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WCU-Orange County Grad Channeled a Dozen Years of Experience into Dental Hygiene Career

�� — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:00:08 +0000

Life threw its share of challenges along the way, including her mother’s battle with cancer, but recent �� graduate Bianca C. never lost sight of her goal.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she said.

After spending the past 12 years working as a dental assistant while slowly chipping away at her coursework, earning her bachelor of science in dental hygiene from ��-Orange County was the culmination of more than a decade of dedication to the dental field.

Her decision to join West Coast came after encouragement from a WCU graduate she met at a clinic. “There’s no time like now to… finish my degree and do dental hygiene,” she recalled. While she considered other programs, ��’s accelerated format and bachelor’s degree option aligned perfectly with her long-term ambitions.

Bianca praised the program’s hands-on approach, including simulation stations that mimicked real dental hygiene stations. “It was kind of like having our own little practice… we were able to cultivate our own environment in that cohesive unit,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, she embraced WCU’s community service focus. She participated in outreach through the Elimination Foundation, Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveled to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need. “Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community… and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Her advice to future dental hygiene students is straightforward: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.”

Bianca already has a job lined up and plans to expand her career into military service as a dental hygienist in the reserves. Her long-term vision includes earning her RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

“It’s a milestone,” she said. “It took several years to get here, but I’m blessed with this opportunity — and I’m ready for what’s next.”

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WCU MHA Grad Earns Fellowship and Grant to Advance Healthcare Leadership

�� — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:00:14 +0000

For recent �� graduate Max L., the path to healthcare leadership has been anything but linear.

“I have always wanted to do management and then I was originally trying to do physical therapy,” Max explained. “I applied twice, and I didn’t get in both times.”

That redirection led him to ��’s Online Master of Health Administration program, and now he can shape the future of healthcare leadership.

Balancing Full-Time Work and Graduate School

Currently serving as a rehabilitation aide in Roseville, California, Max was recently named the 2024 recipient of the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant. The award provides up to $30,000 for graduate tuition, books, and fees, and secured Max a place in the highly competitive 2025-26 Sutter Health Administrative Fellowship cohort.

“I was able to look up different schools that allowed me to do school and work at the same time, [and be flexible] if I needed to accelerate it or flex it backwards and slow it down. I found this in ��.”

Max began his program in March 2024 while working full-time. The program’s flexibility allowed him to accelerate his studies and stay on track to graduate by June 2025, all while transitioning into new administrative roles at work.

Support from Faculty and a Busy Lifestyle

“I felt like I was able to keep up with the two classes at a time and still work 40 hours a week,” Max said. “At first, I was kind of like, ‘OK, am I going to have to cancel some stuff?’ because I also play on four softball teams and I travel a lot. I went to eight weddings last year and I was able to still get all the stuff done. It was a good experience to be continuously busy. I’ve always been super busy, and so I’m grateful that I was able to do that with ��’s online program.”

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant wasn’t just about funding, it was about opportunity.

“The administrative grant and fellowship… you have to be doing an accredited master’s program, you have to be working full-time, it had to be in health administration, a master’s in business or nursing,” Max said. “You had to get letters of recommendation, go through a Zoom interview with executives, and then an in-person interview in Sacramento. It was stressful, but it worked out.”

Preparing for a Healthcare Leadership Role

That process led to a life-changing next step.

“With the administrative fellowship, I get paired with one of the CEOs in the company for a year,” Max said. “I am going to be paired with the CEO of all surgery centers of Northern California for Sutter and work with a couple doctors and be a project manager. It’s a paid fellowship, and then on top of that I won the grant with it, and that covers $30,000 for school.”

Encouragement for Future Graduate Students

Max credits his ability to balance the demands of work, graduate school, and the fellowship process to the support he received from his professors and managers.

“The teachers have been great,” he said. “When I send them messages, they had time to respond and set something up. My jobs have been very flexible with allowing me to do some schoolwork and meetings. They’ve also understood this is a good career opportunity for me to build.”

Looking ahead, Max plans to use the Administrative Fellowship as a launching pad for his healthcare leadership career at his current workplace. For those considering advancing their education while working full-time, Max offers encouragement:

“A lot of people feel that they’re beyond going back to school and their window has sailed. It’s never too late,” Max said. “The thing I would definitely recommend is look at all the options available before just writing yourself off. There’s not one specific path for you to do one thing. And always be open to networking — talking to people about what they do and what you do, because you never know if they could help you.”

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WCU-Texas BSN Graduate Went From Fear to Fulfillment to Find Her Calling

�� — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:00:32 +0000

Savanna S., a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ��-Texas, didn’t just learn how to become a nurse — she discovered how to believe in herself, overcome fear, and thrive in a supportive academic environment.

Choosing a Nursing Career Despite Fear of Failure

Savanna began her nursing journey in January 2023, starting with general education courses before diving into her nursing core curriculum that August. Although passionate about healthcare, she admits the transition was intimidating.

“I think I was nervous because I was afraid to fail, like most students,” she said. “But that’s one of the biggest lessons I learned here — you need to fail so you can learn from those experiences.”

Her story reflects a powerful truth for many nursing students: growth comes not only from success but also from perseverance through setbacks.

