NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 17, 2026Hillsborough
USF College of Nursing opens $33 million expansion to increase nursing graduates
The University of South Florida has opened a 42,000-square-foot expansion to its College of Nursing, featuring a new simulation center funded by Tampa General Hospital. The project aims to increase the school's capacity to graduate 500 additional nurses by 2028.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
This expansion directly impacts the regional healthcare workforce by increasing the number of nursing graduates available to fill local clinical roles by 2028.
Key Facts
- The expansion project cost $33 million.
- The new facility adds 42,000 square feet of space to the College of Nursing.
- The project includes a simulation center funded by Tampa General Hospital.
- The expansion includes additional clinical space and modern classrooms.
- The university aims to graduate 500 additional nurses by 2028.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who approved nursing program funding.”organizationTampa General Hospital“Provided $4.4 million for the simulation center.”personUsha Menon“Dean of the USF College of Nursing.”otherPIPELINE“State program for nursing education funding.”other500“Target number of additional nurses to be graduated.”personAriana Sawyer“President of the nursing school student council.”personJohn Couris“President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital.”organizationUniversity of South Florida“The public university expanding its nursing college.”other42,000“Square footage of the new addition.”otherLINE“State program for matching grants between schools and healthcare providers.”