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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.

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News Topic: Student Service & Support

Indian River State College Honors Veterans Day with Continued Commitment to Military Student Excellence
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Nov. 7, 2025) – As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day, Indian River State College reaffirms its dedication to serving those who have served our country. The College’s comprehensive support programs for military-connected students continue to set the standard for higher education institutions nationwide.
Indian River State College currently serves over 400 student veterans and military family members enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester, with more than 1,300 served throughout 2025. The College has earned recognition as both a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus and a Gold Status Military Friendly® School for 2025-2026—distinctions that honor institutions providing exceptional support to military students.
“This Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation and our responsibility to serve them,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President and Army veteran. “At Indian River State College, supporting our veterans is more than a mission—it is a commitment we uphold every day through dedicated programs, personalized resources, and a welcoming community that honors their service while helping them thrive academically.”
At the heart of this commitment is the College’s Military and Veterans Service Department. The department is housed in the Veterans Center of Excellence, a one-stop hub for veteran students from application through graduation. The Center provides comprehensive services, including admissions assistance, VA benefits certification, academic advising, and financial support.
“Success means seeing veterans make the most of their benefits and reach their goals,” said Camilo Medina, Veterans Center of Excellence Coordinator and Army veteran. “Our job is to take the stress out of the process – these students have already given so much. We want them to feel like they belong to a family here, and that’s exactly the environment we create.”
The College’s veteran students consistently demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with over 250 maintaining GPAs of 3.5 or higher. The institution recently earned a 99.99% compliance rating from the VA, reflecting its commitment to proper administration of veterans’ education benefits.
“Our veteran students are attending, excelling, and making meaningful contributions to our community,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, Associate Vice President of Advising and Career Services and Air Force veteran. “We proudly support service members, veterans, and their families as they pursue their educational goals and transition into successful civilian careers.”
For information about Indian River State College’s veteran services, visit irsc.edu or contact veteransinfo@irsc.edu or (772) 462-7711.
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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 over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
November 7, 2025
Indian River State College Tutoring Center Earns Prestigious International Certification
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (November 3, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is pleased to announce that its Tutoring Center – encompassing course-embedded learning assistant, peer tutor, and tutor programs – has been awarded certification as Level 1 and Level 2 certified tutor training programs by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
The River’s Academic Support Center provides professional tutoring across all subject areas to help students succeed.
For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide. The organization’s International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) recognizes tutor training programs that have demonstrated excellence in developing, designing, and implementing effective training procedures.
Indian River State College has worked diligently to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards and has successfully completed the ITTPC peer review process. Achieving this certification means that The River has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation as an integral part of its overall tutoring program.
“This certification represents our commitment to providing the highest quality academic support services to our students,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “By meeting these internationally recognized standards, we are ensuring that our tutoring programs not only support student success but also provide valuable professional development opportunities for our student tutors.”
The certification brings significant benefits to The River and its students. It sets a benchmark for academic support excellence across the institution, ensures compliance with internationally recognized best practices in higher education tutorial services, and strengthens the connection between curriculum and academic support services.
“Students benefit immensely from working with tutors who are trained in effective helping strategies, communication skills, and structuring the tutoring experience,” said Dr. Lynne O’Dell, Director of STEM Pioneer/School of Science and Adjunct Student Success. “This certification validates the quality and professionalism of our tutoring program and ensures that every student receives support from trained para-professionals who understand best practices in academic assistance.”
For student tutors and learning assistants, the certification provides valuable career development opportunities. Many Indian River State College learning assistants and peer tutors who have transferred to universities have secured employment on campus as tutors because they worked at an institution holding CRLA certification. The program teaches skills commensurate with best practices, increases confidence in content areas and public speaking, and strengthens resumes with an internationally recognized certificate.
“Supporting our students’ academic journey is at the heart of what we do at Indian River State College,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Indian River State College provost. “This CRLA certification demonstrates our dedication to excellence in every aspect of student support, from the classroom to the tutoring center. We’re proud to offer services that meet the highest national standards.”
For more information about tutoring services at Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.libguides.com/TutoringCenters.
November 3, 2025
Indian River State College and Florida International University Partner to Create Seamless Transfer Pathway for Hospitality and Tourism Students
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) and Florida International University (FIU) have announced a new articulation agreement that will provide a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism management. The partnership allows graduates of The River with an Associate in Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management to transfer directly into FIU’s top-ranked Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management to complete their bachelor’s degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Students will complete their BS in Hospitality & Tourism Management one semester faster and will save over $1,250 in tuition costs with this agreement.
