Ruskin, Florida Campus

The Florida site is an innovative response to the increasing demand for high-quality graduate education in disciplines that serve the rapidly expanding health care sector of the Florida economy. The additional site increases the opportunity for Gannon University students, prospective students and faculty to help meet the need for health professionals in a state where the population of both older persons and school-age persons is growing. The west coast of Florida had the optimal balance of growing population of college-age students, a growing need for health care professionals combined with a limited number of graduate health care professional programs and an extremely welcoming community.

The site was also chosen for its congruence with Gannon University’s Mission and Catholic Identity. The University found open and eager partners within the Ruskin community, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg and at potential sites for clinical and field placements.

Our high quality graduate programs can be offered effectively at the new site and can contribute to growth, both in Ruskin and on the flagship Erie campus. Indeed, the integration of additional sites and the synergies they will generate are vital to the continued momentum and success of Gannon University.

Facilities and Equipment

Two buildings, totaling more than 100,000 square feet of space, comprise the Ruskin campus. Both buildings provide a contemporary space for learning, including classrooms, laboratory spaces, study and research spaces, and student gathering areas for collaborative exchange. Specialized features of these areas include a laboratory designed with a kitchen and bathroom set-up for practicing activities of daily living, a laboratory space equipped with diagnostic equipment consistent with a medical practice, a laboratory space designated for learning and practicing application of treatments for musculoskeletal problems, and a dual functioning clinic/lab space for speech language pathology assessment and treatment. All classrooms provide podium driven technology, with one classroom designed and equipped for delivery of content synchronously between the Erie and Ruskin campuses. Faculty offices and conference rooms are readily accessible to the students.

Each academic program has new diagnostic, assessment and treatment equipment which is consistent with the respective profession and diverse to simulate the various settings encountered by these health professions. Students and faculty have access to a mini-café, fitness area, and wi-fi on the campus.