Consultant Backs Proposal To Train Nurses in Mexico
Two nursing schools in Mexico that might contract with California to train nursing students exceed class hour requirements of similar nursing programs at some California community colleges, a state consultant said Friday, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
The proposal under consideration by the agency would send 40 California nursing students to one of the schools for two years, after which they would qualify for the registered nursing license exam in California. Participants in the program would receive the equivalent of an associate's degree.
Jesús Oliva, the state consultant who is helping to develop the training program for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, said the nursing schools in Guadalajara, Mexico, have the same equipment and medicines as similar schools in California.
The proposed program is believed to be the first time that a state has moved to outsource nursing education to another country.
The training program would be available to students who are:
- Bilingual;
- On a waiting list for a California nursing program; and
- Willing to work in a bilingual, underserved community in the state.
Rosario Marin -- secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency, which oversees the nurse licensing board -- said the program will help reduce a shortage of nurses in California while the state works on longer-term solutions, such as opening new nursing schools (Darcé, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/22). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.