By Dr. Tommie L. Norris, DNS, RN

As our population ages, the demand for skilled caregivers has never been greater. According to the Florida Hospital Association, “Florida’s population is growing by more than 800 people a day, more than half of whom are over the age of 60, creating an increased demand for healthcare services. The aging population is projected to grow to 25.34 million in 2033, a 13.7 % increase. Florida is the third largest state in the nation, with nearly 20% of Florida’s population aged 65 or older. A sufficient number of qualified healthcare workers is critical for meeting the needs of Floridians, and with a growing and aging population, this must be considered when planning healthcare capacity”.

The Benjamin Leon School of Nursing (BLSON) is committed to preparing its students to care for an aging population at both the Medical and Homestead campus. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, the BLSON offers Licensed Practical Nursing, an Associate of Science in Nursing, and an RN-to-BSN program. These programs are intended to increase the number of nurses in Florida and equip students with the skills and credentials to provide high-quality care in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences. These programs focus extends beyond the technical and theoretical aspects of nursing but also provides hands-on experience with advanced geriatric mannequins in our state-of-the-art skills lab. These mannequins are designed with physical features such as bed sores, skin tags, and other common signs of aging, helping students practice identifying both normal and abnormal conditions found in elderly patients. Students are also exposed to home health and hospice; they will be better prepared to support the workforce for this specialized population. With a focus on hands-on clinical experience and flexible learning options, students are fully prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Florida’s growing elderly population.

For more information on our programs and how they prepare you to meet the growing demands of geriatric care, please visit www.mdc.edu/nursing/default.aspx.

Dr. Tommie L. Norris, DNS, RN, is an AACN Leadership for Academic Nursing Fellow, Miami Dade College, and Dean, Benjamín Leόn School of Nursing.