South College Orlando expands to accommodate student growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2026
South College Orlando is celebrating the completion of a campus expansion, adding more than 25,000 square feet to its footprint to enhance instructional facilities and accommodate a growing student body and catalog of programs. The extra space will prove vital as the second cohort of 100 students begins the Master of Health Science Physician Assistant (PA) program this fall.
“We are fortunate to offer higher education that provides a professional path forward in some of the most in-demand fields in healthcare,” said Dr. Melissa McMahon, president of South College Orlando. “The buildout of additional square footage creates more space for hands-on instruction for students as well as more room for faculty and staff.”
McMahon indicated the buildout added space for the growing PA program with offices for eight new faculty and staff. The expansion also provides additional lab space and 10 new hospital beds for students to practice and demonstrate patient care. First opened in November 2021, the Orlando campus now includes more than 65,000 square feet dedicated to both didactic and interactive hands-on instruction, including modern labs, classrooms and equipment.
“Our goal is to provide quality instruction and to support our students throughout their educational journey, from the moment they walk in until they begin their professional career and beyond,” McMahon said. “We also pride ourselves on our service to local employers, helping to connect them with highly trained healthcare professionals.”
Launched in 2025, the PA program is designed to help students build a solid foundation in patient assessment, clinical patient care, and the medical, behavioral and social sciences. It includes classroom training, hands-on labs/simulation and clinical experiences in a variety of patient settings.
South College has experienced unprecedented growth, not only in Orlando, but across the country. The institution recently opened new campuses in Dallas, Texas, and Marietta, Georgia, and added a new building and expanded dental clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, to help meet increasing needs.
South College Orlando, which opened in November 2021, is located at 6649 Westwood Blvd., Suite 100. It offers healthcare-related certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs in areas such as Health Science, Imaging Science, Medical Assisting, Physician Assistant Studies, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology.
Learn more about South College Orlando from students and administrators on Episode 17 of the “Live From South College” Podcast – LIVE from Orlando!
For more information about South College Orlando visit south.edu/orlando.
South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE.
About South College
South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.