Pasco college promises to add 200 nurses in region

St. Leo University says it will add 200 nurses to the regional workforce by 2026 —  its first five years since launching a bachelor's degree program in nursing in 2021.

The college says its fall semester begins on Aug. 28, when dozens of students will begin their junior year in nursing program classes. 

The need for nurses has long been addressed by national policymakers. In Florida, the state legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, area health care and government leaders, and several generous donors have helped St. Leo by providing additional funds to build the bachelor's degree in nursing program, according to a statement.