Cuesta awarded state grant for nursing program expansion
Grant is intended to address healthcare workforce shortages in California by supporting new approaches to nursing education
– Cuesta College has received a $623,080 grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to expand and enhance its Registered Nursing program. The college’s proposal ranked in the top quartile among submissions and was one of 55 institutions across the state selected to receive funding through the $56.8 million Rebuilding Nursing Infrastructure grant program.
The grant is intended to address healthcare workforce shortages in California by supporting new approaches to nursing education. Cuesta College will use the funding to develop strategic partnerships, strengthen student support systems, and implement immersive learning technologies.
“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for Cuesta College’s Registered Nursing program, particularly in our ability to help Licensed Vocational Nurses achieve their RN degrees in just one year – directly addressing our region’s critical healthcare workforce needs,” said Dr. Jason Curtis, Cuesta College assistant superintendent and vice president of instruction.
“Beyond creating career advancement pathways, this initiative doubles graduates’ earning potential, with salaries typically rising from $65,000 to $125,000 upon completion of RN licensure.”
Cuesta College’s program reported a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for 2023–2024, exceeding state and national averages. The program is recognized for its academic and clinical rigor, student support, and partnerships with healthcare providers.
With the new funding, Cuesta College plans to pursue national accreditation for the nursing program, supporting dual enrollment pathways with California State University Monterey Bay’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The college will also focus on strengthening the pathway from Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse, which attracts a diverse student population.
Additional plans include expanding clinical rotation opportunities across various healthcare settings and integrating immersive learning tools such as educational iPads, digital textbooks in multiple languages, and online multimedia resources. The grant will also support faculty professional development in simulation technology, inclusive teaching, and immersive instruction methods. Student support services will be expanded through increased staffing, improved clinical coordination, and academic remediation.
“The support of the Chancellor’s Office ensures our students not only receive comprehensive academic resources but also gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge, immersive technology that mirrors the advanced systems they’ll encounter in today’s healthcare environments,” said Cuesta College Superintendent and President Dr. Jill Stearns.
Cuesta College will combine the grant with other public and private investments to increase nursing enrollment, improve student retention, and raise completion rates in order to meet workforce demands throughout the Central Coast and beyond.
