UCF Receives $2 Million To Address Florida Nursing Shortage Through Career-Change Program

Florida faces a significant healthcare workforce challenge. By 2035, the state is projected to need more than 59,000 additional nurses to meet patient care demands, according to the Florida Hospital Association. This includes a shortage of 37,400 registered nurses.

The University of Central Florida recently received a $2 million grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust to help address this crisis. The funding supports individuals pursuing a career change to nursing through UCF’s accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

The Scope Of Florida’s Nursing Shortage

The projected shortage affects hospitals, clinics and medical practices across Florida. Healthcare organizations are competing for qualified nursing staff, which drives up labor costs and strains existing teams. For administrators managing budgets and operations, this workforce gap creates real financial pressure.

UCF graduates nearly 17,000 nursing alumni, with 85% living and working in Florida. This means investments in nursing education translate directly to local workforce gains for healthcare organizations struggling to fill positions.

How The Grant Works

The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust gift provides $1.8 million in scholarships to second-degree BSN students over three years. Beginning with the summer 2026 cohort and continuing through summer 2028, the grant funds 360 scholarships worth $5,000 per semester. This amount covers tuition and educational expenses for participants.

An additional $200,000 supports the Knight Nurse Academic Center for Success, which offers tutoring, group study sessions, personalized coaching and academic wellness workshops. Budget constraints had reduced these services before the grant restored full operations.

Second-degree nursing students face unique financial barriers. Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree cannot access federal grant funding at any level. This limitation makes their financial aid options restrictive and often burdensome. The scholarships remove a major barrier for career changers who bring valuable professional experience to healthcare.

For healthcare organizations in Florida, programs like UCF’s create a direct talent pipeline. Organizations working on long-term staffing strategies may benefit from monitoring partnerships with nursing schools as workforce planning tools.

Financial Implications For Healthcare Organizations

Nursing shortages affect operational budgets in measurable ways. Contract labor and travel nurses can cost significantly more than permanent staff. High turnover rates increase training expenses and reduce operational efficiency. When units are understaffed, patient satisfaction scores may decline, which can affect reimbursement rates tied to quality metrics.

UCF’s accelerated program targets professionals from other fields who want to transition into healthcare. 

Healthcare organizations that engage with local nursing programs gain access to qualified graduates. These relationships may also help shape curriculum to match real-world needs, so new nurses arrive with relevant skills. Clinical placement agreements, scholarship funding or advisory roles create connections between healthcare employers and nursing education programs.

What This Means For Healthcare Administrators

The UCF grant represents one approach to addressing workforce shortages in Florida. Healthcare organizations managing recruitment and retention should account for competitive compensation packages in their financial planning. Retention strategies matter because replacing experienced nurses carries substantial costs in training, onboarding and lost productivity.

This is the first time UCF has received funding from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust. UCF’s College of Nursing was one of only eight nursing programs in the country to receive this award. The recognition reflects the college’s standing in nursing education and its potential to produce qualified graduates for Florida’s healthcare organizations.

Looking Ahead For Healthcare Employers In Florida

Florida’s aging population and rapid growth create sustained demand for nursing services. Healthcare organizations should consider workforce planning that accounts for these demographic trends. The state needs thousands of new nurses every year to meet patient care demands.

Organizations looking to strengthen their workforce may benefit from building relationships with nursing programs in their regions. Clinical training partnerships provide access to students before graduation and allow organizations to identify strong candidates early.

Need help planning for workforce costs and recruitment strategies in a competitive labor market? Our team works with healthcare organizations to address financial challenges and develop practical solutions. Connect with our healthcare advisors to discuss your organization’s needs.

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