At State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota (SCF), nursing education is about more than earning a degree. It is about answering a calling and meeting a critical community need. SCF’s nursing programs continue to evolve to meet the growing demand for skilled, compassionate health care professionals, while achieving some of the highest pass rates in Florida on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a nationally recognized and rigorous exam. Just as important, the vast majority of graduates remain in the Sarasota–Manatee region, providing care close to home.
SCF’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program blends rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience in local health care facilities throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties. Offered in both English and Spanish, with flexible scheduling options including evenings and weekends, the program is designed for students balancing work, family, and the demands of nursing education. Classroom instruction, simulation labs, and supervised clinical practice work together to prepare graduates for real-world patient care.
Students may enter the ASN program through a traditional pathway or an accelerated transition option for Licensed Practical Nurses. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin professional practice as registered nurses. Their success reflects strong academic standards, dedicated faculty, and a program designed to prepare students not only to pass an exam, but to care for patients with confidence and compassion.
In 2010, SCF expanded its nursing mission by launching the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Designed for working registered nurses, the BSN program is available online and focuses on leadership, population health, informatics, research, and evidence-based practice. Local hospitals and health care partners helped shape the program to ensure graduates are prepared to lead in today’s complex health care environment…