South Florida State College Campuses

The Avon Park Campus, the flagship location of South Florida State College, offers a comprehensive array of programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. As the primary hub, it hosts a wide range of associate degrees, baccalaureate programs, and vocational certificates across various disciplines.

• Associate in Arts (AA) Degree: This foundational program emphasizes general education in humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences, allowing seamless transfer to universities for bachelor's degrees. Courses include English composition, history, psychology, biology, and calculus.
• Associate in Science (AS) Degrees: Specialized tracks in areas like business administration, computer programming, criminal justice, and early childhood education provide hands-on training. Business courses cover accounting principles, marketing strategies, and management fundamentals, while computer programming includes coding in Java, web development, and database management.
• Baccalaureate Degrees: Recently expanded offerings include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management and Cardiopulmonary Sciences, focusing on leadership in emergency services, respiratory therapy techniques, and healthcare administration.
• Health Sciences Programs: Nursing (RN and LPN tracks), dental assisting, medical assisting, and emergency medical technician (EMT) courses feature clinical simulations, anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care protocols.
• Technical and Vocational Certificates: Short-term programs in welding, automotive technology, cosmetology, and HVAC prepare students for immediate employment. Welding covers MIG/TIG techniques, blueprint reading, and safety standards; automotive includes engine diagnostics, electrical systems, and ASE certification prep.
• Arts and Sciences: Fine arts courses in drawing, music theory, and theater production; science labs for chemistry, physics, and environmental studies.

With state-of-the-art facilities including simulation labs, a planetarium, and a performing arts center, the campus supports interdisciplinary learning. Continuing education and workforce development classes address local industry needs in agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. Faculty emphasize critical thinking, technology integration, and community engagement, ensuring graduates are competitive in Florida's job market. The campus also offers dual enrollment for high school students and online/hybrid options for flexibility. Overall, the curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, fostering lifelong learning and career advancement in a supportive environment.

The Hardee Campus serves the rural communities of Hardee County with tailored educational programs that align with agricultural, industrial, and public service needs. It provides accessible associate degrees, certificates, and select baccalaureate pathways, emphasizing practical skills for local employment.

• Associate in Arts (AA) Degree: Core general education courses in liberal arts, including literature, sociology, algebra, and earth science, designed for transfer to upper-division programs.
• Associate in Science (AS) Degrees: Focus on agriculture-related fields like agribusiness management, natural resources conservation, and animal sciences. Courses include crop production techniques, soil science, farm management economics, and veterinary assisting basics. Industrial programs cover manufacturing technology, with training in CNC machining, industrial maintenance, and quality control.
• Baccalaureate Degrees: Limited offerings include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management, with emphases on rural leadership, supply chain logistics, and community development.
• Allied Health Programs: Practical nursing (LPN), phlebotomy, and medical coding certificates feature anatomy, medical terminology, clinical practicums, and HIPAA compliance training.
• Public Safety and Criminal Justice: AS in Criminal Justice Technology includes law enforcement procedures, forensics, corrections, and emergency response simulations. Fire science courses cover firefighting tactics, hazardous materials handling, and incident command systems.
• Vocational Certificates: Welding technology (arc, gas, and plasma cutting), diesel mechanics, and cosmetology provide certification prep. Welding curriculum includes fabrication projects, metallurgy, and OSHA safety; diesel mechanics focus on engine repair, hydraulics, and fleet maintenance for agricultural equipment.
• Business and Computer Courses: Small business entrepreneurship, Microsoft Office suite, cybersecurity basics, and digital literacy for administrative roles.

The campus features modern labs for hands-on agriculture and trades training, partnering with local farms and industries for internships. Continuing education includes ESL, GED preparation, and workforce seminars on sustainable farming and green energy. Programs promote equity and access, with flexible scheduling for working adults and high school students. By integrating regional economic drivers like phosphate mining and citrus production, the curriculum equips students with specialized knowledge, technical proficiency, and soft skills for career success in Hardee County's evolving job landscape.

The Highlands Campus in Sebring caters to the growing population of Highlands County, offering diverse programs in health professions, business, and technology to meet the demands of tourism, retirement communities, and healthcare sectors.

• Associate in Arts (AA) Degree: Broad liberal arts foundation with courses in communications, economics, statistics, and environmental science, facilitating transfers to Florida's state universities.
• Associate in Science (AS) Degrees: Healthcare-focused tracks like registered nursing, radiologic technology, and surgical technology. Nursing includes pathophysiology, pediatric care, and NCLEX prep; radiologic technology covers X-ray positioning, radiation safety, and ARRT certification.
• Baccalaureate Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for RNs seeking advancement, with courses in health assessment, community health nursing, and evidence-based practice. Also, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management for business leaders.
• Business Administration: AS with concentrations in accounting, hospitality management, and office administration. Courses explore financial reporting, customer service, event planning, and QuickBooks proficiency.
• Information Technology: AS in Networking Systems Technology and Cybersecurity, including Cisco networking, ethical hacking, cloud computing, and CompTIA certifications.
• Creative and Performing Arts: Certificates in graphic design, digital media, and music production, utilizing Adobe Suite, audio engineering, and portfolio development.
• Vocational and Technical Programs: HVAC technician, electrical trades, and culinary arts. HVAC covers refrigeration systems, electrical controls, and EPA certification; culinary includes food safety, baking techniques, and restaurant operations.

Equipped with advanced simulation centers for medical training and computer labs for tech programs, the campus emphasizes experiential learning through clinical partnerships with local hospitals and hotels. Dual enrollment, online courses, and adult education support lifelong learners. Workforce development targets high-demand jobs in elder care, eco-tourism, and digital services, with faculty mentoring on resume building and job placement. The curriculum integrates cultural competency and sustainability, preparing students to thrive in Highlands County's dynamic economy while contributing to community well-being.

The Lake Placid Center, a regional extension of South Florida State College, provides targeted educational opportunities for the small community of Lake Placid, focusing on accessible certificates, associate degrees, and continuing education to support local workforce needs in tourism, healthcare, and small business.

• Associate in Arts (AA) Degree: Essential general education classes in English, history, mathematics, and biology, offered in flexible formats for transfer preparation.
• Associate in Science (AS) Degrees: Emphasis on practical fields like business operations and health support. Business AS includes entrepreneurship, retail management, and e-commerce strategies; health programs cover medical assisting, with training in vital signs, administrative procedures, and patient interaction.
• Vocational Certificates: Short-duration programs in phlebotomy, certified nursing assistant (CNA), and office specialist. Phlebotomy features venipuncture techniques, lab safety, and certification exam prep; CNA includes personal care skills, infection control, and long-term care simulations.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Certificates in customer service, event coordination, and food service, tailored to the area's recreational and retirement attractions. Courses cover reservation systems, hospitality ethics, and marketing for local businesses.
• Computer and Digital Skills: Basic IT certificates in Microsoft Office, web design basics, and social media management, enhancing employability in administrative and marketing roles.
• Community Education: Non-credit courses in GED preparation, ESL, and professional development workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and financial literacy.
• Environmental and Outdoor Programs: Introductory certificates in natural resources management, focusing on Florida's ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and sustainable practices relevant to the Caloosahatchee River region.

As a smaller site, the center offers intimate class sizes and evening/weekend options to accommodate working residents. Partnerships with local clinics, ranches, and visitor centers provide real-world experience. The curriculum prioritizes affordability and quick entry into jobs, with emphasis on soft skills like communication and teamwork. By addressing the unique needs of Lake Placid's aging population and outdoor economy, programs foster economic mobility and community vitality, ensuring residents can pursue education without relocating.