The University of Florida College of Nursing will receive $3 million to help address the state’s nursing shortage.

These funds — $1.5 million from Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education program matched by $1.5 million from UF Health — will support 50 nursing scholarships, lab upgrades, faculty recruitment and retention efforts and expanded student services.

In September, there were more than 16,000 nursing vacancies in the state, according to a report by the Florida Hospital Association. While those numbers are better than the 58,000 vacancies reported in 2022, the group’s long-term projections still show that Florida could have a shortage of almost 60,000 nurses by 2035.

This marks the second year the college has received funding from the program, which was established in 2022 by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The program requires state funds to be matched by a health care partner.

Recently, the State University System of Florida’s Board of Governors awarded $1.5 million to the college, with UF Health providing a matching contribution, bringing the total to $3 million.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help address the critical nursing shortage in our state. We are deeply grateful to the Board of Governors, the Legislature and the governor for making this possible and to our invaluable health partners at UF Health for their unwavering support,” said Shakira Henderson, Ph.D., D.N.P., M.S., M.P.H., EMBA, UF College of Nursing dean and UF Health system chief nurse executive.

In 2024, UF Health matched a $400,000 LINE Fund award that funded 40 scholarships for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ABSN, students. Only Florida residents are eligible for the scholarships.

“At UF Health, we recognize that a strong, well-educated nursing workforce is essential to delivering high-quality patient care. We are proud to partner with the UF College of Nursing to invest in the future of nursing and help address the critical shortage affecting our state,” said UF Health President and CEO Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS.

The scholarships are intended for students enrolled in the ABSN program. Designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field, the ABSN program provides a fast-track path to a nursing career. However, because these students are pursuing a second degree, they do not qualify for traditional financial aid options like Florida Bright Futures or federal Pell Grants.

Henderson, a second-career nurse herself, understands the unique challenges ABSN students face.

“Embarking on this journey can be overwhelming, but these scholarships will provide crucial support for those transitioning into our esteemed profession,” she said.

Scholarships require a 36-month work commitment with a 12-month residency program at UF Health. Graduates must work full-time as registered nurses at a UF Health facility.

Scholarships will be available to ABSN students at both the Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses. As part of UF’s academic health center, which houses six health colleges nearby, nursing students receive hands-on experience at UF Health hospitals.

All students accepted into the ABSN program may apply for these scholarships, which cover tuition and books. The 15-month program began in May.

Additionally, the college plans to expand its student services, including support for student success programs and the Academic-Practice Immersion Program, where students apply academic knowledge in clinical settings.

Lab equipment at the Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses will be upgraded. Open labs, expanded lab access and virtual reality labs will be added, and the college’s simulation center equipment will be updated. Additional lab staff will be hired, and faculty recruitment and retention efforts will be undertaken.