OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) was joined by local officials, community leaders, and healthcare professionals gathered Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of the AdventHealth Center for Nursing at the College of Central Florida.
The $20 million, state-of-the-art facility is set to play a pivotal role in addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled nurses.
Located at 3001 SW College Rd., the new 42,500-square-foot center officially opened for classes earlier this month. The facility boasts six classrooms, three skills labs, six simulation rooms, and a specialized testing lab, designed to enhance hands-on learning experiences for students. More than 300 aspiring nurses will now have access to advanced training and education as they work toward their nursing and bachelor’s degrees.
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The center is named after AdventHealth in recognition of the hospital system’s $3 million commitment to the project, which was announced in September 2024. Additional funding for the facility came from the Marion County Hospital District, the Florida Legislature, the Marion County Board of Commissioners, and other community partners.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, College of Central Florida President Dr. James Henningsen expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to making the vision a reality.
Marion County officials echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the project’s impact on both students and the broader community.
The project received a significant boost in the spring of 2023 when the College of Central Florida secured a $6.7 million Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) grant from the Florida Legislature. The grant, aimed at expanding nursing programs, was a crucial piece of funding that enabled the facility’s development.
Students enrolled in the program have already begun utilizing the new facility’s state-of-the-art equipment and simulation rooms, which replicate real-world medical scenarios. These cutting-edge tools help bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical experience, better preparing graduates for the workforce.
With the launch of the AdventHealth Center for Nursing, Ocala and Marion County continue to position themselves as leaders in healthcare education. The investment not only supports aspiring nurses but also bolsters the region’s healthcare system by producing a steady pipeline of well-trained professionals.