Why Choose Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Since 1963, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been a leading academic medical center providing high-level, patient-centered care to patients and their families in central Pennsylvania. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center shares its campus with  Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, the top-rated and most comprehensive children’s hospital between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. This ensures everyone can receive the best care possible close to home.

Awards and Accreditations

U.S News & World Report Best Hospitals 2025-2026

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was named one of the top hospitals in the nation in 2025-2026 in three specialties:

  • Gastroenterology and GI surgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Ear, nose and throat

It was also recognized as high performing in five additional specialties: 

  • Cancer
  • Geriatrics
  • Neurology and neurosurgery
  • Pulmonology and lung surgery
  • Urology

Overall, U.S. News ranked the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as No. 1 in the Harrisburg metro region and No. 6 in Pennsylvania.

The magazine also ranked Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture between Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Select Medical, as one of the best for rehabilitation.

Magnet® Recognition

Hershey Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth consecutive time in 2022.

Magnet status is the highest credential for nursing facilities in the United States and around the world. For patients and their families, Magnet Recognition ensures they will receive the highest-quality care, provided by nurses who have the support to be the very best that they can be.

Highmark Blue Distinction Center

Hershey Medical Center is a designated Blue Distinction Center+ for cardiac care and knee and hip replacement. It is also a Blue Distinction Center for:

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Complex and rare cancers
  • Spine surgery

American Heart Association and American Stroke Association

Hershey Medical Center received achievement awards from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association:

  • Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
  • Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Heart Failure Optimal and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
  • Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus
  • Get With The Guidelines: Commitment to Quality

These awards recognize the hospital’s commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Specialties at Hershey Medical Center

We provide medical and surgical care using the latest technologies in several specialty areas including:

  • Breast cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Blood and liver diseases
  • Neurology and neurosurgery
  • Women’s health
  • Urology

Hershey Medical Center has Pennsylvania’s only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center for both children and adults.

Learn More about Hershey Medical Center