TALLAHASSEE, FL (May 6, 2025) – On National Nurses Day, the State University System of Florida (SUS) celebrates the reversal of Florida’s nursing shortage due to the continued investment in Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) and Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE).
Since 2022, the SUS has received $138 million in PIPELINE and LINE funds. This investment has expanded nursing programs, resulting in over 1,000 additional slots created in the past decade. In 2024, more than 1,900 nurses graduated—a record high and an increase of 454 compared to the last four years. Additionally, SUS institutions increased the passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to 94%, awarded 315 scholarships to students, and successfully recruited and retained world-class nursing faculty.
“Due to Governor DeSantis’ commitment and the support of the Florida Legislature, the SUS has graduated a record number of nurses for the past two years addressing a vital workforce need in Florida,” said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Ongoing investments in nursing will guarantee our state graduates a strong workforce of highly skilled nurses, ensuring quality care for Floridians.”
“As we celebrate National Nurses Day, we proudly honor the achievements and incredible dedication of nurses across Florida. We also recognize the essential role SUS nursing programs, faculty and students play in shaping healthcare nationwide,” said Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors.
The achievements of SUS nursing programs are a testament to the state’s profound appreciation for these healthcare professionals and its ongoing commitment to ensuring there is a strong pipeline of highly skilled nurses for generations to come.
PIPELINE Funds
PIPELINE funds reward performance and excellence among postsecondary nursing programs. PIPELINE provides funds based on the number of nursing education program completers, first-time National Council of State Board of Nursing Licensing Examination passage rates, and excellence among nursing education programs based on the average of first-time passage rates above the national average.
LINE Funds
The LINE program was established in 2022 as a competitive grant opportunity and provides matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis to participating institutions that partner with health care providers incentivizing collaboration to meet local, regional, and statewide demand for nurses. LINE funds can be used for student scholarships, faculty recruitment, purchasing equipment, and supporting simulation centers to increase the capacity of high-quality nursing education programs.
###
About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.