SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria’s Nursing Education Act has passed the Assembly today. This will help alleviate the critical nursing workforce shortage throughout California.
The Nursing Education Act (AB 1400) would direct the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges (CCC) to establish a pilot program to allow up to 15 community college districts to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
“In order to meet our nursing workforce needs and extend these career opportunities to Californians throughout the state, we must expand the role of our community college system,” said Soria. “AB 1400 will take the first steps in this process by allowing a limited number of campuses to expand their nursing programs to offer Bachelors of Science in nursing degrees. This will expand the access and affordability of these degrees and demonstrate how these offerings might be expanded further to additional community college campuses.”
California’s current healthcare workforce is not equipped to handle the growing nursing needs of the state, especially in disadvantaged communities in more rural parts of the state. While California’s Community College system does offer associates degrees in nursing, the needs of the healthcare workforce more frequently demand a bachelor’s degree.
“This bill addresses and fixes the leak in the nursing education pipeline—keeping talented, committed students on track toward the careers our healthcare system urgently needs,” said Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor for the State Center Community College District. “Community colleges are ready to deliver high-quality, affordable BSN programs that meet the moment. By investing in all our public education systems, including community colleges, we can grow the healthcare workforce California needs, while keeping students local, lowering debt, and improving health outcomes in the communities we serve.”
AB 1400 passed the Assembly with broad bipartisan support today. Stay tuned on our website and social media handles for the most updated information on our current legislation.
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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District, which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.