A Closer Look at the Rasmussen University - Central Pasco Campus

New to Rasmussen University? It’s natural to want the inside scoop on your local campus. We spoke with Central Pasco campus director Daniel Stern and asked him to highlight important information every newcomer needs to know before stepping foot on the Rasmussen University Central Pasco campus.

What is the history of the Central Pasco Campus?

Since 1900, Rasmussen University has been building community through education. From first opening its doors as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota, Rasmussen University has since grown to campuses in several states across the country and has helped thousands of students change their lives through education. The University now offers dozens of programs across the Schools of Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology.

Rasmussen University has maintained a presence in Pasco County since 2007, and the Central Pasco campus provides a new, centralized location for students to call home in Odessa, Florida. This campus is the largest Rasmussen University campus in terms of square footage, with upgraded study spaces, state-of-the-art Nursing and Health Sciences labs, 13 large, high-tech classrooms, a specialized Simulation Center and an outdoor common area.

While all of that is new, the staff and faculty are experienced members hailing from both former campuses in the area. They are excited to welcome all current and new students to the Central Pasco campus. “It doesn’t matter which campus they are from or if they are brand new. They’re a Rasmussen student,” says Stern.

Where is the Central Pasco campus located?

The Central Pasco Rasmussen University Campus is located at 16418 State Road 54, Odessa, Florida, within Pasco county. The campus is very easy to access from Suncoast Parkway. With easy highway access and ample parking—not to mention a Starbucks located just across the parking lot for your caffeine needs—this location should make getting to and from campus a breeze.

What programs are offered at the Central Pasco campus?

Students can enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s more than 40+ online programs through the Central Pasco campus and have access to many residential programs that include a mix of on-campus and online learning as well. Programs are taught by qualified professionals across seven schools of study including Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology.

In addition to the online program offerings, the Central Pasco campus will be a hub for on-campus instruction for several programs within the School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences.

What resources and support services are offered at the Central Pasco campus?

As we mentioned earlier, the Central Pasco campus is the largest in the Rasmussen University family with approximately 45,500 square feet of space—and with that comes plenty of fantastic amenities for students and staff alike. It hosts a top-of-the-line Simulation Center used for the school of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing programs. These include a labor and delivery, an ICU and a medical-surgical simulation room that give students the opportunity to learn in a safely controlled but realistic setting. Attached to these simulation rooms are two “control rooms” where instructors and students can observe the lab work of students. Once a simulation session is over, students and staff can head to one of two debriefing rooms across the hallway to review the experience.

An expanded, modern student lounge provides a perfect study spot for students who need to get out of the house or have some down time between labs. Outdoor common areas are also part of the campus’ design. Two covered outdoor areas will also provide students with potential study space—and fresh air—with some welcome cover from the Florida sun.

And if you need help with something? We’ll have you covered every step of the way. Students at the Central Pasco campus have access to tutors, online technical support, Library and Learning Center resources and Career Services assistance.

How is the Central Pasco Campus involved in the local community?

Though the location of the local Rasmussen University campuses has changed, the Central Pasco campus will continue to be involved in the Pasco county community. Stern says the Central Pasco campus will continue the University’s volunteer efforts with local schools and continue their support for the PACE Center for Girls.

“Having been with Rasmussen for several years now, I can honestly say I love it here. I love the people, the mission of the school—which aligns with my personal beliefs—and its community-oriented and philanthropic roots,” Stern says.

The Central Pasco campus looks to carry on with established strong community partnerships and clinical opportunities with Medical Center of Trinity, HCA Healthcare and Centra Care.

Quick facts about the Central Pasco campus

The Central Pasco campus is located in a quickly growing community in the Tampa area. As Odessa continues to grow, the campus is excited to grow with it. When Rasmussen University students visit the campus, whether for labs, a study session or for a visit with a student advisor, they’ll have options for where they can grab a caffeine boost with a Starbucks across the parking lot and a Dunkin Donuts minutes away. In need of a quick bite? A McDonalds, a Pizza Hut and a Chili’s Bar & Grill location are all in walking distance. Plus, there are plenty of commercial spaces and retail shops in the area if you need to make a quick trip to the store.

Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – Central Pasco campus

The faculty and staff across Rasmussen University campuses are inspired on a daily basis by the students they serve—and that holds true at the Central Pasco campus. Stern has spent years working with Rasmussen University students and knows firsthand how positive and determined they are. He and the rest of the faculty and staff want to welcome all students to the campus.

Want to learn more about how you might fit into this supportive community and keep up with what’s going on? Be sure to follow the Rasmussen University Central Pasco campus Facebook page. If you’re ready to get started at Rasmussen University, request more information to hear more from an admissions advisor.