New Citrus College, APU nursing partnership helps students get ahead

By Anthony Contreras, Ed.D., Citrus College Governing Board Member

This fall, Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University (APU) launched a nursing education partnership that is expanding access to nursing education and making it easier for students to simultaneously earn their associate and bachelor's degrees.

As a result of this partnership, students can concurrently enroll at both Citrus College and APU, allowing them to earn credits at both institutions. After only six semesters of study, Citrus College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students will be able to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from APU.

"We are thrilled that our nursing students are taking advantage of this incredible opportunity," said Dr. Salima Allahbachayo, director of health sciences at Citrus College. "There is a growing demand for nurses with bachelor's degrees, and this partnership will allow our students to become highly employable while saving time and money."

Students who take part in the Citrus College/APU program will have completed the prerequisite courses needed for admission to the Citrus College Nursing program. After being accepted to the joint program, they will concurrently enroll in classes and receive complete student status at both institutions.

Jair Mejia, a Citrus College student and Azusa resident, is one of several students taking advantage of the new partnership.

A first-generation college student and nursing assistant at City of Hope, Mejia said he has enjoyed his educational experience so far and "would not trade it for anything in the world."

For Mejia, the best part of studying to become a nurse is the hands-on clinical experience. In this role, he can interact with patients while also learning from professional nurses.

Mejia first heard about the unique opportunity to earn two degrees during a summer nursing orientation. What appealed to him most, he said, was the ability to take associate and bachelor's courses at the same time.

Earlier this semester, Mejia noticed how the courses at Citrus College and APU complemented one another, especially in pathophysiology, or the study of the changes that accompany a syndrome or disease.

"After taking the pathophysiology course at APU, I felt as though it helped me understand the material we were learning at Citrus College even more," he said.

Looking ahead after graduation, Mejia wants to work as a nurse while also continuing his educational journey.

"I just want to make the biggest impact on people's lives for as long as I can," he said.

As the Azusa area's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am impressed by the incredible work being done to serve our students who have a passion for nursing. Those looking to apply to the Citrus College ADN program can submit their applications between Jan. 27 and March 20, 2025. For more information, visit www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/adn.