A large group of nursing students and nursing faculty members pose with SBVC mascot Blue

Alexis Baltazar has been juggling work and being a military spouse with nursing classes — and thanks to San Bernardino Valley College's Loma Linda Concurrent Enrollment Program, she is earning her associate's and bachelor's degrees at the same time. 

The collaboration allows SBVC nursing students to take Loma Linda University School of Nursing classes online in summer. LLU School of Nursing makes the concurrent process seamless, SBVC nursing counselor Nicole Jimenez said, and students enjoy being able to focus on their SBVC courses during fall and spring. 

When the partnership was launched in 2025, 13 students were enrolled. This year, enrollment has tripled to 39. Its success shows "what is possible when we create intentional pathways that support students in reaching their educational and career goals," said SBVC Dean of Science Lorrie Burnham. 

Baltazar would like to work in oncology and get a graduate degree, and has found she is now more disciplined with her time and more confident in herself as a nursing student. "This creates a great balance and makes working toward my BSN alongside my ADN feel much more manageable and less overwhelming," she said. 

Crystal Asencio, who wants to apply to a nurse practitioner or physician assistant program, has also had an "amazing" experience. "My professors always get back to me when I email in a timely manner," she said. "If I don't understand, they are always willing to set up a video office hour meeting to discuss and explain concepts." 

Nancy Brashear, director of the RNBS and concurrent enrollment program at LLU School of Nursing, said the SBVC students are committed to their education and their communities. "Together, we are growing the local nursing workforce, strengthening health care, and better serving patients and families throughout the Inland Empire.”