Florida Health Science Education: Summer 2025 Highlights & Priorities
Florida’s health science education landscape is evolving rapidly, and FAHSE is proud to be at the forefront. As we approach the new academic year, here are a few key developments impacting our field:
Florida continues to experience a critical nursing shortage, with ongoing concerns about NCLEX pass rates and clinical readiness. FAHSE is supporting collaborative efforts among technical colleges and high school academies to improve licensure outcomes through enhanced simulation, structured remediation, and peer mentorship strategies.
Recent state legislation is opening new doors for high school CTE students and adult learners. The newly approved Workforce Credential Program, particularly designed for students with disabilities, presents exciting opportunities to align technical college offerings with high-demand healthcare roles such as mental health technicians and diagnostic support staff.
There is also a growing statewide focus on behavioral health and genetics education. The launch of the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce and the advancement of legislation supporting rare disease and genetics education reflect a shift in how we prepare students for emerging healthcare needs. These trends are pushing programs to incorporate more interdisciplinary content, from behavioral health integration to genomics and patient advocacy.
Meanwhile, several institutions across Florida are investing in campus growth. AdventHealth University and Nova Southeastern University have expanded their health science offerings and facilities, enhancing opportunities for partnerships, dual enrollment, and regional faculty engagement.
At FAHSE, we are:
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Establishing workgroups focused on NCLEX improvement strategies,
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Drafting webinars to navigate evolving credential pathways,
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Forming faculty task forces on behavioral health, simulation, and emerging trends like genomics and rare disease education.
To stay updated on these initiatives and connect with fellow educators:
Be sure to attend our upcoming member meetings for the latest updates, professional development opportunities, and spotlights on innovative programs happening across the state.
Together, we’re shaping the future of Florida’s healthcare workforce—one student, one program, and one partnership at a time.