San Joaquin Delta College's nursing program has nearly doubled its enrollment, growing from 80 students in 2022 to 150 this semester, as the college ramps up efforts to address the critical shortage of nurses in the region. The expansion comes as nursing students return to campus with access to newly upgraded simulation labs designed to better prepare them for real-world healthcare scenarios.
The enhanced labs, equipped with life-like patient manikins that can take IVs, cough, and even talk, are part of a broader effort to ensure that students gain the practical skills needed to excel in hospital settings. Delta College Superintendent Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson emphasized the importance of these simulations in helping students handle a variety of patient interactions.
"It's extremely important so we can help our students understand the types of interactions they would have with patients," Lawrenson said. "It's a lot different to have somebody who's interacting with you."
These upgrades were made possible by $3.8 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Josh Harder last year. During a recent tour of the renovated classrooms, which included new Smart Boards, hardwood flooring, and medical training equipment, Harder praised the program as a vital resource for the community.
The nursing program's growth aligns with Delta College's goal of training and retaining local healthcare workers through initiatives like the HOPE Program (Helping Our People Elevate). The program, developed by local education and healthcare leaders, aims to meet the region's growing demand for nurses while addressing barriers faced by aspiring nurses.
A study by the Healthforce Center at the University of California, San Francisco, predicts that the San Joaquin Valley will face a shortage of up to 9,944 nurses by 2030, underscoring the urgency of expanding local nursing education.
Delta College's efforts have already seen success, with many graduates choosing to stay and work in the community. Lawrenson expressed excitement about the program's impact, noting that it trains individuals who reflect the local population, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.
As the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office looks to Delta College as a model for nursing program expansion, Harder highlighted the importance of initiatives like HOPE in ensuring quality healthcare for San Joaquin County residents.
"It's going to make sure that the nurse you see at St. Joseph's or San Joaquin General is going to be somebody from Stockton, who was trained in Stockton, and that's going to lead to better healthcare," Harder said.
For more information about applying to Delta College's nursing program, visit their website.
