73 Nursing Students Graduate From College of the Redwoods, First Dual-Degree Class Among Them

Press release from College of the Redwoods:

College of the Redwoods proudly celebrated the inaugural graduating class of its North Coast Concurrent Enrollment (NCCE) pathway, marking a major milestone for nursing education on the North Coast.

Through a partnership between College of the Redwoods and Cal Poly Humboldt, the program operates as a Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP), providing nursing students with a streamlined and affordable path to earn both an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students complete ADN coursework while simultaneously taking BSN classes in a flexible, primarily online hybrid format. After graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, students can complete their BSN in just one additional year, helping meet the growing demand for highly educated nurses across the North Coast region.

On Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m., a total of 73 CR Registered Nursing graduates were honored during the pinning ceremony, including 61 students from the Eureka campus and 12 from the Del Norte campus. In addition, 11 students graduated through the CEP.

During the ceremony, each graduate was formally “pinned,” typically by a faculty member, mentor, or loved one, with a nursing pin representing College of the Redwoods. The pin is more than decorative; it symbolizes a connection to the history of nursing and reflects values of trust, compassion, and professional responsibility.

“As they enter the workforce, I hope they carry with them empathy, humility, and courage,” said Jessica Howard, Dean of Nursing & Healthcare Pathways. “That they put patients at the center of every decision, advocate for their dignity, collaborate with their teammates, and commit to lifelong learning and self-care so they can sustain the compassionate care they were trained to provide.”

Reflecting on her experience in the program, CEP graduate Julie Kitchens shared, “During my mental health clinical rotations, I experienced firsthand the deep disparities affecting individuals living with mental illness within our county, while also witnessing the remarkable compassion, resilience, and support available to help them heal and feel seen. Knowing that I would one day serve this community and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact further reinforced the importance of my role not only as a nurse, but also as a member of the community itself.”

As healthcare needs continue to grow across the North Coast, programs like the NCCE pathway play a vital role in preparing a skilled, compassionate nursing workforce. These graduates enter the field ready to serve their communities, helping to strengthen regional healthcare systems and expand access to quality care for patients throughout the region.