California Board approves nursing program enrollment increases for Citrus College and Simpson University

The Board of Registered Nursing's Education-Licensing Committee convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss significant enrollment increases for nursing programs across California, with a focus on addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

Citrus College made a notable request to double its enrollment from 30 to 120 students annually, proposing to add a second cohort of 60 students twice a year. The committee expressed support, highlighting the area's capacity to accommodate this increase without displacing existing students. Public comments reinforced this sentiment, with local healthcare representatives affirming their ability to provide clinical placements for the additional students.

Simpson University also sought to increase its enrollment from 54 to 90 students annually, with committee members praising the program's impressive 100% NCLEX pass rate. The committee unanimously supported this request, recognizing the need for more nursing graduates in the region.

In a separate discussion, Gurnick Medical Arts Academy requested approval for a secondary campus in San Jose, adjusting its enrollment pattern to accommodate 56 students starting in September 2025. The committee noted the importance of ensuring that clinical placements would not be impacted by this change.

The meeting concluded with a request from California Nurses Educational Institute for a new prelicensure nursing program in Rancho Mirage, which aims to enroll 90 students annually. Concerns were raised about potential displacement of students from other programs, particularly in light of the competitive nature of clinical placements in the region.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored a proactive approach to expanding nursing education in California, aiming to meet the increasing healthcare demands while carefully considering the implications for existing programs and clinical placements. The board is expected to vote on these recommendations in the upcoming meetings, with a clear focus on enhancing nursing education and workforce readiness across the state.