’s class of 2024 performed well in their NCLEX national nursing examinations with a 100 percent pass rate.

LVHN offers tuition waivers for students in their junior and senior years for LVHN employees and work agreement options. Students must meet certain criteria.

Established in 1895, Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing at LVHN has been the chief supplier of registered nurses to hospitals, clinics and medical practices throughout our region with nearly 3,000 graduates. Its name recognizes long-time hospital Board Chairman Judge Joseph F. McCloskey, who was an ardent supporter of the school and its continued operation.