$2M grant positions USCA nursing for next era of workforce training

A $2 million state investment is helping the USCA's School of Nursing to expand and modernize how it prepares the next generation of health care professionals.

The grant follows U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s recent efforts to secure nearly $150 million for infrastructure and workforce development projects across South Carolina through the passage of the third Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package.

Dr. Katie Chargualaf, dean for the School of Nursing, says the investment will allow for more realistic hands-on learning experiences for students.

“Upgrading our equipment and modernizing the space in the high-fidelity simulation lab will allow students to learn in environments that closely mirror what they will see in real practice,” Chargualaf said. “These enhancements will allow us to replicate hospital rooms, complex patient conditions, and emergency situations.”

Additionally, funding will assist with audiovisual technology, enhancing students’ ability to record, review and debrief simulations. “Up to 50% of clinical hours may be replaced with simulation, but only with the right infrastructure. These upgrades will help us expand simulation use and grow enrollment,” Chargualaf added.

The grant will also fund classroom renovations, creating more collaborative, comfortable and technology-rich learning environments that support team-based learning.

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, workforce projections show a large portion of the U.S. nursing workforce is approaching retirement age, with 1 million expected to leave the profession by 2030. South Carolina is projected to see a shortage of 7,250 nurses, a 12% deficit in employed registered nurses, making it the eighth-highest projected shortfall in the nation.

“These numbers tell us we must act now, not later,” Chargualaf said. “At the same time, our simulation lab and classrooms need to be updated to meet today’s health care demands. Without modernization of our facilities and technology, we simply cannot increase enrollment, expand clinical training capacity, or continue producing practice ready graduates.”

Graham also touted the need for workforce development to support the state’s growth.

“As one of the fastest growing states in the nation, the future of South Carolina depends on robust infrastructure systems and a well-trained workforce. I am very pleased that this appropriations package fulfills these needs,” Graham said. “By funding important educational initiatives across vocational schools, four-year colleges, and post-secondary university programs, South Carolina companies will have access to a competitive labor force equipped to fill the jobs of the 21st century.”

The new funding aligns with both the School of Nursing and USCA strategic plans.

At the university level, priority one emphasizes experiential learning for all students, which is directly supported by modernized simulation labs and classrooms.

Strategic priority two focuses on meeting regional workforce needs. With nursing identified as a critical shortage area in South Carolina, expanding training capacity allows the program to respond directly to that demand.

Priority four highlights enhancing the campus experience through upgraded facilities and technology. This project advances that goal by creating a more modern and student-centered learning environment.

Lastly, priority five encourages securing external funding to support the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program’s growth. This Congressional directed spending investment provides essential resources beyond what tuition alone can support.

Chargualaf looks forward to sharing news about the timeline for renovations as it is finalized.

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.