Overview of the Proposed Bill to Offer 4year Nursing Degrees at Community Colleges in California
A new bill proposed in the California state Senate would permit community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing[1]. This bill addresses the nursing shortage in the state by expanding access to nursing education and increasing the number of qualified nurses in the workforce[2]. The proposed legislation would authorize the state’s Chancellor of the Community Colleges to select up to 15 districts to offer degrees[3]. This bill would represent a significant change to community college programs in California, as these institutions have traditionally focused on offering two-year associate degrees and vocational training programs[1].
This bill would require community colleges to change their nursing programs significantly if passed. The bill would require a community college with a limited enrollment course or program to provide information on the number of students who have applied to the program, the number of students who have been accepted, and the number of students who have completed the program[4]. The bill would also establish the California Community Colleges Nursing Faculty Recruitment and Retention Program, which would facilitate the recruitment and retention of nursing faculty[5]. Additionally, the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges would be required to develop a bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Pilot Program[6]. Implementing these changes would expand the scope of community college nursing programs in California and potentially increase the number of qualified nurses in the state.