Our future pursuit to graduate more nurses

Guest Correspondence

Photo courtesy SCF: 2022 Spring graduates of SCF Nursing program.

Among the first photos of graduates here at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is a black-and-white photo featuring our first four nursing graduates. Today, that number exceeds the thousands through our Associate in Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. It is no surprise nurses are in high demand, given we live in a state and community where the need for nurses has only continued to grow.

Consequently, this has led to a 65-year pursuit to fulfill the constant need within our region. Growing our nursing programs has been a priority since I joined SCF. Upon becoming President, I committed to doubling the number of nurses we can graduate each year. This requires additional capacity and investment: faculty, staffing, facilities and equipment. Nursing is one of our most expensive workforce programs and requires a lower-than-usual faculty-to-student ratio, modern and costly simulators, doctoral faculty, and a flexible but well-structured two- or 4-year degree pathway. 

The quality of SCF’s nursing programs is why local hospitals and healthcare providers seek our students who pass the National Council Licensure Examination on their first attempt and at a higher rate than other institutions. It is also why students choose our program over others. Additionally, SCF’s tuition is among the lowest in Florida, with its faculty highly revered by students and alums. 

Just recently, and again, as part of an annual evaluation, SCF's ASN program was recognized as the number four program in all of Florida by RegisteredNursing.org. In one of the most detail-oriented and thorough ranking assessments conducted each year, the scoring placed SCF firmly in the top five against all other nursing programs in Florida, including both public and private colleges and universities. Our BSN degree has also been ranked number one by RegisteredNursing.org on the website’s list of “Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Florida.”

We are proud of the high regard for our nursing programs; however, as one of the best programs in the state, SCF has garnered the reputation of being highly competitive and challenging in which to gain admission. I’ve heard it myself. Eligible students fear non-acceptance or that we cannot accept more applicants. In addition, community members are so used to us being at capacity that they warn potential students to consider all their options.

Recognizing this challenge, local and state legislators and community foundations have provided the beginning of what we hope to become recurring funding of more than $2.5 million. Through generous foundation grants, and the Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) program and Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) funding, SCF can double its annual nursing graduates and accept every qualified student who applies to our nursing program.

With this rewarding news, I am excited to share that we are now accepting and enrolling many more nursing students in our ASN and BSN degree programs, including new evening and weekend cohorts and fast-track programs. Our skilled nursing coaches can help students navigate these admission options.  

Our commitment and pursuit of graduating more nurses is ongoing. We will continue to seek recurring financial support and expand and create admissions options for students to flexibly enroll in our ASN and BSN degree programs while proudly boasting that SCF nursing programs are continuously rated within the top five programs in the state.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld is president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Photo courtesy SCF: 2022 Spring graduates of SCF Nursing program.

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