First-Class Healthcare in NEPA
Award-winning healthcare for the body and mind is available right here in NEPA. Residents benefit from affordable, high-quality care delivered through nationally recognized hospital systems, specialty providers, and one of the region’s own fully accredited medical schools. With a strong focus on accessibility and innovation, Northeastern Pennsylvania makes it possible to live well without leaving the community. From emergency care and advanced surgery to wellness programs and medical education, NEPA offers comprehensive healthcare that supports every stage of life.
Leading hospital networks serving NEPA include:
Together, these providers form a strong foundation of local healthcare, offering everything from emergency medicine and surgery to specialized care and rehabilitation.
Innovation & Care at Geisinger
Founded in 1915 as a community hospital, Geisinger has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit health system known for innovation and leadership. Today, Geisinger employs more than 26,000 caregivers, educators, and researchers across 10 hospital campuses and 116 primary care and specialty clinics. The system also includes more than 1,700 physicians delivering care throughout the region.
Geisinger’s impact extends beyond healthcare delivery. The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine enrolls over 600 students and trains the next generation of physicians in a patient-centered, community-based model of education. With a commitment to discovery, inclusion, and innovation, Geisinger continues to shape the future of healthcare in NEPA and beyond.
Train for Healthcare Careers in NEPA
Northeastern Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities offer a wide range of healthcare programs, from nursing and pharmacy to therapy and medical technology. These institutions combine academic excellence with hands-on clinical training, preparing students for careers that strengthen NEPA’s growing healthcare workforce. Whether pursuing medicine, nursing, or allied health, students will find diverse options across the region.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton prepares future physicians and scientists through a community-based, patient-centered and evidence-based model of education. The Doctor of Medicine program features the innovative Total Health Curriculum, integrating basic sciences, clinical immersion and career-focused training with an emphasis on community health, primary care and population health. Students benefit from early clinical experiences across regional campuses and strong residency match outcomes.
The Geisinger School of Nursing also offers an Associate Degree in Nursing with pathways for LPN to RN advancement, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers within Geisinger’s healthcare system.
Programs:
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• LPN to RN Track
Jersey College in Scranton offers hospital-affiliated nursing education through its partnership with Commonwealth Health at Moses Taylor Hospital. The Professional Nursing programs combine classroom instruction, simulation lab training and hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings. Students are prepared for entry-level registered nursing roles and the NCLEX exam while gaining direct exposure to patient care in a hospital environment.
Programs:
- LPN to RN Bridge
- Associate Degree in Nursing (RN Program)
Johnson College in Scranton offers hands-on healthcare training designed to prepare students for in-demand clinical roles. The Medical Assistant program equips students with skills in patient care, laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, pharmacology, and medical office functions, with the option to pursue the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. The Radiologic Technology associate degree program prepares students for entry-level positions in hospitals and outpatient settings through classroom instruction and required clinical practicums, leading to eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Programs:
- Medical Assistant
- Radiologic Technology
Keystone College in La Plume offers a Health Sciences degree that prepares students for careers or professional study in medicine and allied health fields. The program combines biological sciences coursework with hands-on laboratory experience, faculty-mentored research and internship opportunities. Students can follow advising tracks in Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Chiropractic and other health-related pathways, building a strong foundation for graduate study or entry into the healthcare workforce.
Programs:
- Health Sciences
King’s College in Wilkes-Barre offers healthcare-focused programs that prepare students for clinical practice, health sciences careers and graduate study. Options include accredited Exercise Science pathways, a structured Medical Studies track leading to Physician Assistant Studies and nursing programs with multiple degree routes. Students can also pursue advanced study in Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics and Healthcare Administration through graduate and accelerated options.
Programs:
- Nursing
- Physician Assistant
- Athletic Training
- Exercise Science
- Medical Studies
- Occupational Therapy
- Nutrition Science
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Healthcare Administration
Lackawanna College in Scranton offers medical field programs focused on hands-on training and career preparation. These programs are designed to develop safe, competent caregivers while meeting employer needs and program accreditation standards. Students can pursue pathways in nursing, therapy assistance, sonography, surgical technology, medical assisting and medical billing and coding, with options that include degrees, certificates and online career preparation programs.
Programs:
- RN-BSN
- Cardiac Ultrasound
- Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Pre-Allied Health
- Surgical Technology
- Ultrasound
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Information Management Technician with Medical Billing & Coding
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Online Administrative Medical Assistant Career Prep
- Online Medical Coding Professional Certification Program
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Northeastern Pennsylvania Clinical Education Consortium (NEPA-CEC)
Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke offers career-focused Health Sciences programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on training and clinical experience. Students can prepare for roles in dental care, emergency medical services, medical offices, nursing, respiratory care and surgical settings. Many programs are structured to support licensure or certification eligibility in Pennsylvania through required coursework and clinical placements.
