The University of South Florida (USF) is expanding its nursing education offerings by introducing a new four-year bachelor’s degree program at its St. Petersburg campus, beginning in fall 2026. This move comes as Florida faces an anticipated shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035, according to the Florida Hospital Association.
The new program is designed for incoming freshmen and will prepare students to become nurse generalists eligible to take the National Certification Licensure Exam for registered nurses. Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg, stated, “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.”
Previously, USF St. Petersburg offered only an accelerated second-degree nursing program for those already holding a bachelor’s degree and seeking a career change. Since its launch in 2019, nearly 230 students have graduated from this fast-track option.
With the introduction of the Freshman Nursing Pathway (FNP), up to 85 students per year will be able to begin preparing for nursing careers immediately upon entering college. During their first two years, FNP students will complete prerequisite coursework alongside general education requirements before advancing into upper-division nursing courses on campus if they meet certain criteria.
Usha Menon, dean of the USF College of Nursing and senior associate vice president at USF Health, commented, “This new pathway at USF St. Petersburg expands opportunities for students who want to pursue nursing from the very beginning of their college journey.” She added, “It reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses to join the health care workforce of Florida.”
Students enrolled in the program will use two modern simulation laboratories located within the Children’s Research Institute on campus. These labs include ten fully equipped hospital beds, training manikins, and anatomical models that enable hands-on practice with clinical procedures such as IV insertion, airway management, and wound care.
“These spaces are collaborative investments that reflect a shared commitment to advancing nursing education,” said Hardigree.
Participants in the bachelor’s program may also join a Living Learning Community in Osprey Suites, providing access to tutoring, advising resources, faculty support, and career engagement events while building connections with peers.
Proximity to major healthcare institutions such as Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital offers additional learning opportunities through internships and clinical experiences. Lorraine Parker, chief nursing officer for Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital said, “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.”
On October 9th, USF St. Petersburg plans to host about 125 high school students from Pinellas County medical magnet programs for tours of the campus and simulation labs as part of outreach efforts connected with launching this new initiative.
The expansion aligns with broader efforts by USF College of Nursing to address local and national shortages in the profession through streamlined undergraduate programs aimed at increasing enrollment and training capacity.
