The Institute Drives Health Care Workforce Solutions
INSTITUTE NEWS
As health care needs continue to grow across Pasco and Hernando counties, PHSC is responding with a strategic, partner-informed approach led by The Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement. The Institute brings health care partners together to share real-time insights that, combined with labor market data, directly shape program expansion, curriculum updates and investments— ensuring PHSC students train for the careers most in demand.
A major outcome of The Institute’ s efforts is the establishment of the School of Nursing and Health Programs, a restructured academic model designed for agility and alignment with industry needs. The School is expanding high-demand programs such as nursing, medical assisting, radiography and surgical technology while also exploring new offerings like respiratory therapy, identified by partners as a critical shortage area.
“ The Institute has become a meaningful driver of progress for the communities that include two of our hospitals— BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and Morton Plant North Bay,” said Angel Brown, BayCare Vice President of Talent.“ Together, we are creating pathways that empower residents to build meaningful careers close to home, while strengthening the very health systems that care for them.”
Health care partners are also central to growing PHSC’ s facilities, technology and student support capacity. Recently, Tampa General Hospital( TGH), BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital and AdventHealth committed a combined $ 270,000, enabling PHSC to secure a dollar-for-dollar match through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education( LINE) Fund. These funds are supporting the creation of a state-of-the-art simulation center at PHSC’ s West Campus, where students will gain hands-on experience before entering clinical settings.
“ As the region’ s only academic medical center, we see this support as essential in ensuring a prepared workforce and one of our strategic differentiators. Our partnership with PHSC and the financial commitment we have made reflects this continued investment in our future workforce,” said Qualenta Kivett, TGH’ s Executive Vice President and Chief People and Talent Officer.
“ At AdventHealth, we know preparing the next generation of nurses and health care professionals requires strong partnerships and meaningful investment in education. Working with Pasco-Hernando State College to develop this simulation center will give students valuable hands-on training while strengthening the pipeline of caregivers for our region. We are grateful to the Florida Legislature for supporting nursing education through the LINE program, which helps bring health systems and academic partners together to grow Florida’ s health care workforce,” shared Mike Murrill, President / CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton.
“ Morton Plant North Bay Hospital has had a longstanding and valued relationship with PHSC, and we at BayCare Health System are proud to further expand it by supporting the vital work of The Institute. We see our collaboration and our investments as a long-term commitment not only for students’ learning opportunities but also for our communities to receive safe, high-quality care for decades to come, delivered by highly prepared health care professionals,” said Brandon May, President of BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital.
With legislative momentum and strong employer partnerships, The Institute continues to drive PHSC’ s health care workforce strategy— expanding opportunity, strengthening talent pipelines and supporting a healthier future for the region.
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