Programs:
- Dental Hygiene
- Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
- Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic)
- Advanced Life Support – Paramedic
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Marywood University in Scranton offers health-focused programs that blend academic study with practical, career-ready preparation. Students can pursue pathways in nutrition, dietetics, exercise science, nursing, respiratory therapy, healthcare administration, physician assistant studies and psychology and counseling. Programs support both undergraduate and graduate goals, with options designed for students entering the field or advancing existing credentials.
Programs:
- Exercise Science
- Health and Physical Education
- Health Sciences
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Clinical Nutrition
- Sports and Human Performance Nutrition
- Nursing
- LPN to BSN
- RN to BSN
- Respiratory Therapy
- RRT to BSRT
- Healthcare Administration
- Biology – Pre-Physician Assistant
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Psychology – Clinical Services
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Counseling Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Misericordia University in Dallas offers comprehensive healthcare programs rooted in clinical excellence and compassionate care. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate pathways in diagnostic medical sonography, medical imaging, medical laboratory science, exercise science, healthcare administration, public health, and health sciences with a medical specialization. The university also offers advanced professional programs in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, and nurse practitioner certification, preparing graduates for licensure, certification, and leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings.
Programs:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Imaging
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Exercise Science
- Healthcare Administration
- Health Science – Medical Science Specialization
- Medical & Health Humanities
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Graduate Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Pre-Medical Health Profession
Penn State’s NEPA campuses — located in Hazleton, Scranton, Schuylkill, and Wilkes-Barre — offer healthcare-focused programs that blend academic foundations with applied learning and career preparation. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with clinical experiences across diverse settings and NCLEX preparation support. Additional pathways include psychology programs that emphasize research, critical thinking and applied experiences such as internships or faculty-led projects. Students can also prepare for roles in rehabilitation and human services or explore health services within business, supporting healthcare organizations through leadership, policy and management coursework.
Programs:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation & Human Services
The University of Scranton in Scranton offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in health sciences and related professions, combining a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on clinical experience. Students can pursue degrees in kinesiology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, community health education and health administration. Advanced nursing practice options, speech-language pathology and doctoral-level study provide pathways for professional growth in clinical, public health and healthcare leadership settings.
Programs:
- Kinesiology
- Nursing
- Community Health Education / Health Promotion
- Health Administration
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner
- Speech-Language Pathology
Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre prepares students for careers in pharmacy, nursing and neuroscience through hands-on learning and personalized mentorship. The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy offers a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy with experiential training and dual-degree options, while the Passan School of Nursing provides BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, RN to MSN and PhD pathways. Programs emphasize clinical experience, leadership development, research and strong licensure exam performance to prepare graduates for advanced practice and healthcare leadership roles.
Programs:
- Doctor of Pharmacy
- PharmD/MBA Dual Degree
- Nursing
- Accelerated BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner
- RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
- Neuroscience
Healthcare in Action
Wellness & Healthy Living in NEPA
Good health is about more than doctor visits. NEPA’s hospitals, nonprofits, and community organizations are dedicated to supporting both physical and mental wellness. From preventive health tips to fitness programs and counseling services, local providers share resources that help residents stay active, positive, and healthy.
The region also offers abundant opportunities to support wellness through lifestyle — whether that means hiking scenic trails, joining a local fitness center, or exploring the health benefits of time spent outdoors.
Stay Well in Northeastern PA
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare in NEPA
- What hospital systems serve Northeastern Pennsylvania?
NEPA is home to several major networks, including Geisinger, Commonwealth Health, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and Allied Services, offering comprehensive care across the region. - Is healthcare in NEPA affordable?
Yes, healthcare in NEPA is generally more affordable than in larger metro areas. Residents benefit from lower costs for procedures, routine visits, and insurance, while still accessing high-quality care. - Does NEPA offer mental health and wellness services?
Yes, residents can access a wide range of mental health providers, counseling centers, and wellness programs. Many local hospitals and nonprofits also support community health initiatives. - Are there medical schools or training programs in NEPA?
NEPA is home to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, along with colleges and universities that offer nursing, pharmacy, therapy, and other healthcare degrees. - How far is NEPA from major medical hubs?
While most care is available locally, residents are within 2–3 hours of Philadelphia and New York City for specialized treatments if needed.
World-Class Care, Right at Home
Northeastern Pennsylvania offers world-class healthcare that’s accessible, affordable, and community-focused. With award-winning hospital systems, nationally respected medical training, and strong wellness resources, residents don’t need to leave the region for exceptional care.
Ready to learn more? Explore NEPA’s education and cost of living to see how healthcare fits into a lifestyle that’s both affordable and fulfilling.
