September 19, 2025

Jacksonville University Expands Nursing Program With New Facility

News Summary

Jacksonville University announces the expansion of its Nursing Simulation Center with a substantial investment from Ascension St. Vincent’s. This upgrade aims to improve practical training for nursing students, featuring advanced simulators and immersive clinical scenarios. As enrollment in the nursing program increases, the university seeks to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Florida. The collaboration reflects a broader commitment to enhancing healthcare education through strategic partnerships and innovative program offerings.

Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville University (JU) is expanding its Nursing Simulation Center with a significant investment from Ascension St. Vincent’s, a well-known healthcare provider in the region. This expansion is set to enhance practical training for nursing students, aligning with the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

The upgraded Nursing Simulation Center aims to offer students realistic, hands-on experience that closely emulates a hospital environment. Key features include simulators for adult, pediatric, neonatal, and maternity care, creating a comprehensive training platform. A notable addition is a simulator designed to replicate childbirth scenarios, providing valuable experience in labor and delivery for nursing students.

As part of this initiative, each nursing student will participate in clinical simulation scenarios that reflect real-life experiences in their clinical practice. This immersive training opportunity is expected to significantly benefit students as they prepare to enter the nursing workforce.

The nursing program at JU has seen a surge in enrollment. Currently, the sophomore class includes about 108 students, highlighting the increasing interest in nursing as a viable career path. In response to this growth, Ascension St. Vincent’s is contributing $250,000 towards developing the simulation space on JU’s campus. Additionally, St. Vincent’s will provide $160,000 to fund scholarships for 16 nursing students, which will be matched by the State of Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund.

Furthermore, JU has introduced an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which began in January 2025. This program is designed to accommodate up to 40 students per class and provides an opportunity for participants to complete their practical clinical time at all four area St. Vincent’s hospitals, thus ensuring a well-rounded education.

JU President Tim Cost noted that the expansion reflects the university’s commitment to aligning with community needs and industry demand, particularly in healthcare training. This initiative is part of a broader strategic effort by JU to enhance its programs across various disciplines, including aviation and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).

In addition to the nursing program, the School of Aviation at JU has experienced remarkable growth, with enrollment rising from 220 to nearly 350 students over the past two years. Captain Matt Tuohy, the Director of Aviation and Naval Sciences, mentioned that this trend reinforces the importance of adapting academic programs to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

The focus on healthcare training at JU is timely and necessary, as Florida hospitals are currently facing an ongoing nursing shortage, with thousands of vacant nursing positions reported. The growth of JU’s nursing program is a direct response to this critical issue, aiming to equip students with the skills needed to fill these roles effectively.

This collaboration between Jacksonville University and Ascension St. Vincent’s showcases the importance of partnerships in education and healthcare. By enhancing training facilities and programs, they are working to ensure that future nurses are well-prepared to enter the workforce and address the pressing needs of the healthcare industry in the region.

Through these developments, JU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, responding to both local and statewide healthcare challenges.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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