A recent grant is helping bridge the gap between associate degree nursing programs at community colleges and their bachelor’s degree equivalents. The grant is part of an initiative to encourage additional nursing education and seamless transitions between community colleges and four-year universities. Fresno City College is one of several community college recipients of grant funds.

In July 2009, the nursing education grants were announced by the Foundation for California Community Colleges with funding provided by a collaboration between Kaiser Permanente Fund for Health Education at the East Bay Community Foundation and the California Institute for Nursing & Health Care (CINHC) and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

“By partnering with four-year universities, community colleges can create pathways for more nurses to continue their education…” – Paul Lanning, president and CEO of the Foundation for California Community Colleges

Fresno City College and West Hills College Coalinga received part of $250,000 in funds to partner with nursing programs at six universities: CSU Fresno, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Stanislaus, Fresno Pacific University, National University, and University of Phoenix.

“California community colleges educate 70 percent of California’s registered nurses. By partnering with four-year universities, community colleges can create pathways for more nurses to continue their education and receive bachelor’s degrees, increasing the quality of healthcare throughout the state,” said Paul Lanning, president and CEO of the Foundation for California Community Colleges. The increased access to additional education will not only improve overall heath care, but is also expected to develop future nursing teachers.

The nursing program at Fresno City College is the largest at any community college in California and the second largest program in the country. It is designed to educate the student at the basic technical level of nursing practice, obtain an Associate of Science degree, and work in a structured health care setting. For additional information on the nursing program at Fresno City College, visit their website.

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