Top Left: FSW Nursing students train in the FSW Simulation Lab.
Top Right: FSW Nursing students celebrate at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
Bottom Left: FSW's Nursing & Allied Health buildings on the Lee Campus in Fort Myers.
Bottom Right: FSW Nursing students train in the FSW Simulation Lab.
FORT MYERS, Fla. - MAY 6, 2026 - On National Nurses Day, the atmosphere at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) felt especially meaningful. The School of Nursing marked a milestone that reflects years of work behind the scenes. The program has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
“Earning ACEN accreditation is a proud and defining moment for our School of Nursing,” said Dr. Susan Holland, dean of the School of Nursing. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, the determination of our students, and our unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education. With accreditation secured through Fall 2033, reaching this milestone on National Nurses Day makes it even more meaningful, as we celebrate not only our program, but the vital role nurses play in our communities.”
The school offers two primary pathways into nursing. The Associate in Science in Nursing program prepares students to take the NCLEX RN licensure exam and begin entry level nursing practice. For registered nurses already working in the field, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program builds on that foundation by expanding leadership skills and advancing clinical expertise. Together, these programs reflect a clear purpose and are designed to prepare nurses who are not only technically skilled but also ready for the complexity, urgency, and humanity of real patient care. “I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone in the School of Nursing, and especially to Dr. Holland for her leadership in achieving this honor,” said FSW President Jeffrey Allbritten. “Her work continues to elevate FSW and strengthen healthcare across our region and beyond.” Students in the School of Nursing do more than study in classrooms. They apply what they learn in real time through immersive training experiences that mirror hospital settings. In FSW’s Center for Healthcare Training and Simulation Excellence, students practice clinical scenarios using advanced simulation technology that helps bridge the gap between theory and patient care. Additionally, FSW's Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies recently introduced its XR Suite, enhancing their training even further through immersive, extended reality simulations designed to replicate real-world clinical and nursing scenarios. For many students, that hands on approach made the program stand out during their search. “I explored several nursing programs, but this one stood out for its affordability and overall value,” said Evan Williams, who is in the Associate in Science in Nursing program. “I really like the program and the people. I moved down here from Indiana and never looked back.” Individual student experiences reflect a program built on strong foundations of quality and accountability, a standard reinforced through ACEN accreditation. The accreditation represents national benchmarks in nursing education and underscores a commitment to continuous improvement. It also highlights the essential role of faculty and staff in guiding students through demanding coursework, clinical training and simulation experiences that build confidence in high-pressure environments. “This distinction reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and underscores our commitment to preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who are ready to serve our community and meet the growing demands of healthcare,” added Allbritten. That commitment is also what the accreditation represents. It is not only recognition of where FSW’s School of Nursing stands today but confidence in where its graduates will lead tomorrow.