U North Florida Gets $6 million to Start Setting up "MedNexus"

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 07/08/20

The University of North Florida has received $6 million in the latest state budget to build what the university has named the UNF MedNexus. The intent is to create an operation that connects regional healthcare providers with university students, faculty and researchers.

According to the university, healthcare jobs are expected to account for nearly a quarter of the state's growth between 2016 and 2024, with an estimated 200,000 new jobs to be created over that period.

The project will be partnering with numerous healthcare providers as well as area colleges. The program will also bring in local schools to co-develop career pathways for students that take them from high school through to job placement.

As the operation grows, the institution said it also expected to work with other institutions, including universities in the State University System of Florida.

As part of initiative, the university will build a healthcare simulation lab and a medical technology innovation lab. The medical technology lab will house Shimadzu molecular analyzers, which will be used by research hospitals in the state as they develop hyper-early diagnostics for diseases such as cancers and neurological disorders.

MedNexus will also extend the university's nursing programs and set up a second simulation lab in Palm Coast. The first cohort are expected to begin taking classes at that location in January 2021.

"UNF MedNexus will become a leader and catalyst in preparing high quality healthcare professionals in Northeast Florida in a way that is innovative and uniquely UNF," said UNF President David Szymanski, in a statement. "We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Governor DeSantis, the Florida State Legislature, state leadership and all of our partners for their support of MedNexus."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Nonprofit Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), according to a news release. CLIMB’s ultimate purpose is to help higher-education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes by providing tools, frameworks, and support.

  • Ancient Resilience: How Indigenous Intelligence Shapes the 4Roots Education Building

    As climate change intensifies, educational spaces must evolve beyond basic sustainability toward true resilience – we must design environments that can adapt, respond, and thrive amid shifting, and intensifying, climate hazards. Drawing on indigenous wisdom and nature-based strategies, integrating resilient design offers a path to create learning environments that are not only functional but deeply in tune with their natural surroundings.

  • Agualta STEAM Engine

    Outdoor Learning Spaces and Biophilic Design Create Community in East Los Angeles

    Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School's Agualta STEAM Engine blends education, community, and nature through its adaptable design.

  • Florida Elementary School to Undergo $47M Reconstruction

    The School District of Osceola County in Kissimmee, Fla., recently announced a partnership with construction firm Skanska to reconstruct Reedy Creek Elementary School, according to a news release. The $47-million project will involve the new construction of a 96,000-square-foot academic center, renovating the remaining facilities, a full-site redevelopment, and demolishing portions of the existing school.

Digital Edition