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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

Discover inspiring graduate success stories from Indian River State College that highlight perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of meaningful careers. From space exploration to healthcare and nursing, these spotlights showcase how River students are overcoming challenges, achieving their goals, and ready to make an impact in their communities.

News Topic: Health Science

Discover Your Healthcare Future! Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to Host Open House on 4/6/26 

Smiling nursing student in white cardigan and blue scrubs holding yellow sign reading 'Future #RiverNurse' at open house event with colorful banner decorations spelling 'WALK' and 'YOU ARE AWESOME' with heart symbols in background — *Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to host Open House for prospective students.*

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (February 16, 2026) — Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences will host a free open house on April 6, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the College’s Port St. Lucie campus, 500 NW California Boulevard. 

The event provides prospective students with comprehensive information about health and nursing education opportunities and career paths in the growing healthcare field. Attendees will tour a state-of-the-art simulation center, laboratories, and classroom facilities while meeting faculty and learning about curriculum offerings. 

 Comprehensive student support services will be showcased, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, scholarship information, and tutoring resources. Faculty members will be available to discuss specific program details and careers 

The open house welcomes prospective students who are interested in exploring healthcare options, career changes, and high school students considering college programs. No prior registration fee is required. 

The School of Health and Human Sciences offers a broad range of health-related programs:

Associate Degree in Nursing (RN)	Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Central Service Technology	Dental Hygiene
Healthcare Navigator Specialist	Healthcare Informatics Specialists
Health Services Management (AS Degree)	BS in Healthcare Management
Medical Assisting	Medical Coder/Biller
Medical Laboratory Technology	Nursing Assistant
Pharmacy Technician	Phlebotomy
Physical Therapist Assistant	Practical Nursing
Radiography	Respiratory Care
Surgical Services Technology

Event Details: 

Date: Monday, April 6, 2026 

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 

Cost: Free admission   

Registration: Online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/1062758 

