Calling the bustling Tampa Bay metropolitan area home, the Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon campus taps into the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, teaching in-demand skills and preparing students for the future. With a metro population of more than three million, Tampa has no shortage of things to do: delicious food, career and educational opportunities, world-class entertainment, and easy access to the Bay.

Heading the Tampa/Brandon campus is Jamie Sperling, a veteran of the higher education industry and Rasmussen University community for over a decade. We spoke with Sperling to learn more about the ins and outs of the campus and surrounding community.

What is the history of the Tampa/Brandon campus?

Rasmussen University is a regionally accredited private college and has been dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through its high-demand and flexible educational programs since 1900. The University is committed to academic innovation and providing the highest standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college education. The University offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degree programs online and across its 23 campuses.

The University has grown substantially over the years from its modest start as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota. The Tampa/Brandon campus is an example of that growth as it opened in 2010 and offers a suite of programs spanning the Schools of Business, Technology, Education, Design, Health Sciences, Justice Studies and Nursing.

This campus is home to a large contingent of Nursing students, with Sperling estimating more than half of all on-campus students being enrolled in a Nursing program. Sperling says the Tampa/Brandon campus has a student population that is diverse, with many transfer students, military veterans and first-time college students.

In 2021, the campus relocated just five miles away to better serve the growing student body. The campus features large, high-tech classrooms, updated labs, a new simulation center and plenty of study space.

Where is the Tampa/Brandon campus located?

The Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon campus is located at 330 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 in Hillsborough County, a short drive from the heart of downtown Tampa. With ample parking, lots of trees and green space surrounding the campus, it’s a serene setting in the middle of a major city.

This convenient location sits just off Interstate 75 and the Brandon Boulevard exit, so getting to and from campus is a breeze. 

“It's a central location that can service students far and wide," Sperling says. 

What programs are offered at the Tampa/Brandon campus?

Students can enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s 40+ online programs through the Tampa/Brandon 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 Tampa/Brandon campus is 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 Tampa/Brandon campus?

The Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon campus is your one-stop shop for support, with study spaces, on-campus tutoring and high-tech computer labs. Stop by to not only see your advisor and chat with friends but also to hit the books and focus in a supportive environment.

The Tampa/Brandon campus also hosts a top-of-the-line Simulation Center and updated labs used for the school of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing programs. These include a labor and delivery room, 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 “control rooms,” where instructors and students can observe.

Tutoring, Career Services, and the Library and Learning Services are offered online and are available to all students. On-campus students will have access to study spaces, a lounge and a wellness room.

How is the Tampa/Brandon campus involved in the local community?

Being in a major metropolitan area doesn’t mean the campus isn’t closely involved with its community. Students and instructors have participated in fundraising efforts and school supply drives in partnership with the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

“As a campus, we often support the initiatives brought to us by faculty, staff and students,” Sperling says. “We want to give back as it is part of the University's mission.” 

The Tampa roots of this campus don’t stop there. Graduates from the Tampa/Brandon campus are frequently employed by the Hospital Corporation of America, Florida Hospital, Pasco County, Moffit Cancer Center and Access Healthcare.

What will you find near the Tampa/Brandon campus?

If you’re a frequent visitor to the campus, it never hurts to know a little more about the businesses in the surrounding area. Here’s a quick sampling of what you’ll find in the area.

Restaurants:

• Olive Garden®
• Cheesecake Factory®
• Bolay

Study spots:

• Dunkin' Donuts®
• Corner Bakery Café
• Starbucks®

Activities:

• iFLY
• Topgolf®
• The Florida Aquarium

Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – Tampa/Brandon campus

Just a few miles from the bay, the Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon campus offers a wide variety of learning options from a spacious, high-quality facility. This fast-growing community needs a strong base of educated and skilled professionals, and Rasmussen University is proud to provide a supportive environment for students to join their ranks.

If you want to learn more about how you might find your fit in this community of learners, check out the Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon Facebook page.

The Cheesecake Factory is a registered trademark of TCF Co.
Dunkin’ Donuts is a registered trademark of Dunkin’ Donuts USA, Inc.
Olive Garden is a registered trademark of Darden Concepts, Inc.
Starbucks is a registered trademark of Starbucks, Inc.
Topgolf is a registered trademark of Topgolf International, Inc.