(Bradenton, Fla., Jan. 17, 2023) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) hosted a reception to recognize key supporters whose contributions to the SCF Nursing Program have allowed for growth and sustainability to combat the critical shortage of nurses. The event was held Tuesday in one of the region’s premiere medical training facilities, the Medical Technology & Simulation Center (MTSC) at SCF Lakewood Ranch.

In the past year, SCF has expanded its Associate in Science in nursing (ASN) enrollment while creating new opportunities to take courses in the evening and on weekends. RegisteredNursing.org recently ranked SCF as the No. 4 ASN program in Florida, a ranking that accounted for all colleges and universities in the state, both public and private. The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program at SCF is also highly regarded, and the ASN and BSN programs combined have conferred more than 3,200 nursing degrees since 2010.

Support from the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) and Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) programs, has been instrumental to expanding SCF’s nursing capacity. This funding rewards the high standards of achievement SCF has maintained and facilitates closer relationships with local health care industry partners. SCF received nearly $1.1 million in LINE funding, with $545,000 contributed locally and a matching amount coming from legislative appropriations.

“Knowing the challenges the ongoing nursing shortage has caused for the region’s health care workforce, we set out to create a solution that will allow SCF to graduate as many nurses as possible,” said Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president of SCF. “We have led by example, demonstrating public, private and government institutions can work together to amplify our investments in nursing education.”

SCF’s LINE funding is among the top 10 in the state, a testament to the benefits the college has received from local support. The additional funding will directly amplify the number of potential registered nurses enrolling at SCF. While SCF has previously only been able to admit 220 new nursing students each fall, the incoming Fall 2023 cohort will have 350 seats. The application period for Fall 2023 is open until March 1.

Organizations recognized at the reception included:

• Cooper Family Medical
• Empath Health
• HCA West Florida
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
• Manatee Memorial Hospital
• Sarasota Memorial Hospital
• Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
• Bishop Parker Foundation
• Florida Blue Foundation
• Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation
• Gulf Coast Community Foundation

For more information about the SCF Nursing Program, visit SCF.edu/Nursing.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president of SCF, presents a certificate of appreciation to representatives of Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Tammy Sawmelle, Dean of Nursing at SCF, demonstrates a nursing simulator to supporters of the SCF Nursing Program.

Nursing faculty member Bethany Tucker leads a tour of the Medical Technology & Simulation Center at SCF Lakewood Ranch.