FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Lisa McPheron
Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
626‐914‐8872
lmcpheron@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College expands nursing program capacity to increase access, meet health care demands
Glendora, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2025) – Citrus College is significantly expanding its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare more graduates for successful health care careers. This growth is in response to increased student demand and will help address the region's critical shortage of skilled medical professionals.
For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated closely with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of the program. Last month, the BRN granted the college its official approval to increase enrollment from 30 to 120 students each year, opening the door for more aspiring nurses to begin their careers.
"Increasing enrollment capacity in our ADN program reflects our commitment to responding to meeting workforce and community needs, as well as our continuing efforts to prepare students for meaningful careers," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Nursing is a profession that demands both skill and compassion, and this expansion ensures that many more Citrus College students will have the knowledge and experience necessary to make a real difference in the lives of patients."
According to Dr. Salima Allahbachayo, director of health sciences at Citrus College, hundreds of students submit applications to the ADN program every year.
"Due to space limitations, we have had to turn away 90% of our qualified applicants," she said. "Expanding the program creates opportunities for more aspiring nurses to enter the field, while also helping our region by graduating a greater number of highly prepared professionals. This is truly a proud moment for Citrus College, our students and the broader community."
Since its founding in 2007, the Citrus College ADN program has consistently met the standards set by the BRN and has maintained full approval throughout its history. The program also boasts outstanding student retention and completion rates. Likewise, Citrus College nursing students continue to achieve exceptional results on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
"We are proud to maintain an average program attrition rate of less than 10%, a program completion rate of 96% and a first-time licensure pass rate of 93% over the past five years," Allahbachayo added.
This record of excellence will continue as the program opens for applications for the spring 2026 semester. Prospective students can apply now through 3 p.m. on Oct. 17. Interested applicants are also encouraged to attend one of two upcoming nursing application Zoom workshops: Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.; or Friday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m.
"We are thrilled to see our college's ADN program grow and provide opportunities for even more students," said Dr. Cheryl Alexander, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "The need for well-trained, compassionate nurses has never been greater, and Citrus College is proud to be part of the solution. The ripple effects of this expansion will be felt in hospitals and communities across the San Gabriel Valley."
For more information about the Citrus College Associate Degree in Nursing program, visit www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/adn or call 626-914-8720.
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