Broward technical colleges receive nearly $2.47 million through Florida’s 2026/27 PIPELINE program to strengthen nursing education

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools’ three technical colleges are receiving a major boost for their nursing education programs after being awarded nearly $2.47 million through Florida’s 2026/27 Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education, known as the PIPELINE Program.

Atlantic Technical College, McFatter Technical College and Sheridan Technical College earned the funding based on strong practical nursing program completion numbers and their performance on the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX. The award represents the largest amount provided through the program to a school district’s technical colleges.

The funding comes as nursing education and workforce needs remain a major focus across Florida. By supporting technical colleges that prepare practical nurses, the PIPELINE Program is designed to strengthen opportunities for students while helping meet the demand for trained healthcare workers.

Broward Technical Colleges stood out because of the results achieved by their Licensed Practical Nursing, or LPN, graduates during the 2024/25 academic year.

Atlantic Technical College recorded the strongest results among the three schools. A total of 81 LPN graduates took the NCLEX and achieved a 98.63% pass rate. That figure was well above Florida’s average NCLEX pass rate of 84.9% and the national average of 91.16%. Atlantic also earned more through the PIPELINE program than any other technical college in the state.

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McFatter Technical College also posted a pass rate above both averages. Its 50 LPN graduates achieved a 95.56% NCLEX pass rate, giving the school another strong showing among Florida’s technical nursing programs.

Sheridan Technical College had 79 LPN graduates, with an NCLEX pass rate of 84.85%. While its result was just below the national average, it was essentially in line with Florida’s statewide rate of 84.9%.

Together, the three colleges’ results helped secure the substantial state investment and highlighted the role of Broward’s technical education system in preparing students for healthcare careers.

“Nursing education is a top priority in Broward County and strategic investments from the state, like the PIPELINE program, support the next generation of nurses by expanding opportunities and delivering high-quality educational programs,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn.

School officials also pointed to the work of instructors, staff members, students and healthcare industry partners as a key reason behind the strong results.

“We are immensely proud that the Broward Technical Colleges consistently exceed state and national NCLEX pass rate averages,” said Neeta Rancourt, Director of Atlantic Technical College. “These results are a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and industry partners who work together to prepare highly skilled healthcare professionals for our community and further reinforces our commitment to meeting critical regional and statewide workforce demands.”

The three technical colleges are part of Broward County Public Schools and operate across several locations in South Florida. Atlantic Technical College has campuses in Coconut Creek and Fort Lauderdale, McFatter Technical College is located in Davie, and Sheridan Technical College has locations in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines. Together, the colleges have eight campuses.

Their practical nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN. The programs provide students with career-focused training intended to prepare them for employment in healthcare facilities throughout the region and beyond.

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The nearly $2.47 million award gives Broward’s technical colleges additional support at a time when healthcare employers continue to depend on qualified nursing professionals. The schools’ NCLEX results also provide a measure of how effectively students are being prepared for the licensing process required to enter the practical nursing profession.

Atlantic Technical College’s nearly 99% pass rate was particularly notable, with its graduates recording a result significantly higher than both state and national figures. McFatter also performed strongly, while Sheridan remained close to the state average.

The PIPELINE funding therefore recognizes more than enrollment or program size. The award reflects the outcomes achieved by students after completing their training and taking the professional licensing examination.

For Broward County, the investment represents an opportunity to continue expanding and strengthening technical nursing education. For students, it supports programs that provide a direct path into healthcare careers. And for hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers, the success of these programs can help create a larger pool of trained professionals.

With three technical colleges receiving the largest PIPELINE award of its kind for a Florida school district’s technical colleges, Broward County Public Schools is highlighting the results of its nursing programs while reinforcing its focus on workforce preparation.

The combination of state funding, accredited programs and strong NCLEX performance positions Atlantic, McFatter and Sheridan technical colleges to continue playing an important role in preparing the next generation of practical nurses for Broward County and the wider South Florida healthcare workforce.