Life at Our Lancaster Location
At our Saint Joseph's University Lancaster location, our students are driven to launch their health care careers as quickly as possible, and our curriculum supports that drive.
The Student Experience
A sneak peek into what life is like at Saint Joseph's University's Lancaster location, both inside and outside the classroom.
Class Days
You’ll be with the same group of peers each day, helping forge relationships as you learn, study and practice together. On class days, daytime classes start anywhere from 8-10 a.m., with classes that last for 2-4 hours.
After grabbing lunch in the Marketplace, many students have additional classes in the afternoon. Other students choose evening classes from 5-8 p.m. - a great option for students who have family or work commitments during the day.
A class that lasts for 4 hours might feel daunting, but time flies when you’re working in small groups, practicing hands-on skills or learning from expert faculty. These aren’t your average lecture halls – this is active learning in a space designed to engage.
Outside the Classroom
Just because you’re on campus for class, doesn’t mean you’re only in the classroom. Two science labs allow for deep dives into anatomy and physiology dissections and demonstrations, a look under the microscope at the hidden side of biology, or an experiment with the chemicals that drive metabolism and more.
Or you might be in the Center for Excellence in Practice, taking part in a simulation or skills lab session to hone your clinical skills before you hit the floor. 24 rooms make up our “miniature hospital” that looks and feels just like the real thing, from the crash carts at the nurses’ station to the scrub sink outside the operating room.
Free Time
When class time is over, the campus offers additional amenities. Study anatomical models or get tutoring assistance in the Seraph Foundation Learning Commons. Meet with friends in one of 25 collaboration rooms, complete with whiteboard walls and special software for sharing information across devices. Grab some Starbucks in the Commons Café and relax with yard games in the atrium. Or rejuvenate your mind and body in the rejuvenation rooms and fitness center in the Health & Wellness Suite.
Clinical Days
If it’s not a class day, then it’s probably a clinical day. Saint Joseph’s University guarantees a clinical seat for every student we accept into an undergraduate clinical program, so you never have to put your future on hold.
Though Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital is our main clinical affiliate, students attend clinicals at the top health systems across the region. Clinical days begin anywhere from 6-8:30 in the morning and last for 6-8 hours.
Your clinical rotations are where the rubber hits the road. You’ll work alongside faculty or preceptors to provide direct patient care in your specialty, building your skills and confidence as you master new material. For some programs, you’ll stay at the same clinical site throughout your program, while others rotate through multiple sites.
Relax & Unwind
From outdoor courtyards to study in the sunshine to our Commons Café and dining hall, there are plenty of areas to relax and unwind in between classes.
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Pick up your favorite drink from Starbucks, a baked treat from the pastry case or the daily lunch special, made to order.
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Always open, the C-Store offers fresh foods, snacks, drinks and more.
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Use the cardio and weightlifting equipment for a personal workout, or take part in a group class in the exercise room.
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Focused on student wellness, this space offers health screening rooms, counseling services and private rejuvenation spaces. It’s also home to two lactation rooms.
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Enjoy a nice day in our outdoor courtyard, offering plenty of room to eat lunch, study with friends or relax in the sunshine.
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Dedicated academic advising, learner support, student financial services and career services staff.
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Nearly 200 security cameras, on-site officers and ID badge access for all doors.