NUC University Florida Technical College Partners with Guardian Pharmacy to Enhance Healthcare Education Through Equipment Donation

Guardian Pharmacy LogoFTC and NUC Logo

 

 

Guardian Pharmacy, one of the most innovative long-term care pharmacy companies, donates essential medical supplies to the educational institution.

TAMPA, FL — As Florida’s healthcare industry faces increasing demand for skilled professionals, NUC University Florida Technical College (NUC FTC) is reinforcing its commitment in preparing the next generation of healthcare workers. In a strategic partnership with Guardian Pharmacy, a leading long-term care pharmacy provider, NUC FTC received a generous donation of professional-grade medical and pharmaceutical equipment to elevate student training in the college’s Pharmacy Technician and Nursing programs.

The donation includes medical carts, IV bags, and pharmacy punch cards, all of which will be integrated into classroom labs to provide hands-on, experiential learning. This ensures students gain practical experience with the same tools and technologies used in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, effectively bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-world healthcare practice.

Bryon Duque in front of truckFTC Members in PharmacyIV Bag of Sodium ChloridePharmacy Supply Boxes

“Guardian Pharmacy’s support strengthens the healthcare talent pipeline by providing students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Dr. Robert Denk, Operations Manager at Guardian Pharmacy of Tampa. “This collaboration directly translates into workforce readiness and meaningful professional experience.”

Earlier this year, NUC FTC launched its School of Nursing to address Florida’s growing need for qualified nurses and allied health professionals. The addition of Guardian Pharmacy’s equipment complements existing programs in pharmacy and medical assisting, reinforcing NUC FTC’s commitment to career-focused healthcare education that meets the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

“This partnership represents an alignment of values and purpose,” said Yemi Awolola, Executive Director of NUC FTC’s Tampa campus. “By training with professional-grade equipment, our students develop the confidence, skills, and clinical knowledge required to thrive in healthcare careers. It’s an investment in their education—and in the health of our communities.”

FTC and Guardian Team in Office

The donation was accepted by Yemi Awolola, Audrie García González, Regional Career Services Coordinator, and MaryAnn Sewell, Vice President of Strategic Business Development and Career Services at Guardian Pharmacy in St. Petersburg.

“Collaborations like this underscore the importance of academia and industry working hand in hand in shaping the future of healthcare,” added MaryAnn Sewell, NUC FTC VP of Business Development. 

Through strategic partnerships like this, NUC University Florida Technical College continues to reinforce its pivotal role in healthcare workforce development, and community impact—empowering students to pursue meaningful careers that elevate patient care and community well-being across Florida.

About NUC University Florida Technical College

NUC University (NUC) is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. NUC’s NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School), and Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) are included in this accreditation. NUC’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on 2019 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States. 

NUC has four additional academic units: NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School); and Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA). Information about NUC, NUC-IBC, NUC-FTC, The DAVE School, and HAA is available at https://nuc.edu/, http://tecnicos.nuc.edu/, https://ftccollege.edu/, http://dave.nuc.edu, and https://flyhaa.com

NUC FTC offers diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. NUC-FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.

 

About Guardian Pharmacy

Guardian’s tech-enabled pharmacy services simplify the complexities of medication management, improving individual health outcomes, enhancing medication adherence, reducing healthcare costs, and driving value for the communities they serve.

Guardian’s national network of pharmacies offers high-touch, innovative services that benefit residents in complex care settings, such as assisted living, mental and behavioral health, post-acute and long-term care, and hospice, as well as community providers that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through our unique local management business model, each Guardian Pharmacy is empowered to provide an extensive suite of high-touch, personalized, long-term care pharmacy services designed to meet the individual needs of the community.

With a growing network of more than 52 pharmacies nationwide, Guardian is dedicated to providing exceptional service to over 195,000 residents and approximately 7,400 long-term care facilities across 38 states, as of June 30, 2025.

More information about Guardian Pharmacy is available at https://guardianpharmacy.com/about-us/