Bill aims to expand the pool of registered nurses by allowing select community colleges to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

San Mateo, CA –  Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign a new bill into law creating ten baccalaureate nursing programs at community colleges across the state. San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) supports SB 895 by Senator Richard Roth because it would help address California’s nursing shortage.  

“Addressing California’s nursing shortage is not just a priority; it’s a necessity for the health and well-being of our communities. The Governor’s signature on SB 895 would mark a transformative milestone for our community colleges and the students we serve,” said SMCCCD Board of Trustees President John Pimentel.

California is suffering from a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs). In 2018, more than 85% of hospitals in California reported that the demand for RNs was greater than the available supply—a public health crisis that has not improved and has instead been exacerbated by the global pandemic. 

District Chancellor Melissa Moreno notes, “By enabling a bachelor’s degree in nursing, this legislation empowers community colleges to address critical healthcare workforce shortages and provide a direct pathway to advanced education and career opportunities for students. This change enhances healthcare quality in our communities and opens doors to rewarding careers, ultimately driving economic growth and improving lives.” 

Historically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) has been the basic credential requirement for employment as an RN in a healthcare facility, and four-year institutions have traditionally awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, the healthcare workforce requirements are changing, and hospitals increasingly prefer and require a BSN degree. According to a 2021 Health Impact report, 18% of California hospitals surveyed stated that a BSN was required for employment—twice the percentage noted in 2017—and 54.3% of hospitals reported a preference for hiring nurses with BSN degrees. 

SB 895 (Roth) bridges the nursing gap in the State by utilizing existing ADN programs at community colleges to address the lack of capacity in public, four-year nursing schools. With the difference between an ADN and a BSN being only an additional 30 units of upper-division, major coursework, several ADN programs are well positioned to expand their offerings to BSN degrees.  

SB 895 (Roth) establishes a sustainable and cost-neutral path forward for community colleges to meet the community and workforce demand for more nurses. 

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu