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NewsTampa Bay TimesAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough

USF opens 42,000-square-foot nursing simulation lab expansion to increase student enrollment

The University of South Florida has completed a 42,000-square-foot expansion of its College of Nursing, featuring six advanced simulation labs designed to train students for real-world medical scenarios. The project, funded by $33 million from the state and $4.4 million from Tampa General Hospital, aims to address Florida's projected shortage of 20,000 nurses over the next decade by allowing for 500 additional student enrollments within two years.

educationhealthcareworkforce developmentnursinghigher education
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Why It Matters

This expansion increases the capacity for nursing education in Florida, directly impacting the number of healthcare professionals entering the workforce to meet the state's growing population demands.

Key Facts

  • The expansion adds 42,000 square feet of space to the USF College of Nursing.
  • The project includes six new advanced simulation labs featuring high-tech medical manikins.
  • The university plans to enroll 500 additional nursing students over the next two years.
  • The Florida Legislature approved $33 million for the project in 2022.
  • Tampa General Hospital contributed $4.4 million toward the simulation center.
  • The state of Florida projects a need for 20,000 additional nurses over the next decade.
  • The new facilities will be ready for student use starting in the fall.
  • The expansion includes clinical training areas, study spaces, and debrief rooms.

Who's Mentioned

personWilton Simpson“Florida Agriculture Commissioner and former state Senate President who secured f”organizationTampa General Hospital“Provided $4.4 million for the simulation center.”personUsha Menon“Dean of the College of Nursing.”personMoez Limayem“President of USF.”organizationUSF Health College of Nursing“The institution undergoing the expansion.”personAriana Sawyer“Student council president for the College of Nursing.”personEmmalee Emmanuel“Nursing student.”personLauran Monberran“USF trustee.”