A new academic year brings UCLA Nursing’s largest transfer student class ever

With a new academic year officially underway, the UCLA School of Nursing welcomed more than 200 new nursing students to campus, along with its largest transfer class ever. 

The School of Nursing more than doubled its transfer student scholars this quarter, thanks to renewed support from the UC-system and a grant funded by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. The Song-Brown grant, awarded to Associate Dean & principal investigator Robert Lucero, Ph.D., MPH, RN, FAAN, aims to increase the number of diverse students receiving quality higher education and skills training to address unmet need throughout California. 

“We are constantly looking for ways to serve more students at UCLA Nursing, so we are thrilled to welcome our transfer student scholars and continue to recruit a diverse student body and enhance the nursing health profession workforce.” said Liz Yzquierdo, MPH, Ed.D., UCLA Nursing’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs. “Our students come from all walks of life, but what connects them is a passion for helping others. That is what guided them to UCLA Nursing.” 

The School of Nursing welcomed 64 new undergraduate students and 179 new graduate students to campus this academic year (pending official Fall enrollment deadline). Nearly 600 nursing students are currently enrolled. 

Along with students, the School of Nursing also welcomed several new faculty and staff members to support the School’s mission. 

“There is a tremendous need for well-educated nurses in California and the country. UCLA Nursing continues its legacy - innovation, excellence, and leadership - to prepare professional nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, nurse scientists, nurse scholars, and nurse leaders,” said UCLA Nursing Dean Lin Zhan, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. “Our mission is to educate the nurses of the future through high-quality and innovative academic programs, cutting edge scientific inquiries, and engaged community partners from local to global. Together, transforming health care toward achieving health equity for all.”