The agreement addresses the critical need for qualified hospitality professionals in Florida’s tourism industry, which generated a record $128 billion economic impact in 2023 statewide. The Treasure Coast region, served by The River, plays a vital role in this economic engine, contributing significantly to the state’s position as a premier tourism destination.
“This partnership with FIU represents a tremendous opportunity for our students to advance their education and career prospects in one of Florida’s most important industries,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “By creating this direct pathway to a four-year degree in hospitality and tourism, we’re ensuring our graduates have the credentials and knowledge needed to assume leadership roles in hospitality and tourism management. This agreement reflects our commitment to providing students with affordable, accessible education that leads to meaningful career opportunities in high-demand fields.”
FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is ranked 4th in the U.S. and 31st in the world, making this partnership particularly valuable for Indian River State College students seeking to advance their careers.
Students in Chef Deborah Midkiff’s International and Regional Cuisine class at Indian River State College prepare a menu. Janely Santiago and James Stewart developed the menu and directed their classmates as sous chefs.
“We are excited to welcome Indian River State College graduates into our programs,” said Diann Newman, vice-dean of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. “This articulation agreement ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that builds upon the strong foundation established at Indian River State College. Our partnership will help meet the growing demand for skilled hospitality professionals throughout Florida and beyond, while providing students with enhanced career opportunities in this dynamic industry.”
The significance of this agreement extends beyond individual student benefits. Florida’s tourism industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, with 34.4 million visitors welcomed in just the second quarter of 2025 alone. The Treasure Coast region, encompassing Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties, where The River operates, benefits significantly from tourism spending and requires qualified professionals to manage hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourism-related businesses.
“The hospitality and tourism industry offers incredible career opportunities for our students, and this partnership with FIU ensures they can pursue those opportunities with the highest level of preparation,” said Deborah Midkiff, Department Chair and Instructor for Hospitality and Tourism Management at Indian River State College. “Our Associate in Science program already prepares students for entry-level management positions in food & beverage, and tourism, but now they have a clear pathway to advance to senior management roles. We’re seeing strong demand from employers for graduates with both practical experience and advanced education, and this agreement delivers exactly that combination.”
The River’s Associate in Science in Hospitality and Tourism degree prepares students for entry-level management positions in the food & beverage and tourism industry. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience to ensure graduates are workforce-ready upon completion.
Students in the program gain expertise in:
- Hotel and lodging operations
- Food and beverage management
- Event planning and management
- Tourism marketing and development
- Customer service excellence
- Financial management in hospitality
- Sustainable tourism practices
For more information about Indian River State College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program, visit: https://irsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/aas-degrees-certificates/hospitality-and-tourism-management and https://hospitality.fiu.edu/to learn more about FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
October 17, 2025
Indian River State College Announces Promise 2026 Prep Sessions to Help High School Seniors Unlock Free Tuition
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) is hosting a series of virtual information sessions this fall to guide high school seniors and their families through The River’s Promise Program, which offers 100% tuition coverage for eligible Class of 2026 graduates.
Registration: https://connect.irsc.edu/event/irsc.events.1221648
The Promise 2026 Prep Sessions are designed to provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help students take full advantage of this transformative educational opportunity. These free virtual sessions will be offered in both English and Spanish to ensure all families have access to the information they need.
What Families Will Learn:
During these informational sessions, attendees will discover:
- What the Promise Program is and who qualifies for 100% tuition coverage
- The specific steps required to secure acceptance into the program
- Key deadlines and next steps to stay on track for the 2026 academic year
Session Schedule:
Families can choose from multiple dates and language options:
- Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
- Thursday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. (Español)
- Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
- Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. (Español)
- Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
How to Learn More:
Families are encouraged to visit irsc.edu/promise to review program requirements and confirm eligibility before attending a session. For questions or additional information, contact the Promise Program team at promise@irsc.edu.
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Indian River State College anuncia Sesiones Promise 2026 para ayudar a estudiantes de preparatoria a obtener matrícula gratuita
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (15 de octubre de 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) ofrecerá una serie de sesiones informativas virtuales este otoño para guiar a estudiantes de último año de preparatoria y a sus familias a través del Programa Promise de The River, que brinda matrícula completamente gratuita a los graduados elegibles de la Clase de 2026.
