Tampa’s New Nursing Facility Marks Educational Milestone

News Summary

The University of South Florida Health College of Nursing celebrated a significant construction milestone on April 17, 2025, with the Topping Out Ceremony for a new nursing facility. This $33 million project, set to enhance nursing education and address Florida’s nursing shortage, will feature state-of-the-art simulation labs and flexible learning spaces. The facility aims to increase undergraduate nursing enrollment by 500 students by 2028, significantly boosting the nursing workforce in the state. The facility is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

Tampa, Florida Celebrates Milestone in Nursing Education with New Facility

In an exciting development for healthcare education, the University of South Florida (USF) Health College of Nursing recently held a special Topping Out Ceremony on April 17, 2025. This ceremony marked a significant milestone in construction as the final steel beam was placed at the new nursing facility, a key component in addressing the growing nursing shortage across Florida.

The event took place on the bustling USF Tampa campus, drawing in a lively crowd of university leaders, community partners, and local lawmakers who gathered to celebrate this important step forward. The project represents a hefty $33 million investment aimed at transforming nursing education and enhancing the healthcare workforce in the state.

A Commitment to Community Solutions

The driving force behind this expansion project is a deep-seated commitment to finding solutions for pressing community challenges, particularly the statewide nursing shortage. The new facility is set to open its doors in fall 2026, featuring a spacious layout of 34,000 square feet dedicated to the future of nursing education.

State-of-the-Art Features

USF is going all out with this new facility, which will include an array of modern clinical spaces, flexible learning labs, and a high-tech simulation center. The expansion aims to boost undergraduate nursing enrollment by 500 students by the year 2028, effectively allowing more students to pursue a career in nursing and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Funding for this project comes from a state investment approved in 2022, with strong support from local lawmakers. In a major show of commitment to nurse training, Tampa General Hospital has also pledged $4.4 million to support the Tampa General Hospital Nursing Simulation Center within the new facility. This center will boast advanced training environments, bringing students one step closer to becoming skilled nursing professionals.

Innovative Training Spaces

The cutting-edge simulation center will encompass 12 exam rooms, six debriefing classrooms, and six control rooms, all designed for immersive, hands-on training experiences. By offering realistic, *hands-on* scenarios in a risk-free environment, students will have the opportunity to master essential medical terminology and clinical skills.

Increasing Nursing Workforce and Partnerships

With USF being the leading institution for producing nurses in Florida, this expansion is expected to strengthen partnerships with regional hospitals, making the transition from education to employment smoother for graduating nurses. The initial College of Nursing building, which was established in 1973, has been dismantled to allow construction of these new facilities, which are anticipated to be completed by spring 2026.

Projecting Growth in Nursing Graduates

Looking ahead, USF estimates that over the next five years, they will be graduating more than 750 students annually from their undergraduate nursing program, representing a significant 200% increase in nursing graduates. This comes in light of a report by the International Council of Nurses highlighting a global nursing shortage that has been further complicated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Next for Nursing Students

Current nursing students have already expressed their excitement about the upcoming simulation lab and the new learning opportunities it will provide. The renovations at USF will undoubtedly solidify the college’s position as a premier nursing program in Florida, acting as a pivotal resource in helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. With innovative facilities and a focus on quality education, USF is truly paving the way for the future of nursing in the Sunshine State.

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Additional Resources

• Hernando Sun: USF Health College of Nursing Celebrates Expansion
• USF Oracle: College of Nursing Expansion Will Address Nursing Shortage in Florida
• Orlando Sentinel: Florida’s Top Nursing Schools Turn Away Students Amid Ongoing Nurse Shortage
• Wikipedia: Nursing
• Fox 13 News: USF College of Nursing Expanding Undergraduate Education as Need for Nurses Grows