A Closer Look at the Rasmussen University – Fort Myers Campus

New to Rasmussen University in Florida? It’s only natural to be curious about your local campus. We spoke with campus director Tom Toner and asked him to highlight the important information every newcomer should know before stepping foot on the Rasmussen University – Fort Myers campus.

“New students notice how so many of our students are connected and work together as a team from their first day through graduation. It really is an environment of encouragement and support from staff, faculty and like-minded students who all want to see you succeed,” Toner says.

But that excellent sense of community isn’t all the campus has to offer. Keep reading to learn more about the student experience and the ins and outs of the Fort Myers campus.

What is the history of Rasmussen University and the Fort Myers 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 in 1900, Rasmussen University has since grown to 23 campuses and has graduated thousands of students across its many programs of study. The University now offers dozens of programs across the Schools of Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology.

As Rasmussen University has continued to grow over the years, the Fort Myers campus was opened in 2008 to provide additional access to education for students in southwest Florida. The campus is one of six in the Sunshine State. The campus started its Nursing program about a year after opening and has since grown to a nursing population of well over 400 students.

“We introduced the Campus Connect classroom a few years ago, which allows students to take residential courses with a live instructor, but also to connect with students at other campuses. It’s a more personal online experience,” Toner says.

Where is the Fort Myers campus located?

The campus is located in a multi-tenant building within The Forum, a corporate retail and residential area in Lee County. We are easy to access from the intersection of Interstate 75 and Colonial Boulevard. The campus sits about 1.5 miles from the big retail shops, including Target, The Home Depot, Staples, Bed Bath & Beyond and a plethora of food options.

The first and third floors of the three-story building belong to the campus, which offers easy access to plenty of free parking for students, faculty and staff. We are only a few short miles from downtown Fort Myers, so there is no shortage of things to do and see in the area.

“The first thing we hear from students is that the campus feels clean and comfortable,” Toner says. With several residential programs offered at the campus, you can’t miss the many Health Sciences and Nursing students walking around when you enter the building. Toner adds that the student population on campus is highly focused and motivated to further their education while balancing their other responsibilities.

“Many of our students are working adults with full lives who are dedicated and driven to improving their lives and their professional careers,” Toner says.

Southwest Florida is a growing area attracting both new residents and retirees, including those who are continuing in the workforce. The campus is conveniently located within a five-county radius, giving many people access to easily travel to campus for their programs.

What programs are offered at the Fort Myers campus?

The Fort Myers campus offers the following on-campus programs within the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing:

School of Health Sciences

• Medical Assisting Diploma: The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the Fort Myers campus in Florida is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).¹

School of Nursing

• Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN)
• Professional Nursing Associate’s (ADN): The Rasmussen University Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program in Fort Myers, Florida is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).²
  • Professional Nursing Mobility Bridge Entrance Option (post-licensure LPN to ADN program)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).³
  • A-BSN Standard Entrance Option
  • A-BSN Second Degree Entrance Option
  • RN to BSN Entrance Option; the Rasmussen University online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Entrance Option is offered fully online.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).³

Students can also enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s online programs through the Fort Myers campus and have access to on-campus support.

What resources and support services are offered at the Fort Myers campus?

The Fort Myers campus has ample space between both floors of the campus for students to utilize for studying, collaborating and socializing. You’ll find the Student Commons on the first floor and a Learning Commons on the third floor, equipped with computers for student use. The campus has open work spaces with computers, as well as quiet work spaces for those who really need to focus on their work. Additionally, the third floor features a separate office area designated for quiet space and a student lounge with casual seating and vending. Whether you need a quiet hour or space to collaborate with your classmates, the campus has plenty of room for everyone to settle in and get to work.

Additionally, the campus has four computer labs on campus that are used for testing, classes and other services. The campus also has labs for Health Sciences and Nursing for students to put their skills to practice. For Nursing students, the new high-fidelity simulation labs accommodate up to four working groups at a time and allow students to learn and make decisions in real-world scenarios through simulations. The Medical Assisting lab is very spacious and features equipment specific to the MA program. Additionally, the campus has an Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) lab as well as a smaller skills lab used by the Nursing program.

Additional tutoring support, Career Services and Library and Learning Services are offered online and are available to all students.

“We have very dedicated, helpful and accessible faculty and staff. When students interact with faculty and staff, they see the obvious concern for student success that is expressed by everyone,” Toner says. “Our faculty is truly connected to the student and invested in student success.”

How is the Fort Myers campus involved in the local community?

Rasmussen University is dedicated to global enrichment and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse communities. The staff and faculty of the Fort Myers campus support this greater mission by volunteering with community partners on an ongoing basis. One of the major connections to the greater community is the campus’ relationship with The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, a nonprofit, charitable education foundation dedicated to enhancing and enriching the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators. Staff works closely with the organization in supporting K–12 students and preparing them for college. They also spend time volunteering with organizations, including The Salvation Army and the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

On top of the community work the campus does, the campus’ students demonstrate a strong focus on volunteerism as well. The Rasmussen University – Fort Myers Student Nurses Association encourages its members to volunteer within the community, including its ongoing relationship with PACE Center for Girls, an organization providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

“I’ve been with Rasmussen University for over eight years, and it’s the students who keep me here,” says Toner. “Watching them go through the transition from the very beginning through graduation and seeing their success is inspiring.”

Quick facts about the Fort Myers campus:

• Need a quick bite? Check out some of these spots nearby:
  • Ford’s Garage has your fix for burgers, comfort food and desserts, and is just six miles west of campus.
  • Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza is a popular spot in the Fort Myers downtown area.
  • For sports and barbeque, check out The Lodge
  • Looking for more? Subway, Five Guys, Buffalo Wild Wings, Maverick Grille, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, 3 Pepper Burrito Co. and Firehouse Subs are all within two miles from campus.
• Looking for a new study spot or need a study break? Here are some favorites:
  • Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts are go-to spots for our students. There are several other coffee shops in the downtown area, like Java House Coffee, Green Cup Cafe, Bennett’s Fresh Roast, Rebel Coffee Roastery & Tea Lounge, Grind Coffee House & Roaster and more.
  • Lakes Park is a 30-minute drive southwest of campus and is perfect for studying by the water or just taking a break from your studies.
  • Take a break and head a few miles west to the riverfront to take in some fresh air and clear your mind.

Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – Fort Myers campus

At the Rasmussen University – Fort Myers Campus, students are first. “Students tell us they feel much support throughout the entire process,” says Toner. “They have a support system of faculty and staff, as well as their peers, to help them succeed.”

Staff and faculty are proud to provide a supportive environment to help students reach their education and professional goals.

If you want to learn more about how you might find your fit in this community of learners, check out the Rasmussen University – Fort Myers campus Facebook page.

¹ The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the Fort Myers campus in Florida is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-291-7550
² The associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the Fort Myers campus, located in Fort Myers, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding these programs at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
³ The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs at Rasmussen University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791