Pensacola Christian College’s School of Nursing was founded in 1977. Denise McCollim is PCC’s dean of Arts and Sciences and holds a doctor of nursing practice degree. Heather Hartkopf is a registered nurse and chair of PCC’s Nursing Department. In a recent conversation, they discussed nursing education and workforce trends.

FLORIDA TREND: What career trends, in terms of health care specialties, are you seeing your nursing students pursuing today?

Hartkopf: We’re seeing many of our nursing students wanting to go into intensive care and critical care units. These students want the emergency room experience. We’re also seeing a lot of students interested in pediatric nursing.

FT: Where do most of your nursing students come from?

McCollim: Most of our nursing students come from an area within 150 miles of Pensacola. But we do have a lot of from all over the United States, (as well as) some students from Europe, Africa, South Korea, China and throughout South America. Our PCC student body really has an international flavor to it.

FT: There are over 100 nursing schools in Florida, and PCC’s is rated among the top 30. What is that rating based on?

Hartkopf: The most important statistic for a nursing program is the first-time passage rate of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The national average first-time passing rate was 79.9% in 2022. We’re at 88.4% for 2022. Our most recent final number for our 2023 class is not complete because we still have 10 students left to take the NCLEX. But, as of the second quarter this year, we’re sitting at a 98% first-time passage rate.

FT: Is there still a strong demand for nurses now?

McCollim: Yes, there is. We have 100% job placement for our nursing school graduates right now.