GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The University of Florida College of Nursing has been awarded $3 million to support efforts in addressing Florida’s nursing shortage. The funding includes $1.5 million from the state’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) program, matched by UF Health.

The funds will provide 50 scholarships for students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which is designed for individuals who already hold a degree in another field. These students are not eligible for traditional financial aid options like Florida Bright Futures or federal Pell Grants. Scholarship recipients have to commit to working full-time as registered nurses at UF Health for 36 months, including a 12-month residency program.

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In addition to scholarships, the funding will be used for lab upgrades, faculty recruitment and retention, and expanded student support services. Plans include adding virtual reality labs, updating simulation center equipment, and increasing access to open labs.

According to the Florida Hospital Association, the state had more than 16,000 nursing vacancies as of September 2023. Projections indicate a potential shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035. The funding aims to support nursing education and workforce development to help address this ongoing challenge.

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