Thank you for taking the time to browse through the PCC Department of Nursing web site. The Department of Nursing was established in 1965 under a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. The first graduating class was in 1967.  The first Director of the Nursing Program was Bonnie Finton, followed by Alberta Dodd.  From 1985 to 2006, Sharon B. Davis, RN, Ph.D. was the Director of Nursing.   Annette Hutcherson, Ed.D., R.N. is presently Director of the Department of Nursing.

The Nursing Program at Polk Community College is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, NLNAC, 61 Broadway, New York, NY, 10006, (212) 363-5555.

The Nursing Program received its initial accreditation by the National League for Nursing in 1985.  Many changes have occurred over the years, but the program continues to maintain high standards for Nursing practice and contributes well-prepared graduates for the community.  PCC Nursing graduates comprise approximately 60% of the Registered Nurses in Polk County. 

Enrollment in the program has increased with 350+ students during any given term.  PCC Nursing  students typically reflect the county population in terms of age and other characteristics, with most students being in the 30+ age group.  Mothers and daughters, sisters (and in a couple of instances, twins!), mothers and sons, brothers, sisters and brothers, cousins, husbands and wives and even one father and daughter pair have enrolled and graduated. We have become a real family tradition!  

PCC is proud to have an active chapter of the Florida Nursing Student Association (FNSA) whose members contribute greatly to the college and to the community.   Be sure to visit the FNSA page to learn more about this pre-professional organization.  

The Nursing faculty, staff and students at Polk Community College, look forward to welcoming you to the program and to helping you reach your goal of becoming a member of the Nursing profession.