Registro: https://connect.irsc.edu/event/irsc.events.1221648
Las Sesiones de Preparación Promise 2026 están diseñadas para ofrecer orientación clara, paso a paso, y ayudar a los estudiantes a aprovechar al máximo esta oportunidad educativa transformadora. Estas sesiones virtuales son gratuitas y se ofrecerán en inglés y en español para que todas las familias tengan acceso a la información que necesitan.
Lo que aprenderán las familias:
Durante estas sesiones informativas, los asistentes conocerán:
- Qué es el Programa Promise y quiénes califican para recibir matrículagratuita
- Los pasos necesarios para asegurar su lugar en el programa
- Fechas importantes y próximos pasos para mantenerse al día rumbo al añoacadémico 2026
Calendario de sesiones:
Las familias pueden escoger entre varias fechas y opciones de idioma:
- Martes, 28 de octubre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
- Jueves, 30 de octubre, a las 5:30 p.m. (español)
- Miércoles, 19 de noviembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
- Lunes, 15 de diciembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (español)
- Martes, 16 de diciembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
Cómo obtener más información:
Se invita a las familias a visitar irsc.edu/admissions/promise/ para revisar los requisitos del programa y confirmar su elegibilidad antes de asistir a una sesión. Para preguntas o información adicional, comuníquese con el equipo del Programa Promise al correo promise@irsc.edu.
¡Suscríbase para mantenerse informado sobre Promise 2026!
October 16, 2025
Teamwork Takes Center Field as Indian River State College Hosts Unified Sports Kickoff
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (October 14, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”)Softball hosted a Unified Sports kickball game with Project STAGE students on Monday, October 13, at Dale Atkinson Field. This community event launched Unified Sports at Indian River State College, a Special Olympics program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together.
Indian River State College is the first college in the Florida College System to launch Unified Sports.
Indian River State College students and athletes celebrate together during a Unified Sports event, building camaraderie and school spirit through teamwork and connection.
Unified Sports at Indian River State College pairs Special Olympics athletes who are college students with other college students to compete on the same teams. The program encourages students to see past differences and connect through shared effort and sportsmanship. The event celebrated the campus community through friendly competition, music, food, and prizes.
“I think Unified Sports is a great program that allows our students with unique abilities to participate in a friendly competition,” said Brett Williams, Indian River State College librarian and co-sponsor of the program. “It has been wonderful seeing how the student athletes have stepped up to organize and support this event. I am hoping that the unified sports program will continue to bring students of all abilities together fostering friendship and acceptance.”
Project STAGE combines classroom learning through the Specialized Career Training Course with paid and unpaid internships. Students develop job skills, create professional portfolios, and practice interviews while working closely with local employers.
The kickoff event drew enthusiastic participation from both Project STAGE students and the River Softball team, creating a spirited start to what the college hopes will become a long-standing campus tradition.
To learn more about Unified Sports at Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.edu/programs/special-programs/project-stage/ or contact Project STAGE at (772) 462-4257.
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October 14, 2025
Career Expo Connects Treasure Coast Job Seekers with over 50 Employers
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (October 1, 2025) — The wait is over. Today, Indian River State College (“The River”) will host its Fall 2025 Career Expo, a marquee recruiting event where students, alumni, and community members can connect directly with employers ready to hire for full-time, part-time and internship positions.
The Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex (Building O) on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.
More than 50 organizations representing industries from healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, technology, finance, and local government will participate, offering attendees the chance to expand their networks and explore career pathways.
Featured employers include:
- Enterprise Mobility
- Health First
- Martin County School District
- St. Lucie County Fire District
- Treasure Coast Hospice
- Pursuit Aerospace
- Fifth Third Bank
“This is one of the most direct opportunities for students, alumni, and job seekers in the community to meet face-to-face with employers who are actively recruiting Indian River State College talent,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services. “Whether someone is seeking a first job, a career change or an internship, the Expo is designed to connect them with the right opportunities.”
The Career Expo is the culmination of a month-long slate of professional development programming, including resume reviews with employers, a Career Fashion Show, and a Career Closet initiative, which provides free professional attire to students, alumni and community members. “If you look good and feel confident, you’ll interview better,” Williams added. “The Career Closet and Expo work hand in hand to help attendees prepare and present themselves to employers.”
