CENTRAL COAST — California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is increasing the size and lowering the cost of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to make a greater impact on the healthcare needs in the Central Coast region.
“Access to healthcare is one of the most important indicators of quality of life,” said CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones. “At CSUMB, we are doing what we can to ensure we have an educational pipeline to service local hospitals and medical clinics, and to teach the next generation of nursing students.”
Those students are badly needed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the RN workforce will grow from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2031, an increase of 195,400 nurses. It also projects 203,200 openings for RNs each year through 2031.
This fall, the BSN program is being moved to a state-funded model to lower the cost of attendance. The shift to a state-funded model will open other avenues of financial aid.
In 2024 a spring admission cycle will begin, allowing more access to a BSN, including for graduating RNs and second-year associate degree nurses continuing their educations.
“Our program aims to recruit those who live in the region and want to serve their communities,” said Alyssa Erikson, chair of the Department of Nursing. “We want to strengthen culturally and linguistically relevant care, especially in the underserved areas of South Monterey County.”
Studies have shown that healthcare facilities with a higher ratio of BSN-trained nurses have better patient outcomes.
Students interested in finding out more about the program can complete an interest form at tinyurl.com/4623m37p.
