Employ Florida Banner Centers

In 2007, Florida gained a valuable tool in its ongoing efforts to meet state demand for allied health and nursing professionals: the Employ Florida Banner Center for Health Sciences. Based at Valencia Community College (VCC), a leader in high-skill, high-wage health sciences training, the Banner Center seeks to expand training opportunities for entry-level and experienced health care workers.

The Banner Center for Health Sciences’ mission is to impact Florida's economy by collaboratively engaging industry, education, workforce and economic development in a creative and innovative environment to address the current and future workforce needs in the health care industry.

Over the next 10 years, every health care profession in Florida is projected to increase at an annual rate of 3.5 percent. As life expectancy increases, the demand for these jobs is expected to increase exponentially. The Banner Center not only represents a significant step forward in Florida’s efforts to meet Central Florida’s current and future regional demand for more skilled health care professionals, but also positions the Banner Center to take on a greater leadership role in tackling the statewide personnel shortage in the allied health and nursing fields.

Banner Center for Health Sciences partners and advisory council members include:

Since its inception, the Banner Center counts among its achievements: the creation of its statewide advisory council comprised of representatives from industry, education, workforce and economic development; hosting the 2008 Florida Summit on Health Sciences, which focused on “Collaboration Across Professions,” and expanded the Banner Center’s focus from nursing only to all areas of allied health; hosting a statewide Boot Camp/Workshop on simulation training; conducting needs assessments in the areas
of radiography, dental hygiene and simulation; developing curricula in health information management and paramedic certification; finalizing linkage agreements for statewide expansion of program delivery; and creating a strategic plan for Banner Center sustainability.

On the Banner Center’s horizon are a number of goals, including continuing and  expanding industry involvement; expanding alternative delivery of course offerings including developing programs that provide training for persons seeking advanced-level occupations; exploring the expansion of existing and creating new articulation  partnerships between secondary, two-year, and four-year degree granting institutions; and increasing the statewide awareness of the Banner Center and its programs/course offerings.

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An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this web site may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.