AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF NURSING EDUCATION
Founded in 1973, the USF Health College of Nursing is dedicated to excellence in nursing education, trailblazing research and partnering with our Tampa Bay community.
From the inaugural graduating class of 41 students in 1975, the college has grown to become a national leader in nursing education that now enrolls more than 1,660 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students each year.
While the college confers over 300 nursing undergraduate degrees annually, it is not enough to address the nursing shortage crisis in Florida. In June 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $33 million for the USF Health College of Nursing to expand its infrastructure and enhance its simulation training space. By 2027, we will increase our new nurse graduates by 200%.
Opening in 2026, the three-story, 53,000-square-foot expansion will include 12 clinical examination rooms, four simulation learning labs, a multipurpose learning lab, six high-fidelity simulation rooms, six debriefing classrooms and six control rooms.
These state-of-the-art spaces will better prepare students for the complexities of modern health care while providing flexible learning environments that can adapt to evolving educational methods and technologies.
We invite you to join us as we embark on an exciting campaign to expand our impact and ensure the college continues to serve students, alumni and the region’s health-care community for decades to come.
Main Lobby Students entering the new firstfloor Tampa General Hospital Nursing Simulation Center will encounter a reception desk, double video wall and casual seating, where they can collaborate and compare notes before heading to class.
In September 2023, Tampa General Hospital announced an investment of $4.4 million to support the planning, construction and implementation of the 15,000-square-foot simulation center.
Gathering Space
This space has been a cornerstone of college activities since the North Building was constructed in 2006, and the open space will continue to be used for college celebrations, student presentations and engagement opportunities.
Second Floor Lobby
With an abundance of natural light and tables that can be reconfigured to accommodate small or larger groups, the second-floor lobby will provide a comfortable space for students to study, meet with classmates, relax and charge devices between classes or simulation experiences. This high-visibility space is located just off the main stairway.
Learning
Lab Nursing students will receive a comprehensive education in the college’s four state-of-theart learning labs, located on the first floor. Designed to mimic a hospital environment, the labs offer trainings and simulation scenarios preparing students for clinical practice through handson experience and innovative technologies, such as high-fidelity manikins with lifelike human physiology.
Premier Classroom
Located on the second floor, this flexible space will be the largest classroom in the new building, with capacity for 160 students. The room can easily be divided into two 80-person classrooms and the furniture can be reconfigured into small-group settings, giving faculty a multitude of options to create intentional learning environments.
Multipurpose Room
This is a flexible space where students can engage in study sessions or hold meetings, and faculty and staff can conduct well-being programs and other workshops. Adaptable furniture will make this a truly customizable space.
Simulation Room
Students have the opportunity to engage with high-fidelity manikin simulators. Manikins are designed to closely mimic human physiological responses, allowing a realistic experience that mirrors clinical practice in a safe, controlled environment. With features like realistic breathing patterns, pulse and blood pressure changes, and responses to interventions, interacting with manikins gives students a highly immersive training opportunity.
Debrief Room
These private areas offer a dedicated space for students and faculty to engage in meaningful discussions and reflections following simulated patient scenarios. Here, they can analyze their actions, decisionmaking processes, and areas for improvement.
Study Nook
Adjacent to the hallways on both the first and second floors, study nooks will provide additional spaces for students to relax between classes or meet with another student or faculty member for an impromptu discussion. These conveniently located spaces, within steps of the simulation labs and classrooms, will also have power outlets where students can charge their devices.