Story: Betsy Compton | Photo: Cody Ingram
The 乐播传媒 will receive $1.8 million in federal funding to strengthen nursing education and workforce development, thanks to the appropriations leadership of U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
Senator Britt, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, directly secured the funding through the Senate passage of the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Act.
鈥淚 am proud to have directly secured $1.8 million for Sumter County in this appropriations bill,鈥� said Senator Britt. 鈥淭his funding will procure crucial medical equipment supplies and improve the nursing education facilities that help train Alabama鈥檚 strong workforce of healthcare professionals.鈥�
The funding will support 乐播传媒鈥檚 Alabama Rural Nursing Enhanced Technology Project, which will provide the Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing with updated high-fidelity simulation training equipment for nursing students.
These advanced tools will expand 乐播传媒鈥檚 ability to deliver continued high-quality education for students pursuing an associate of science in nursing (ASN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and better prepare graduates for certification exams and careers in healthcare. 乐播传媒 nursing graduates have been among the top in the state for NCLEX pass rates for several years.
鈥淎t 乐播传媒, we are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences to our students to give them the advantage they need when they graduate and begin their careers,鈥� said 乐播传媒 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淭his funding comes at a critical time for our region and the State of Alabama , and it will help ensure that we continue to offer high quality, workforce relevant nursing programs as we invest in advanced high-fidelity simulation equipment and facility upgrades.鈥�
Building on the university鈥檚 existing simulation-based learning experiences, these enhancements will expand experiential learning opportunities and ensure students train using technology that reflects today鈥檚 evolving healthcare environments.
鈥淲ith this support, 乐播传媒 will be able to expand training capacity, modernize our learning environments, and better prepare nurses to serve the communities where they are needed most,鈥� said Dr. Mary Hanks, Dean of the College of Nursing. 鈥淐linical experience is a critical component of nursing education. Through simulation technology, we can provide additional hands-on experiences for our students with faculty members by their side to guide them and make the most of those teachable moments in a controlled environment.鈥�
University leaders note that the project will significantly impact the state by helping retain licensed nurses in Alabama and addressing the ongoing nursing shortage.
