The Compton College Nursing Program was recently approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The program had previously operated under the El Camino College Nursing Program, and now will be a separate, on-site independent and accredited program.
For more than 63 years, Compton College has offered a curriculum within it’s comprehensive degree and certificate programs designed to prepare registered nurses to meet the health care needs of the community. For the past 13 years, the program was part of the El Camino College of Nursing Department, a result of a 2006 partnership agreement to provide educational and related support services to Compton Community College District residents, while working toward a fully independent college.
“This is an exciting milestone for the Compton College Nursing Program,” said El Camino College President Dena P. Maloney. “Compton College has a long-standing tradition of educating nurses who in turn serve the health care needs of their community. We’re so proud of this program and the students who dedicate their careers to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Compton College student nurses are supported by counseling, opportunities to further their education, and referrals to jobs in the community. Upon completion of the program, graduates earn an associate degree and are ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN).
After passing the exam, graduates are eligible to seek employment as a registered nurse and work in health care fields such as intensive care, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation, oncology, cardiology, and occupational health. Compton College partners with area hospitals and medical centers for clinical rotations and mentoring.
“There is a growing need to replenish the supply of qualified health care providers required in the workforce,” said Compton College President Keith Curry. “Compton College has strong nursing and biomedical science programs and a new state-of-the-art Allied Health Building complete with a simulation lab. We hope to inspire and educate a new generation of leaders in nursing and other medical professions.”
The nursing program has a 94.73-percent pass rate for the first three quarters on the national licensing examination in 2018-2019, representing the highest score since 2006. The majority of program graduates go on to obtain their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, in addition to obtaining jobs as registered nurses in the area.
Wanda Morris, director of nursing at El Camino College and Compton College, said faculty and staff are dedicated and eagter to help students achieve their goals.
“A sincere thank you to the Compton College faculty who dispense knowledge to our students with compassion, caring and dedication,” Morris said. “As educators, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of the patients placed in the care of our students by empowering them with knowledge.”
