Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has received $2,860,400 in legislative funding for two projects that will remodel the health professions building and provide nursing simulation lab equipment at FSW’s Charlotte Campus in Punta Gorda.
These projects will expand FSW’s Associate in Science in Nursing degree (ASN) program on the Charlotte Campus by renovating Building E to include state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the quality of education and increase the number of graduates each semester. The expansion of the ASN program will ensure that FSW remains a leader in health science in the Southwest Florida region.
The expansion includes additional classrooms and simulation rooms with monitor stations and patient suites and features such as drop ceilings and simulated air. These additions will make simulated clinical training experiences up to fifty percent of the program’s clinical training hours, which experts have agreed is essential to learning.
These expansions will allow the total enrollment of the FSW Charlotte Campus’ ASN program to increase from 84 to over 192 students over a 2-3-year period, addressing the local and national nursing shortage. The legislative funding guarantees that FSW students receive a high-quality education across all campuses and fulfill economic needs by increasing the Registered Nurse workforce.
“This investment in our Charlotte Campus is more than a commitment to FSW, it’s a commitment to the future of healthcare in Southwest Florida,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, FSW president. “These improvements will allow us to graduate more highly skilled nurses who are ready to serve our communities. We are deeply grateful to the Florida Legislature for recognizing this need and helping us build a healthier, stronger region.”
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 19,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
