Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program.

Assembly Member Soria's proposal to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing pilot program at California community colleges aims to expand nursing education options through select districts statewide. The Chancellor's office would oversee the program, which permits up to 10 community college districts to offer bachelor's degrees in nursing while maintaining their existing associate degree programs.

The selection process prioritizes districts in underserved nursing areas and communities with persistent poverty, with consideration given to geographic distribution across northern, central, and southern California. Participating districts must have nationally accredited nursing programs, though those in candidate status may receive provisional approval - particularly in the Central Valley and Inland Empire. Each district's total enrollment combines associate and bachelor's degree students, with the bachelor's program limited to 25 percent of the approved associate degree class size or 35 students, whichever is greater.

The Legislative Analyst's Office must evaluate the pilot program by July 2033, examining factors including implementation costs, student fees, instruction methods, completion rates, and geographic distribution of participating districts. The evaluation will inform recommendations about continuing or expanding the program, which is set to conclude January 1, 2035. Districts must provide enrollment priority to their associate degree nursing graduates and submit data for the legislative evaluation.