For more information, contact the Indian River State College Career Services at careerservices@irsc.edu or call 772-462-7470.
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October 1, 2025
Indian River State College and The University of Central Florida Partner to Establish Transfer Agreement
DirectConnect to UCF® to offer streamlined transfers from The River to UCF
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (September 29, 2025) — Indian River State College has partnered with the University of Central Florida to offer DirectConnect to UCF®. This nationally recognized program provides eligible students with guaranteed admission to UCF. All Indian River State College students and alums who obtain, or have previously obtained, an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree qualify for DirectConnect to UCF®.
Indian River State College and University of Central Florida representatives at the launch celebration of DirectConnect to UCF: Adrienne Frame, Elizabeth Gaskin, Dr. Calvin Williams, Kimberly Hardy, Dr. Heather J. Belmont, and John Buckwalter
“This partnership represents a transformative opportunity for students across the Treasure Coast region,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of Indian River State College. “Through DirectConnect to UCF®, Indian River State College is providing students with another pathway to a four-year degree and expanded career opportunities with the resources and support they need to succeed from Day One.”
DirectConnect to UCF® offers an accelerated admission pathway to the University of Central Florida, providing students with dedicated support through a personal success coach and transfer assistance from UCF Success Coaches. This program is designed to help students complete their degree in a shorter timeframe while offering the convenience of studying close to home at Indian River State College, making higher education more accessible and efficient for local students.
“DirectConnect to UCF has already helped nearly 80,000 students turn their aspirations into achievement, and this new partnership with Indian River State College extends that promise to even more learners from across the Treasure Coast,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Together, we are building new pathways to opportunity that will transform lives and strengthen Florida’s future.”
“DirectConnect to UCF® aligns perfectly with our commitment to student success and academic excellence,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, provost of Indian River State College. “This partnership ensures our students receive seamless transfer credit, dedicated academic support, and a proven framework for degree completion.”
DirectConnect to UCF®, which marks its 20th anniversary this November, has helped more than 80,000 students earn UCF degrees. The award-winning initiative has received national recognition, including the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators’ 2020 Innovation Award for its groundbreaking success coaching model.
For more information, visit irsc.edu/direct-connect-to-ucf, call (407) 823‑4547, or email UCFConnect@ucf.edu.
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September 29, 2025
One Suit Away from Success: Students Find Confidence in the Career Closet
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (September 22, 2025) — All month long, Indian River State College has been opening more than classroom doors. Through a series of career-focused events, including the ongoing Career Closet initiative, the College is helping students step confidently into the workforce ahead of the Career Expo on October 1.
This month, Career Services will host mobile Career Closets, resume reviews with local employers, and a Career Fashion Show where students modeled donated outfits. These events build momentum toward the October 1 Career Expo, where more than 50 employers will recruit for full-time, part-time and internship positions.
Career-ready: A student selects donated professional clothing at the Career Closet, where free attire helps students dress for success.
The Career Closet, located at multiple campuses, provides students with free professional clothing for interviews, career fairs and workplace opportunities. Supported by alumni and community donations, the Closet ensures students are not held back by the cost of attire.
“Professional dress is very important in the process of going to work. A student may love a company but hesitate to even approach them if they don’t have the right attire,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services at Indian River State College.
With most Indian River State College graduates remaining in the Treasure Coast region, the Career Closet and Career Expo directly support the local workforce. “Over 75 percent of our graduates stay in the four-county area,” Dr. Williams said. “The economic boost they give our community, based on the knowledge they gained here, is tremendous.”
The Career Closet operates year-round at:
- Massey Campus, Fort Pierce — Room W-104, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. (772-462-7470)
- Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie — Room J-111, hours vary (772-336-6221 or 772-336-6213)
- Mueller Campus, Vero Beach — Schumann Center, Building D, regular hours (772-226-2500)
The Career Closet accepts donations of clean, professional attire such as suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts, dresses, shoes and ties.
“Alumni and employers are donating clothing because they know it makes a difference. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, and students lifting each other up,” Williams added.
For more information about Career Services, the Career Closet or the October 1 Career Expo, visit irsc.edu and search “Career Services,” email careerservices@irsc.edu, or call (772) 462-7470.
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September 22, 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