MADISON, FL – In rural North Florida, where hospitals are often miles apart and dependable health
care is a lifeline, North Florida College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program
is doing more than producing skilled nurses, it’s creating leaders who return to serve
the very communities and classrooms that shaped them.
Few stories illustrate that full circle impact better than Rebekah Pitts, a graduate
of NFC’s BSN program who now teaches in the College’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
program.
A Journey That Came Full Circle
Pitts earned her Registered Nursing (RN) credential at NFC in 2019 but pressed pause
on her education to focus on her family. Even then, she never let go of her long-term
goal of earning a BSN.
“The BSN was always the goal at minimum,” said Pitts. “I love to learn and I knew I wasn’t finished yet. My RN degree was also achieved
at NFC, so it seemed natural to return. If they had a master’s program, I’d do that
here too.”
When she returned in 2022, the program’s online format provided the flexibility she
needed to juggle family responsibilities and full-time work. Faculty support also
made the transition smoother, with instructors eager to guide her whenever help was
needed.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The BSN program reshaped Pitts’ view of nursing by encouraging her to see beyond individual
tasks to the larger operation of a facility.
“Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our smaller areas that we forget we’re contributing
to the function of an entire facility,” she explained. The leadership component proved especially valuable, giving her the
chance to research and propose solutions to real challenges within her workplace.
That broadened vision quickly led to career advancement. Shortly after graduation,
Pitts accepted a Director of Nursing position at a residential treatment facility.
Not long after, she returned to NFC once again, returning to NFC, this time as a faculty
member.
“Transitioning to teacher has not been without its challenges,” she admitted. “However, the same NFC support I received as a student is still evident now. My
coworkers have been extremely supportive.”
A Program with Proven Success
Pitts’ journey reflects the wider success of NFC’s nursing programs. According to
the Florida Department of Education, the College’s BSN graduates achieve an 83% job
placement rate, with 78% working full time and earning an average annual salary of
$80,413.
These outcomes have earned NFC national recognition. College Factual ranks the College
among the top 10% of nursing programs nationwide (No. 144 of 1,768 schools) and No.
7 in Florida, showing that a rural institution can produce graduates who excel on
both state and national levels.
Closing the Circle
For NFC, Pitts represents more than an individual success story, she embodies the
cycle the College strives for: preparing students for rewarding careers, seeing them
serve their neighbors, and welcoming them back as mentors.
Her path from student to graduate, then Industry leader to teacher is a story of resilience,
dedication and community impact, one that mirrors the mission of North Florida College
itself.
For more information about NFC’s nursing programs, including admission requirements
and application deadlines, visit www.nfc.edu or call 850-973-1662.
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Rebekah Pitts receives the BSN Student Leadership Award in 2022.
Rebekah Pitts receives her nursing pin during the BSN Pinning Ceremony 2022
Rebekah Pitts NFC Faculty Portrait