USF expands nursing education with new bachelor's program on the St. Petersburg campus

By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing

Florida is expected to face a shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035, according to the Florida Hospital Association. To address this growing concern locally, the University of South Florida is further expanding nursing education in St. Petersburg.

Starting in the fall of 2026, the USF College of Nursing will offer a four-year bachelor's degree program on the USF St. Petersburg campus for incoming freshman. The program prepares students to become nurse generalists and to take the National Certification Licensure Exam to become registered nurses.

"We are eager to meet a vital health care need for our state and region by offering an academic program that will train even more students to become the essential frontline workers and care professionals in this critical field," said Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg.

Since 2019, USF St. Petersburg has offered an accelerated second-degree program in nursing. Intended for those already with a bachelor's degree and looking to change careers, students were able to earn a second degree in just 16 months. Nearly 230 students have graduated so far from the program.

Now, a new Freshman Nursing Pathway (FNP) program will allow as many as 85 students per year to start preparations for a nursing career immediately upon entering their college career. During their first two years, FNP students complete nursing education prerequisite coursework along with general education requirements. Students who meet certain requirements will then automatically continue to the upper division program within the College of Nursing also on the St. Petersburg campus.

"We are eager to meet a vital health care need for our state and region by offering an academic program that will train even more students to become the essential frontline workers and care professionals in this critical field." - USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree

"This new pathway at USF St. Petersburg expands opportunities for students who want to pursue nursing from the very beginning of their college journey," said Usha Menon, dean of the USF College of Nursing and senior associate vice president at USF Health. "It reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses to join the health care workforce of Florida."

Students in the program will have access to two state-of-the-art nursing simulation laboratories in the Children's Research Institute on campus. These modern spaces are designed to immerse nursing students in realistic healthcare environments, encouraging hands-on skill development for future nurses to practice care and assessments while refining their clinical judgment.

They feature 10 fully equipped hospital beds where students can practice bedside care, manikins that provide flexible, repeatable training opportunities and a variety of anatomical models for learners to focus on targeted procedures, such as IV insertion, airway management and wound care.

"These spaces are collaborative investments that reflect a shared commitment to advancing nursing education," Hardigree said.

Students coming into the nursing bachelor program will have the option to be part of a Living Learning Community in Osprey Suites, having access to a dedicated tutor, additional advising and faculty resources, as well as career engagement events while forming bonds with fellow nursing students.

They will also be next door to premier healthcare institutions. Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital are within walking distance of campus and can provide ample internship and other learning opportunities for nursing students.

"We are excited to support USF's brand new nursing program and our industry's next generation of nursing professionals right here in our backyard," said Lorraine Parker, chief nursing officer for Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.

On October 9, USF St. Petersburg will welcome about 125 high school students from Pinellas County medical magnet programs. Students will tour campus and the nursing simulation labs, learn more about the bachelor program and what it is like being a student at USF St. Petersburg and potentially see themselves as part of the first incoming cohort for this new program.

The expansion of nursing education in Tampa Bay is part of a strategic initiative by the USF College of Nursing, streamlining the undergraduate program to have a greater impact on reversing local and national nursing shortage trends.