Information: Phone 772-336-6330 or email IRSCSONprograminfo@irsc.edu 

February 16, 2026

Future Nurses: Your Dream Career Starts Here – Indian River State College Summer 2026 Applications Open NOW
FORT PIERCE, FL (November 5, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) School of Nursing is now accepting applications for two nursing programs beginning Summer 2026, with an application deadline of February 28, 2026.
The River is offering two distinct pathways for aspiring nurses at the College’s Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie:
The Bridge to RN (Track Two) Summer 2026 program provides Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Respiratory Therapists, and Licensed Paramedics an accelerated path to earning their RN degree in just 1 year.
The Practical Nursing Program offers a part-time, daytime schedule for individuals beginning their nursing careers, with completion possible in 1.5 years.
Both programs feature hands-on learning experiences, expert faculty instruction, and a supportive educational environment designed to prepare students for real-world healthcare challenges.
Applications are currently open and will be accepted through February 28, 2026. Prospective students can learn more and apply at https://irsc.edu/program/nursing/ or by contacting the School of Nursing at IRSCSONPrograminfo@irsc.edu.
November 5, 2025
Doors Open, Futures Begin: Indian River State College Announces Upcoming Open House Events
Prospective students can explore programs, meet faculty, and discover career pathways at open houses throughout the academic year
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is welcoming prospective students across the Treasure Coast to a series of open house events during the 2025–26 academic year. From nursing to business, public service to science and education, these events showcase the wide horizon of opportunities available at The River year-round.
Upcoming open house events:
- Sep. 16, 2025 – Nursing (Pruitt Campus)
- Oct. 2, 2025 – Business and Workforce
- Oct. 7, 2025 – Public Service
- Oct. 8, 2025 – Math, Science, and Education
- Feb. 9, 2026 – Health Science
- March 2026 – Math, Science, and Education
- April 9, 2026 – Nursing
- April 14, 2026 – Public Service
- April 16, 2026 – Business and Workforce
Prospective students who attend will gain a firsthand look at how Indian River State College programs connect directly to in-demand careers across the Treasure Coast. They will leave with a stronger sense of the skills they will learn, the professions those skills lead to, and how The River provides an affordable and effective route to their goals.
Those who attend an open house see how Indian River State College students benefit from hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, direct connections to industry leaders, and opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. These experiences ensure graduates leave with the confidence, skills, and professional network needed to succeed immediately in their chosen careers.
For details on open house events, visit https://connect.irsc.edu/?category=open-house. For more information about how Indian River State College can help students take the next step toward their future, visit www.irsc.edu for locations and program offerings.
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September 16, 2025
Discover Your Healthcare Future! Indian River State College School of Nursing to Host Open House on 9/16/25
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2025) — Indian River State College School of Nursing will host a free open house on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the College’s Port St. Lucie campus, 500 NW California Boulevard.
The event provides prospective students with comprehensive information about nursing education opportunities and career paths in the growing healthcare field. Attendees will tour a state-of-the-art simulation center, laboratories, and classroom facilities while meeting faculty and learning about curriculum offerings.
The event features presentations on various nursing specializations, admission requirements, and the application process. Comprehensive student support services will be showcased, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, scholarship information, and tutoring resources. Faculty members will be available to discuss specific program details and career outcomes.
The open house welcomes prospective nursing students, current Indian River State College students exploring healthcare options, career changers, and high school students considering college programs. No prior registration fee is required.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Cost: Free admission
Registration: Online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/1062758
Information: Phone 772-336-6330 or email IRSCSONprograminfo@irsc.edu
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
September 9, 2025
Future Nurses to Gain Real-World Experience through Indian River State College and HCA Florida Partnership Expansion
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Indian River State College School of Nursing has expanded its groundbreaking partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals to include HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital to create Dedicated Education Hospitals (DEH), a transformative collaboration on the Treasure Coast. This expansion strengthens Indian River State College’s partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals, providing enhanced student training, a stronger nursing workforce, and better care for the community.
The DEH model transforms hospital units into structured learning environments where students and professional nurses work side by side. Unlike traditional clinical rotations, the program integrates nursing students directly into hospital care teams, pairing them with nurse preceptors and faculty mentors for real-time, hands-on training.
“Our students are integrated into real-world hospital environments, where they learn directly from experienced nurses,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “This robust collaborative partnership ensures students receive invaluable training while helping to cultivate a highly skilled workforce that benefits our local community.”
Dr. Patricia Gagliano of Indian River State College (left) with HCA Florida Healthcare leaders at the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership at St. Lucie Hospital.
“This is more than a clinical site, it’s a living classroom where patient care and nursing education are seamlessly integrated,” said Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Dean of Nursing at Indian River State College. “Our students gain the confidence and judgment needed for practice, while hospitals strengthen their workforce, and our community benefits from higher quality of care.”
