Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) is proud to announce that its nursing graduates achieved an impressive 97.3% first-time pass rate on the 2024 National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), far surpassing both state and national averages.
This outstanding achievement solidifies LSSC’s commitment to preparing highly skilled nurses who are ready to serve Florida’s growing healthcare needs.
“At Lake-Sumter State College, we take immense pride in the rigorous education and hands-on training our nursing students receive,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, Interim President of Lake-Sumter State College. “Our excellent pass rates are truly a testament to our dedicated nursing faculty, academic support staff, community healthcare partners, and their unwavering commitment to student success. We are producing highly qualified nurses who are ready to make an immediate impact in hospitals and healthcare facilities locally and across Florida.”
The Florida Center for Nursing released the State of Nursing Education in Florida 2025 report that highlights the overall challenges in Florida’s nursing education, including a projected shortfall of 31,000 nurses by 2035.
While the state average for NCLEX first-time pass rates is improving toward the national average, LSSC’s nursing program stood out among Florida’s public institutions, ranking among the top performers alongside Seminole State College (98.1%) and the University of Central Florida (96.2%).
“Our evidence-based curriculum designed by our faculty members is at the core of our success,” says Dr. Christine Ramos, Associate Vice President of Health Professions. “This curriculum not only imparts essential knowledge but also equips students with the practical skills they need to thrive in their nursing careers. Our program fosters an engaging learning environment through innovative teaching methods, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, ensuring our students are well-prepared to conquer the challenges of the healthcare industry head-on.”
With the forecasted shortfall of nurses, LSSC has partnered with local hospital partners and community organizations to double student enrollment in the AS Nursing program over the last three years.
The College has developed dedicated education units (DEUs) at AdventHealth Waterman, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, and UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital. The DEU model places clinical experiences in a single hospital facility with specific nurses. This fosters connections between students and working healthcare professionals, who are getting comfortable with the skills necessary to be successful in the role.
As Florida faces a projected shortfall of 31,000 nurses by 2035, LSSC is playing a crucial role in addressing the state’s healthcare workforce crisis. The college’s commitment to high academic standards, faculty excellence, and clinical partnerships has contributed to its remarkable student outcomes.
“The value of the DEU model is that you take your classroom and simulation learning and apply it in a real-world setting with the support of your mentors,” says Dr. Ramos. “The students also get more comfortable with the hospital environment, the facility, and the culture so that their transition to a full-time position is faster and more seamless.”
LSSC’s nursing program continues to grow, thanks to strong community support and strategic investments in healthcare education. These include the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and the Charles & Mary McLin Foundation who supported an expansion of the nursing simulation lab experiences on the Leesburg and South Lake Campuses. The hospitals also provided gifts that were matched by the state’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) grant program.
“If you’re interested in a career in nursing or health professions, I encourage you to come check out what makes Lake-Sumter State College different,” says Dr. Ramos. “Communication, collaboration, and teamwork are the pillars of our nursing program. We are committed to nurturing their academic growth and personal development, making your journey a transformative experience.”
Lake-Sumter State College offers the following health professions programs: BS Nursing (RN-BSN), AS Health Services Administration, AS Medical Lab Technology, AS Nursing, and AS Respiratory Care.
For more information about Lake-Sumter State College’s AS Nursing or RN-BSN programs, visit www.lssc.edu/nursing. Sign up to attend an admissions information session at enroll.lssc.edu.
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About Lake-Sumter State College
Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. LSSC embraces its mission as a community college to increase access and opportunity for all learners in its community. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 8,600 students annually at four locations and online: Leesburg, Four Corners, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree programs designed to support and prepare students to pursue their goals and join Florida’s dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu.
