Nursing students at Grossmont College will be able to take classes at the El Cajon campus for four years and graduate with a degree from Point Loma Nazarene University under a deal the schools are scheduled to announce Friday morning.
Under the terms of the four-year agreement, students who get their associate degree at Grossmont will be able to complete their bachelor's requirements with an additional 15 months of classes.
A state pilot program that will allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees in certain academic areas does not include nursing, according to the schools.
The program will also help address a need for further education for the region's nurses, school officials said.
Grossmont currently offers a four-semester nursing program that includes related science courses, and practical experience in area hospitals and health agencies. Students who complete the program can transfer to San Diego State University to complete their bachelor's degree.
By comparison, the Point Loma Nazarene University deal will allow the students to finish out their studies at the Grossmont campus.
The position of registered nurse is regularly included in lists of high-demand jobs. According to the Campus Explorer website, around 711,000 registered nurses will be needed over the next decade, with a typical starting salary of more than $64,000.