The partnership expansion will provide Indian River State College nursing students with additional resources, closer mentorship, and a curriculum aligned with hospital practice.
Benefits include:
- For students: stronger clinical competence, faster professional role transition, and improved NCLEX readiness.
- For hospitals: a robust workforce pipeline, higher nurse retention, and innovation in care delivery.
- For the Treasure Coast: safer, higher-quality care and a stronger local healthcare system.
Indian River State College nursing students gather with HCA Florida Healthcare nurses and preceptors to celebrate the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership.
“It’s a tremendous benefit for our patients and colleagues. These student nurses understand our mission — above all else, we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life — and they will find it interwoven through this program. Shared values and better communication only elevate our teams and the care they provide,” said Tracee Hendershott, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
The initiative was established with a DEH at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital last year. A joint event welcoming Indian River State College students, faculty, and leaders alongside administrators, nurse managers, and preceptors from HCA Healthcare’s East Florida Division was held to launch the partnership expansion.
To learn more about the Indian River State College School of Nursing, visit irsc.edu/program/nursing/ or call (772) 462-7550.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
About HCA Florida Healthcare: HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
September 4, 2025
Dental Hygiene Students Achieve 100% Certification Pass Rate
Five-Year Track Record of Exceeding State and National Benchmarks
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Indian River State College’s 2025 Dental Hygiene graduating class achieved a 100% certification pass rate, continuing the program’s strong track record of student success. Over the past five years, the college’s Dental Hygiene program has maintained strong outcomes with a 98% graduation rate, 98% certification pass rate, and 96% employment rate, all above state and national averages for dental hygiene programs.
A dental hygiene student practices clinical skills during a hands-on training session with a patient under faculty supervision.
“This 100% pass rate reflects what we see every day – students who come in eager to learn and leave as confident professionals ready to make a difference in their patients’ lives,” said Anna Hubbard, Dean of Health Sciences at Indian River State College. “With our faculty and facilities, they get hands-on experience with the latest technology while learning from instructors who are invested in their success.”
The program’s focus on quality education extends beyond the classroom throughthe college’s Dental Clinic, where students gain practical experience while providing preventive dental services, including cleanings, to patients of all ages. These services are offered at reduced prices under the supervision of experienced, licensed faculty.
A young patient beams with excitement during a visit, supported by dental hygiene students gaining real-world experience in patient care.
“The clinic serves as a bridge between our students’ education and the community’s oral health needs,” said Anna DaCosta, Dental Hygiene Program Director. “Patients receive quality preventative care at affordable rates while our students apply their learning in real-world settings that benefit everyone involved.”
The dental hygiene field continues to show strong demand on the Treasure Coast, offering graduates career opportunities in private practices, public health settings, and educational institutions.
For more information about Indian River State College’s Dental Hygiene program, visit irsc.edu/program/dental-hygiene/. To schedule an appointment at the Indian River State College Dental Clinic for preventative services, call 772-462-7524.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
August 7, 2025
Indian River State College Co-hosted Inaugural Trauma-Informed Care Summit (7/31/2025)
Educational symposium brought together caring professionals to strengthen healing-centered approaches
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (July 31, 2025) – Indian River State College and Peace for St. Lucie co-hosted the inaugural 2025 Trauma-Informed Care Summit, which raised awareness about trauma-informed care practices and provided valuable educational opportunities for healthcare professionals, mental health practitioners, educators, and community members interested in understanding trauma-sensitive approaches.
Healthcare professionals and community advocates filled the Kight Center auditorium as expert speakers shared trauma-informed care strategies.
The event brought together compassionate professionals at the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies, located at the Fort Pierce campus of Indian River State College. The symposium was open to the public and welcomed anyone interested in learning about trauma-informed care practices and their implementation in professional settings.
“We were moved by the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone who attended,” said Mariuxi Mejia, Director of Student Wellness at Indian River State College. “Seeing healthcare professionals, educators, and community members come together with such genuine commitment to trauma-informed care was incredibly inspiring.”
The summit featured:
- Keynote presentation from leading trauma-informed care experts
- Panel discussions with experienced practitioners
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that were available for nurses, mental health professionals, and other qualifying professionals
- Networking opportunities with fellow professionals and community advocates
The inaugural summit reached full capacity, reflecting the strong community interest in trauma-informed care approaches.
The collaboration between Indian River State College and Peace for St. Lucie reflected both organizations’ genuine commitment to nurturing trauma-informed practices throughout the community and supporting the professional growth of those dedicated to this essential area of care.
For more information, visit irsc.edu or call 772-489-7826.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The River provides 175 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas.
About Peace for St. Lucie: Peace for St. Lucie is dedicated to building peace, fostering growth, and supporting the St. Lucie community through various educational and wellness programs.
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Walter – Public Relations Manager/Public Information Officer
Rodrigo Berlanga Rodriguez – Public Relations Coordinator
PIO@irsc.edu
July 31, 2025