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Board hears regional nursing expansion models and backs investments for ADN-to-BSN pathways
Summary
Board members and public commenters praised nursing expansion efforts, regional partnerships and RNI grant-supported cohorts; presenters said ADN production rose ~16% and urged continued state funding and policy changes to support nursing bachelor's pathways at community colleges.
The Board received a detailed briefing on efforts to expand nursing capacity across community colleges on May 19, 2026, with presentations that highlighted regionally driven partnerships, philanthropic co-investments and state Rebuilding Nursing Infrastructure (RNI) grant support.
Increased capacity and outcomes: Sherri Fortin, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, reported that Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) capacity increased by about 15% over three years with completer increases of roughly 16.5%; reported retention (93%), completion (~90%) and statewide NCLEX pass rates (~91%). She noted that California community colleges educate roughly 70–75% of students entering nursing pathways statewide.
Regional case study — College of the Desert: Val Martinez Garcia described a Coachella Valley partnership that used a healthcare roundtable and private philanthropy to fund an initial expansion of 70 seats and combined that with the state's RNI grant and other public funds to scale cohorts, simulation labs and dual enrollment pathways. Sheila Thornton (OneFuture Coachella Valley) described employer-led co-investment ($3.4M seed fund) to quickly open clinical seats and support hospital workforce needs.
Board and public support: Board members thanked presenters and highlighted the urgency in rural and underserved regions where hospitals rely on community college pipelines and often deploy expensive travel nurses. Public commenters including nursing directors, hospital chief nursing officers and faculty urged approval of RNI Round Two grants, endorsed AB 2301 to authorize BSN programs in community colleges and called for sustained support for clinical placements and faculty pipelines.
Why it matters: Presenters and commenters said expanded ADN and community college BSN pathways increase affordability, keep students in place, and address regional shortages. Hospitals noted reduced reliance on registry/agency nurses would lower local healthcare costs.
Next steps: The Board will consider RNI Round Two funding recommendations and continue to monitor pilot outcomes; supporters urged legislative action on community college BSN authorization and continued state funding for faculty, clinical placements and facilities improvements.
