WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco-Hernando State College will expand and update nursing and allied health programs after receiving an $850,000 appropriation from the Florida Legislature.
This is the third straight year lawmakers have funded the Institute for Nursing & Allied Health Advancement, which was formed to close the region’s health care staffing gaps.
PHSC established the institute with a $1.5 million appropriation secured by Rep. Randy Maggard and Sen. Danny Burgess in 2024. With an additional $750,000 last year and $850,000 this year, the state has now committed roughly $3.1 million to the effort.
PHSC has begun directing the state’s investment into the following initiatives:
- $800,000 to expand the college’s simulation center, providing students with realistic clinicals using advanced manikins, virtual reality and actors without risking real patient safety.
- $150,000 to provide 12 additional seats for prospective students in a future dental hygiene cohort.
- $300,000 to increase enrollment in nursing programs.
- $5,000 in scholarships for 25 students in grades 6-12 to attend health care career camps at no cost to their families.
These initiatives will assist in training the people who staff the exam rooms, operating rooms and emergency vehicles across Pasco and Hernando counties: registered nurses, radiographers, surgical technologists, medical assistants and phlebotomists. Most finish training to graduate in two years or less and go to work locally.
“It is inspiring to come together with health care leaders from across our community, recognize the challenges we share and partner with an institution so deeply committed to workforce development,” said Sally Seymour, CEO of HCA Florida’s Bayonet Point Hospital. “Together, we are helping build the systems and talent pipeline needed to ensure our communities continue to receive the care they need for years to come.”
PHSC President Eric Hall said the state’s continued investment allows the college to respond to one of the region’s most pressing workforce needs.
“By expanding access to high-quality nursing and allied health education, we are creating more opportunities for students to enter meaningful careers while ensuring our local health care providers have the skilled professionals they need to serve a rapidly growing community,” Hall said.
