Saint Elizabeth University opens clinical skills lab at St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Saint Elizabeth University and St. Thomas Aquinas High School unveiled a new Clinical Skills Lab in Edison, New Jersey, to give students hands-on exposure to health care careers. The lab builds on a dual-enrollment partnership that already serves more than 150 STA students earning college credit.

Why it matters: - The new lab gives high school students a hands-on way to test interest in health care before choosing a college major. - The project links career exploration with early college coursework, which can help students make faster and more informed decisions about higher education. - The partnership may also reduce the time and tuition needed for some students to complete a degree through earned dual-enrollment credit.

What happened: - Saint Elizabeth University and St. Thomas Aquinas High School opened a Clinical Skills Lab at STA in Edison, New Jersey. - The lab includes two hospital beds and medical equipment donated by Saint Elizabeth University. - Students can use the space to become familiar with clinical tools and connect classroom lessons to health care careers. - More than 150 STA students currently participate in Saint Elizabeth University’s dual-enrollment program.

The details: - The lab is intended to support students exploring nursing, physician assistant studies and other health professions. - STA’s broader career-focused pathways also introduce students to health sciences, engineering and business. - Saint Elizabeth University’s dual-enrollment program lets partner high school students take college-level coursework while still in high school. - Students can earn credits that may apply toward a future degree, depending on how the credits transfer. - The program can also help students build confidence with college-level work before graduation. - SEU representatives at the ribbon-cutting included Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Anthony B. Santamaria, Ph.D.; Marjorie Tapia, NP; Associate Vice President of Student Affairs David Hill, Ed.D.; and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Michael K. Smullen. - STA leaders at the event included President Kevin Sacco; Principal Augustus Modla; Associate Principal Mark Fiore; Rev. David E. Keyes, Vice Principal for Catholic Mission; Suzanne Hernandez of Development; and Heather Grande, Director of Communications and External Affairs.

Between the lines: - The donation extends Saint Elizabeth University’s educational reach beyond its Morristown campus and into a partner high school. - The lab strengthens the handoff between secondary school and college by pairing career discovery with college-credit coursework. - The initiative reflects a broader push by both Catholic institutions to connect academic preparation with service-oriented career paths.

What's next: - Students at STA can now use the lab as part of their career exploration and academic pathways. - The dual-enrollment partnership is expected to continue giving students early exposure to college expectations and credit-bearing coursework. - More information about Saint Elizabeth University is available at more information, and details on St. Thomas Aquinas High School are available at school information.