On January 5th, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis announced he had awarded $79 million to two nursing programs in the State of Florida. Those programs are Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) and Prepping Institutions Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE).
LINE was awarded $19 million while PIPELINE got $60 million. PIPELINE’s $60 million was split between $20 million going to Florida school districts with nursing programs and $40 million going to colleges within Florida’s College System that have registered nursing programs and licensed practical nursing programs.
Line provides funds matching on a dollar-to-dollar basis for agencies partnered with “approved healthcare providers.”
Indian River County School District and Indian River State College receive funds from LINE.
To be eligible for LINE funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
A completion rate of at least 70% for certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs.
A first-time National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination (NCLEX) passage rate of at least 70% for licensed practical nurse, Associate of Science in nursing, and Bachelor of Science in nursing programs.
Eligibility for PIPELINE funding includes the following:
The number of nursing education program completers, by program.
The first-time NCLEX passage rate of the institution’s nursing education program completers, by program.
Excellence among nursing education programs with an average first-time NCLEX passage rate above the national average.
The award was given as a part of Governor DeSantis’s commitment to Florida being the top state for workforce education by 2030. Governor DeSantis has awarded $5 Billion to workforce education since 2019.
The $5 Billion will go toward Florida residents who are looking to start new careers. Financial rewards will be given to institutions who give “high-quality” training and education programs.
Funds from the LINE and PIPELINE programs can be used to help fund scholarships for students who meet the following requirements:
Eligible for in-state tuition via Florida residency requirements
Recruit additional faculty
Purchase equipment
Support simulation centers to advance high-quality nursing education programs throughout Florida
“These awards will meet a critical need of our state by ensuring we continue to have high-quality nursing graduates and by creating new opportunities for Floridians interested in healthcare,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am grateful to the colleges and universities who have gone above and beyond to train the next generation of nurses in our state.”
“Florida is proud to support the education of future nurses, who help save lives and provide quality care every single day,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “With today’s announcement, we are ensuring that Florida’s future nursing workforce is filled with highly trained and dedicated professionals. This would not be possible without the leadership of Governor DeSantis, who has set a goal to make Florida the number one state in workforce education by 2030.”
Indian River County School Board Member Jackie Rosario (District 2 – Vero Beach) told Indian River News “Treasure Coast Technical College has proven to be one of the top notch nursing programs in Florida. This is an honor. Governor DeSantis’ latest news release announced financial awards of $79 million for high performing nursing education programs in Florida and TCTC is named as one of the eligible programs to receive some of these financial awards. These efforts continue the Governor’s commitment to making Florida the number one state for career, technical, and workforce education.
I could not be more proud of the dedication of Principal Christi Shields and her staff preparing students for a career in a multitude of vocational, technical, and professional fields.”
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