CalOptima Health has approved a $5 million grant to expand Cal State Fullerton’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
“CalOptima Health recognizes that our mission to serve members begins with having a strong healthcare workforce to deliver quality care,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health.
“The challenge of healthcare worker shortages in Orange County organizations led to CalOptima Health’s remarkable community investment in the $50 million Provider Workforce Development Initiative. Our grants to Cal State Fullerton and other educational institutions will address the problem at its roots by funding training and education for future caregivers for the Medi-Cal population,” he added. “Bridging workforce gaps and building provider diversity is the foundation of health care equity for our members.”
CalOptima’s initiative recognized Cal State Fullerton and the programs of six other educational institutions or groups in the area: UC Irvine, Concordia University, Chapman University, Coast Community College District, Santiago Canyon College and Orange County United Way.
CSUF’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program builds a pathway from an associate degree in nursing to a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is designed to increase the number of nurses entering the workforce and diversify that workforce. CalOptima Health grant strengthens collaboration with Orange County Community College Nursing programs to increase CSUF enrollment for baccalaureate nursing students. The grant funds a stipend for nursing students during their last two semesters of study and requires a commitment to work in Orange County after graduation.
CalOptima’s five-year, $50 million Health Care Provider Workforce Development Initiative is designed to increase access to high-quality, equitable care for members by investing in strategies that aim to fill gaps and shortages in Orange County’s health care workforce Counties. Through a competitive process, grant recipients will receive funds that increase opportunities for education, training and development, recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals needed to serve CalOptima Health’s diverse membership.
“The CalOptima Health grant will support community college nursing students and graduates with critical financial support that will accelerate the attainment of a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Cal State Fullerton and benefit the nursing workforce in Orange County,” said Penny Weissmuller , director of the CSUF School of Breastfeeding.
“The health care system across the country is facing a critical shortage of workers in a variety of specialties,” said Cal State Fullerton President Sylvia Alva. “We are excited to partner with CalOptima and local community colleges to expand our capacity to train more nurses in Orange County. Partnerships and collaborations like this are needed to fully meet the needs of our region.”
In 2019, CSUF approved an agreement with Cal State San Bernardino and Riverside City College that formalized a plan for a dual enrollment cohort program. The plan targeted higher retention and graduation goals by enabling community college students to earn their bachelor’s degrees in the same amount of time as students entering CSU as freshmen — four years.
“CalOptima Health’s grant is an investment in the Titan nurses who will shape the future of health care,” said Kate Bono, interim dean of CSUF’s College of Health and Human Development.
Cal State Fullerton has advanced nursing education in Southern California for nearly 50 years, offering a highly competitive, diverse program from baccalaureate to doctorate in nursing. CSUF’s graduate programs continue to be ranked highest in the nation year after year and offer specializations in leadership education, school nursing, women’s health – midwifery.
About CalOptima Health
A county-managed health system, CalOptima Health provides quality health care for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the worth and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves more than 934,000 members with a network of nearly 10,700 physicians and primary care specialists and 39 emergency and rehabilitation hospitals.
About Cal State Fullerton
The largest CSU university and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers more than 100 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF is distinguished by innovative, high-impact educational practices, including collaborative faculty-student research, study abroad and competitive internships. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a major driver of the region’s workforce and economic development. Visit fullerton.edu.
