As the demand for skilled nurses rises, Miami Dade College (MDC) remains committed to addressing Florida’s nursing shortage with innovative solutions. Supported by the state’s PIPELINE and LINE programs, which provide financial aid to train the next generation of health care professionals, MDC is on track to boost nursing enrollment by 40%. These initiatives help students fast-track their careers while meeting critical workforce needs.
“We believe programs like PIPELINE and LINE will reduce financial barriers faced by prospective nursing applicants, enhance recruitment and retention of nursing students and the nursing workforce, and increase the capacity of the high-quality nursing education programs offered by MDC,” says Chief Nursing Officer Wendy Stuart, Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Our nursing programs have a proven track record of success, with an impressive 84% pass rate for the Associate of Nursing (ASN) program and a 93% pass rate for the Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) program on the Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
This success reflects the strength of MDC’s curriculum, faculty dedication, and student support services. The college offers accelerated pathways and stackable credentials, allowing students to progress from Certified Nursing Assistant to Licensed Practical Nurse, and ultimately, the BSN. MDC has expanded its course offerings, hired more faculty, and grown the Benjamín León School of Nursing to include the Homestead Campus.
Hands-on, practical training is a cornerstone of MDC’s approach. The college’s state-of-the-art Simulation Hospital prepares students for real-world health care scenarios.
Nursing students receive interdisciplinary training, working alongside other health care professionals, ensuring they are equipped to provide holistic, patient-centered care.
Strong partnerships with major health care providers are another vital component of MDC’s nursing program. Collaborations with Jackson Health System, Baptist Health South Florida, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and VITAS Healthcare provide students with invaluable clinical experience and access to scholarships.
“Baptist Health places special emphasis on our core values, treating all with integrity, respect, and compassion, with a focus on excellence and collaboration in all that we do, helping us to experience the joy of caring for others,” says Javier Hernández-Lichtl, Chief Executive Officer of Doctors Hospital and Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute.
With over 21,000 nursing graduates to date, MDC plays a crucial role in developing Florida’s health care workforce. Shiba Gayle, Student Government Association president of the Medical Campus, exemplifies MDC’s mission. On track to complete her ASN this December, Shiba says, “Miami Dade College gave me the tools and support to turn my passion for helping others into a fulfilling career.”