Senator Introduces Bill to Launch Doctor of Nursing Programs at California State University

February 25, 2008

From the CSU Chancellor’s Office

Addressing the growing need for nurses in California, State Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) has introduced Senate Bill 1288. The bill would authorize the California State University to independently award doctor of nursing practice degrees, thereby training nurses for advanced nursing practice and faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs.

California has a critical need for more nurses in its workforce. In September 2007, the California Board of Registered Nursing forecasted that the state faces a registered nurse shortage of up to 59,000 full-time equivalent RNs.  

“This bill, combined with CSU’s ability to design comprehensive curricula in all areas, would enable California to provide students access to affordable, well taught and high-quality nursing programs without requiring them to go out of state or to private institutions,” said Sen. Scott.

SB 1288 also would allow for the training of future CSU, University of California and California Community College faculty, adding significantly to the number of nurses qualified to teach in the state. In 2006, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that 42,866 qualified applicants were turned away from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs due primarily to a lack of nurse educators and scarce funding. The UC supports CSU’s efforts in meeting this need.

Previously, Sen. Scott’s proposed SB 724, which enabled the CSU to launch programs offering the doctor of education.

“Sen. Scott is a visionary for higher education and he continues to author bills that specifically and effectively address the state’s educational needs now and in the future,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “The bill will greatly increase the supply of students enrolled in nursing graduate programs, and the faculty that teach in postsecondary nursing programs. This is critical since we’re expecting a significant number of faculty retirements in nursing programs.”