Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Roanoke, Virginia, United States · Est. 1982 · Private Non-profit

Private health sciences college in Roanoke, Virginia, merged with Radford University in 2019.

  • Founded in 1982 as the first hospital-based college in Virginia
  • Private nonprofit health sciences institution
  • Located in Roanoke, Virginia (urban campus)
  • Approximately 1,062 students (fall 2015)
  • Offered 25 degree programs and tracks across four academic departments
  • Merged with Radford University in 2019 to become Radford University Carilion

Academics

Jefferson College of Health Sciences offered 25 degree programs and tracks, as well as certificate programs, organized across four academic departments: Department of Rehabilitation and Wellness, Department of Community Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, and Department of Arts and Sciences. The college awarded Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctoral degrees. Radford University also housed its Physical Therapy program at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences campus in Roanoke.

History

The college's roots trace back to 1907 when Hugh Trout Sr. founded Jefferson Hospital and established the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing. In 1965, two nursing schools merged under Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley. The college was officially established in 1982 as the Community Hospital of Health Sciences, becoming Virginia's first hospital-based college. It obtained accreditation for associate degrees in 1986, bachelor's degrees in 1995, and Master's degrees in 2005. The institution changed its name to Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2003 and merged with Radford University in 2019.

Campus Culture

The college's nickname was the 'Blue Healers,' combining the school color blue with the healthcare mission. The mascot was a Saint Bernard named 'Jeff,' created in 2007 through a campus-wide contest and introduced at the college's first annual Spirit Day in January 2008. The mascot symbolized the college's healthcare focus and connection to medicine.

Founded
1982
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
5
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttp://www.jchs.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
5
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources