In June, the Pennsylvania Department of Education determined that institutions that provide education for direct patient care could reopen in a limited capacity.
This allowed us to begin to offer some on-campus simulation and lab instruction for our two summer sessions, while following strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
We will continue with this approach for our fall semester – with all didactic courses continuing online, and hands-on clinical skills instruction and science labs able to happen with a modified approach on campus.
Many factors are being considered as we plan for the future.
As a non-residential college, with students traveling to campus from throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, being physically together poses unique risks. And as a health care-focused college whose students interact with ill and vulnerable populations, we also have a responsibility to be especially cautious in our approach to the “new normal.”
We know our determined, resilient students will continue to support one another, work hard and reach their goals.
