LOS ANGELES and BRIDGEPORT, Conn., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Florence Education (“Florence”), a public benefit corporation dedicated to solving the global nursing shortage through innovative healthcare education, today announced plans to acquire Paier College, a private institution founded in 1946, based in Bridgeport, CT, specializing in art, design, and applied sciences.
Pending regulatory approval, the institution will be renamed Florence University, introducing new nursing and healthcare programs, including apprenticeship pathways to Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and upskilling initiatives for current nurses. The acquisition is expected to close in Q2 2025, subject to approval from the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
By combining Paier’s distinguished academic heritage with Florence’s innovative education and technology platform, Florence University will provide returning art students with a seamless path to degree completion and expand opportunities for new learners in the U.S. and internationally, including in Asia and Africa.
“We’re excited to bring Paier College into the Florence family,” said Dante Mitchell Tolbert, MPH, MHA, FACHE, CEO & Co-founder of Florence. “Florence University will honor Paier’s legacy in the arts and applied sciences while expanding nursing and workforce development opportunities to address America’s ongoing nursing shortage.”
Florence Education, co-founded by Dante Tolbert, Jenny Quinn, PhD, APRN, and Kyle Hill (former CEO of HomeHero, a home care startup acquired in 2018 after raising $23 million), specializes in workforce development programs designed to help hospitals and health systems overcome chronic staffing challenges. These initiatives include upskilling current employees, providing apprenticeship pathways toward RN licensure, and enhancing clinical competencies.
Florence Academy, the licensure training division of Florence Education, provides a customized learning experience for domestic and international nurses. It leverages AI-powered tools—including adaptive study plans, real-time progress tracking, and a multilingual chatbot—to effectively prepare nurses for the NCLEX and other exams. Additionally, Florence supports internationally trained nurses with visa sponsorship and pathways to U.S. licensure.
“Florence Education’s holistic approach to workforce development is transforming how healthcare organizations train, retain, and grow their nursing teams,” said Miles Bird, General Partner at StoryHouse Ventures and investor in Florence. “Their comprehensive platform helps health systems meet staffing demands while improving patient care.”
About Florence Education
Florence Education is a global education platform and public benefit corporation tackling the nursing shortage through technology-driven training and advanced nursing education. In partnership with hospitals and academic institutions, it provides career advancement pathways, including licensing prep, apprenticeships, workforce upskilling, advanced degree programs, and international recruitment support. To learn more about its workforce solutions, reach out to partnerships@florenceedu.com.
About Paier College
Established in 1946, Paier College specializes in art, design, business, communications, and coding. Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Paier College has served generations of students in creative and technical industries. Upon completion of the acquisition, Paier College will transition into Florence University, expanding its academic offerings to include nursing and healthcare programs while maintaining its commitment to existing art students.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this press release are forward-looking, reflecting management’s expectations for future performance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including regulatory approvals, economic conditions, and demand for Florence Education’s services. Although not subject to public company reporting requirements, Florence Education disclaims any obligation to update or revise these statements, except as required by law.
Contact
For Florence Education: press@florenceedu.com
For Paier College: +1 203-287-3031 | art@paier.edu
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SOURCE Florence Education
