News Summary
The University of Central Florida has inaugurated the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion to combat the nursing shortage in Florida. The 90,000 square foot facility features advanced training capabilities, including simulation labs, with the goal of increasing nursing graduates. With the introduction of this facility, UCF expects to graduate over 400 nurses annually, addressing the alarming demand for healthcare professionals in the state. The pavilion is strategically located near other healthcare facilities to enhance collaboration and training opportunities.
Lake Nona, Florida: UCF Opens Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion to Address Nursing Shortage
The University of Central Florida (UCF) officially opened its Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on August 18, 2025, as part of a strategic initiative to combat the severe nursing shortage affecting Florida. The facility, located at UCF’s Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona, encompasses 90,000 square feet and has cost approximately $72 million to construct.
The newly unveiled pavilion features advanced training facilities, including state-of-the-art simulation labs designed to mirror real hospital environments. An expanded global simulation center is also part of the building, which is expected to improve hands-on learning for students. The nursing program anticipates that the enhanced capacity will lead to the graduation of an additional 150 nurses annually, further bolstering the state’s healthcare workforce.
Increased Nursing Graduates
Prior to the pavilion’s opening, UCF was already graduating approximately 260 nurses each year. With the new capabilities of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, this figure is projected to rise to over 400 graduates per year. This is crucial, given the state’s alarming nursing shortage, which is projected to reach 59,000 nurses by 2035.
A substantial portion of UCF nursing alumni remain active in the local healthcare workforce. Nearly 60% of these graduates work in communities across Central Florida, contributing significantly to regional health services.
Investments and Strategic Location
The construction of the pavilion was made possible through a balanced funding approach, combining $43 million in state funding with $29 million garnered from private contributions. Its location is particularly strategic, as it is situated near UCF’s College of Medicine and other healthcare facilities within Lake Nona’s Medical City area. This proximity is intended to enhance collaboration and training opportunities in a rapidly developing health environment.
Enhancing Nursing Education
Current nursing students have already begun training in the new pavilion, benefiting from facilities that include advanced classrooms, simulation hospital rooms, and a virtual reality studio. These resources are tailored to enhance real-world learning experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to join the workforce.
The importance of this new facility was underscored by healthcare professionals who noted the increasing demand for nurses, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiences and outcomes of nursing graduates from UCF are expected to be further solidified through the comprehensive training provided in this innovative space.
Community and Healthcare Impact
The inauguration ceremony for the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion was attended by various stakeholders, including state leaders and representatives from AdventHealth and Dr. Phillips Charities. Together, they highlighted the facility’s role in enhancing Florida’s nursing talent pipeline and improving community health outcomes.
UCF President Alexander Cartwright expressed optimism that the new pavilion will play a pivotal role in directly addressing the state’s nursing shortage, emphasizing the commitment to improving healthcare in Florida and producing highly skilled nursing professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion stands as a transformative development for UCF and the broader healthcare community in Florida. By increasing the number of nursing graduates and enhancing training capabilities, the facility aims to ensure a robust nursing workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of healthcare in the state.
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Additional Resources
- Advent Health News
- Click Orlando
- Orlando Sentinel
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: UCF Dr Philips Nursing Pavilion
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ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
