NUC University—Florida Technical College evolves into Northbridge University
Florida Technical College, later known as NUC University, has announced it has rebranded as Northbridge University as part of a multi-state expansion strategy.
Northbridge operates eight campuses across Florida, including in Kissimmee and Orlando, along with 19 campuses in Puerto Rico and three campuses in Oregon through its aviation division, Hillsboro Aero Academy. Degree programs offer emphasis on workforce-aligned education.
As part of this transformation, the university said it will launch more than 30 new academic programs, including bachelor’s and doctoral degrees, with 10 beginning in 2026. These offerings align with labor market demand across technology, health care, business, construction trades and other high-growth fields, including artificial intelligence.
Northbridge University is also developing 20 short-term credential programs to address workforce shortages and accelerate entry into high-demand fields, including construction and health care.
“NUC University—Florida Technical College is a strong, respected institution that has grown significantly since its founding in 1982, both in scale and academic reach,” said Michael Bannett, CEO of Northbridge University. “The transition to Northbridge University reflects that evolution, aligning the institution’s identity with the breadth of its academic offerings, its multi-state presence and its role as a trusted partner in advancing student success and workforce-aligned outcomes.
“Today, we offer academic pathways from certificates to doctoral degrees. Our graduate portfolio continues to grow, while technical and career-focused education remains a core pillar of our academic model, aligned with workforce needs and employer demand.”
Career Offender registry now on FDLE mobile app
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has announced Florida’s Career Offender Registry is now available with enhanced search capabilities on the FDLE Mobile App.
The registry was launched in June 2025 with new neighborhood search features and maps and moved to the mobile app last week.
The public can now search for career offenders by name, region, county, city or address. Neighborhood searches allow users to identify registrants residing within one-quarter mile or up to a five-mile radius of an address. Results are displayed on both an interactive map and in a comprehensive list format.
Florida career offenders are individuals designated by a court as a habitual violent felony offender, violent career criminal, or three-time violent felony offender, who are serving or have been released from sanction in the State of Florida on or after July 1, 2002. The registry now includes more than 20,000 Florida career offenders.
The FDLE Mobile App is free and available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
HCA Florida Osceola Hospital named among nation’s best for 3rd time in 4 years
For the third time in four years, online healthcare consumer assistance site Healthgrades has named HCA Florida Osceola Hospital in Kissimmee among America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2026, the hospital has reported. The list comprises the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance.
Among the accolades in the rankings, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital was recognized as the No. 4 hospital in the state for surgical care, among the top 50 for surgical care and received the Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ for the fifth year in a row and the Stroke Care Excellence Award for the second year in a row.
“As one of the nation’s top-performing hospitals in numerous specialties, we are grateful for Healthgrades’ recognition of our exceptional team’s dedication to providing the highest quality patient care,” said HCA Florida Osceola Hospital CEO David Shimp. “These awards and distinctions further affirm HCA Florida Osceola Hospital’s expertise in saving and improving lives and underscore our hospital’s longstanding commitment to our community.”
To determine America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2026, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide.
