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AB 2301

Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Esmeralda Soria

AB 2301 authorizes California community colleges to offer baccalaureate nursing degrees through a pilot program, aiming to expand affordable nursing education access and address workforce shortages.

Referred to Com. on ED.
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Bill Summary · AB 2301

Legislative bill overview

AB 2301 establishes a pilot program allowing California community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in nursing, expanding access to four-year nursing credentials beyond traditional universities. The bill aims to address nursing workforce shortages by leveraging community college infrastructure and student populations, particularly in underserved areas.

Why is this important

California faces a significant nursing shortage, and community colleges serve diverse, often lower-income student populations who may struggle with university costs and barriers. This pilot could create pathways for nursing education that are more geographically accessible and affordable while potentially increasing the state's nursing workforce capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Workforce and accreditation concerns: Questions exist about whether community colleges have adequate resources, faculty credentials, and clinical partnership capacity to deliver quality baccalaureate nursing programs that meet licensure and accreditation standards
  • Cost and institutional impact: Community colleges may need substantial funding for nursing program infrastructure; unclear whether the state will fully fund this expansion or shift costs to institutions
  • Labor market effects: Healthcare workforce stakeholders may debate whether community college graduates will adequately compete with university-trained nurses or whether this dilutes educational quality standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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