Rasmussen University Opens New Orlando Campus to Tackle Nurse Shortage

ORLANDO, FL – February 12, 2026 – As Central Florida grapples with a persistent and critical shortage of healthcare professionals, Rasmussen University today announced the opening of a new, state-of-the-art campus in Orlando. The facility, a strategic expansion by parent company American Public Education, Inc. (APEI), is poised to directly address the region's workforce needs by increasing access to high-quality nursing education. Located at 8541 Southpark Circle, the campus is now enrolling students for classes set to begin in April.

The opening marks a significant milestone, introducing Rasmussen's Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program to the Orlando market for the first time. This new offering joins the university's existing Professional Nursing Associate's Degree (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, creating a multi-level educational pipeline designed to get more qualified nurses into local hospitals and clinics.

A Critical Infusion for Orlando's Healthcare System

The new campus arrives at a crucial time for the region. Projections indicate Florida could face a staggering shortfall of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035. While recent data from the Florida Hospital Association shows promising progress—with hospital nurse vacancy rates dropping from a high of 21% in 2022 to 7.8% in 2024—the underlying pressure on the system remains immense. A rapidly growing and aging population continues to drive up demand for healthcare services, and local hospital leaders have consistently cited staffing as a primary challenge.

Orlando's major healthcare systems, including AdventHealth and Orlando Health, have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in recruitment, retention bonuses, and educational partnerships to combat the shortage. AdventHealth has hired 10,000 nurses since 2020 and invested heavily in local nursing schools, while Orlando Health has focused on optimizing workflows to allow nurses more time for patient care. Despite these efforts, reports of understaffing and burnout from frontline nurses persist, highlighting the urgent need for a larger, more robust talent pool.

Rasmussen's expansion is positioned as a direct response to this need. "With the healthcare industry facing significant staffing challenges—particularly in nursing—expanding our presence in Orlando and the introduction of an LPN program allows us to create new entry points into the nursing profession and strengthen the local healthcare workforce," said Angela Selden, chief executive officer of American Public Education, Inc.

A Strategic Move in a Competitive Market

The Orlando campus is more than just a new building; it represents a key component of APEI's broader corporate strategy. The publicly traded education provider has sharpened its focus on high-demand fields like healthcare, a move that has yielded strong financial results. For the full year 2024, APEI reported consolidated revenue of $624.6 million, with its Rasmussen division serving as a significant driver of growth. Rasmussen's total student enrollment has seen consistent increases, climbing nearly 7% in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

This expansion places Rasmussen in a competitive but fertile educational landscape. The Orlando area is home to several established nursing programs, including those at the University of Central Florida (UCF), which is also expanding its facilities, and AdventHealth University, which plans to triple its number of graduates. However, Rasmussen's distinct focus on providing multiple entry points—from the new LPN diploma to associate and bachelor's degrees—and its established track record in Florida may give it a competitive edge.

The university has served Central Florida since 2007 with campuses in North Orlando and Ocala. Its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and its graduates have demonstrated strong outcomes. In 2024, Rasmussen's Florida BSN graduates achieved a 94.3% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, with ADN graduates achieving a 90.99% pass rate—both key indicators of a program's quality and effectiveness.

"Rasmussen has proudly served Central Florida since 2007," said Mark Arnold, president of Rasmussen University. "We are thrilled to officially open our Orlando campus and welcome students from across Orange, Osceola, and surrounding counties. Alongside our North Orlando and Ocala campuses, this new location strengthens our ability to serve Central Florida students and supports the region's growing demand for well-prepared nursing professionals."

Forging New Pathways for Aspiring Nurses

For prospective students, the new two-story campus offers a modern, hands-on learning environment. It was purpose-built with well-equipped nursing skills and simulation labs, which allow students to practice clinical skills on high-fidelity manikins in realistic healthcare scenarios before they enter a real-world hospital setting. The facility also includes collaborative classrooms and dedicated spaces designed to foster engagement between students and faculty.

The introduction of the LPN program is particularly significant. It provides a faster, more accessible pathway into the nursing profession for individuals who may not be ready to commit to a two- or four-year degree. Graduates can enter the workforce more quickly, and the program is designed to allow them to seamlessly bridge into Rasmussen's ADN or BSN programs later to advance their careers.

This educational ladder—from LPN to ADN to BSN and even to graduate-level programs—is a core part of Rasmussen's model. It allows students to enter the profession at a level that suits their current circumstances and to continue their education as their careers progress. By offering this full spectrum of options, the new Orlando campus aims not only to educate new nurses but to support their long-term professional growth, ultimately creating a more stable and experienced healthcare workforce for the entire region.