By Kate Quiñones
CNA Staff, Mar 13, 2025 / 10:30 am
Exciting News from St. Thomas University in the Archdiocese of Miami!
Amid Florida’s nursing shortage, St. Thomas University is making waves with its top-performing nursing students. The university recently announced plans for a new 99,000-square-foot nursing college building to accommodate the growing number of nursing students.
St. Thomas University is seeking $3.5 million from the Florida Legislature to kickstart this project. With an expected 2,000 nursing students by 2026, the university is taking proactive steps to address Florida’s nursing gap.
In a year where Florida had the lowest scores in the nation on the National Council Licensure Examination, St. Thomas University stood out with a 100% pass rate for its nursing students. This success has driven the university to expand its nursing program and create the College of Nursing and College of Health Sciences and Technology within the new building.
Nashat Abualhaija, the dean of STU’s nursing college, expressed optimism about the project’s impact on the state of Florida. “Our future nursing education building and new nursing degrees will go a long way toward plugging the state’s nursing gap,” Abualhaija said in a statement.
Thomas University in 2019 as the founding dean of the nursing college. As a registered nurse and professor, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of the nursing program at STU.
With the support of the Florida Legislature, STU is poised to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in the state. The proposed $3.5 million investment will go towards operational costs for the new nursing and STEM building, which will help bridge the gap in critical health and STEM fields.
The Florida Hospital Association projects a continued nursing shortfall in the state, but STU is committed to training and preparing future nurses. With plans to involve 2,000 students in the nursing program by 2026, STU is leading the way in recruiting, retaining, and professionally preparing nursing students.
Key elements of the nursing program at STU include a one-on-one student coaching program, preparatory exit course, and higher GPA requirements for science prerequisites. These initiatives contribute to the program’s success and the overall readiness of graduates entering the workforce.
Nashat Abualhaija’s leadership and expertise have been integral to the growth and development of the nursing program at STU. His dedication to training and preparing future nurses reflects STU’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education.
As STU continues to expand and innovate, it is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry in Florida and beyond. With a focus on quality education and practical training, STU is shaping the future of nursing and STEM fields in the state.