Real-World Nursing Training in WCU-Texas Simulation Center

Savanna credits ��-Texas’ simulation center and clinical training resources for helping her develop hands-on skills and clinical confidence.

“The simulation center really makes you feel like you’re taking care of an actual patient,” she said. “It’s the best real-world, hands-on experience you can get.”

In addition to simulation labs, she took full advantage of tutoring services and support from WCU nursing instructors, helping her stay on track throughout the intensive BSN program.

Developing a Passion for Critical Care and Med-Surg Nursing

Through clinical rotations, Savanna discovered a strong interest in critical care nursing and medical-surgical (med-surg) nursing — high-pressure fields that demand quick thinking and compassionate care.

“Yes, it’s scary having a person’s life in your hands,” she said. “But I’m here, and I have the knowledge and information I need to help them.”

Supportive Nursing Cohort Helped Her Succeed

A key part of Savanna’s success came from the support she found within her nursing cohort — a tight-knit group of students who encouraged each other through exams, clinicals, and everyday challenges.

“It’s really important to have that support and be with a group that lifts you up,” she said. “Whether it was failing an exam or something we experienced at clinical — we talked through it and got through it together.”

What’s Next: Graduate Nursing School and CRNA Aspirations

Looking ahead, Savanna plans to continue her education by pursuing a master of science in nursing — with goals of becoming a nurse practitioner or applying to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. She’s even considering returning to �� for graduate school.

“I love this place because they gave me an opportunity and an environment where I could become who I dreamed of being.”

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WCU Dental Hygiene Graduates Offer Advice, Inspiration, and Encouragement

�� — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:00:44 +0000

October marks National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to celebrate the professionals who work tirelessly to promote oral health and preventive care in our communities. At ��-Orange County, two recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program — Bianca C. and Freddy H. — are stepping into this important role with inspiring stories of perseverance, service, and ambition.

For Bianca, crossing the stage at the Honda Center was the culmination of more than a decade of persistence. After spending 12 years working as a dental assistant, she finally realized her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Her journey wasn’t without challenges — including supporting her mother during a battle with cancer — but she never wavered in her commitment.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she reflected.

Encouraged by a WCU graduate she once met in a clinic, Bianca chose �� for its accelerated format and bachelor’s degree pathway, which aligned perfectly with her long-term goals.

Bianca credits WCU’s hands-on learning environment for preparing her to thrive in the field. The simulation stations, she said, felt like running their own small dental practice, while the clinical experience taught her to work with confidence and precision. Beyond the classroom, she also embraced WCU’s focus on giving back, volunteering with the Elimination Foundation, the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveling to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need.

“Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Looking ahead, she is preparing to serve as a dental hygienist in the military reserves while also pursuing long-term goals of earning her RDHAP credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

Like Bianca, Freddy took a unique path into dental hygiene. After six years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the dental field — though the Marine Corps itself doesn’t offer dental or medical programs.

“I always wanted to do the dental field,” Freddy recalled. “We rely on the Navy for that. So either stay in or get out. I decided to get out and pursue my career in the dental field.”

His transition wasn’t immediate, but after completing online courses while overseas and exploring different programs, he eventually enrolled at �� in 2022.

For Freddy, WCU’s accelerated program and direct pathway into the dental hygiene curriculum made all the difference. It was also his first experience with in-person college, and he found himself thriving in the simulation labs and clinical rotations that gave him practical, hands-on skills. As a first-generation college student, he was motivated by the opportunity to make his parents proud.

“That was my motivation — going into college and being the first grad,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, he admitted he wished he had started earlier but takes pride in achieving his bachelor’s degree and opening doors for his future.

Both graduates are quick to encourage others considering the field of dental hygiene. Bianca emphasizes resilience and determination: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.” Freddy agrees, adding that while the program is rigorous, it more than prepares students for the realities of the profession. “They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing,” he said.

As they embark on the next chapters of their careers, Bianca and Freddy embody the spirit of National Dental Hygiene Month — a celebration not just of professional success, but of dedication to service, family, and community. Their stories remind us that behind every bright smile is a dental hygienist whose passion and perseverance make it possible.

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WCU PharmD Grad Reflects on Tight-Knit Community and Career Ahead

�� — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:00:28 +0000

Recent �� doctor of pharmacy graduate Victoria S. had considered nursing at one point — her family has strong ties to ��’s nursing program — but an internship in a Long Beach hospital helped her realize that wasn’t her path.

“I give nurses so much props for what they do, but I enjoy the clinical side of drugs and helping patients manage their medications,” she said.

“I started my pharmacy journey (with a major retail pharmacy chain) as a pharmacy technician, and I currently am still working for them,” she said. “They offered me a position after I graduated. I’m just waiting to take my boards and then I’m going to be a licensed pharmacist.”

It was her family’s experience with WCU that introduced her to the university. The availability of a Doctor of Pharmacy program sealed the deal.

“Because of the connections you have with your faculty… they’re more willing to push you towards your goals,” she said, noting the one-on-one professor time, and even weekend support from faculty.

She also found value in WCU’s peer mentorship system. “You can actually work with the cohort above you and have help from your peers, not just from faculty and student advisers,” she explained. That support — combined with her own perseverance — helped her navigate the program’s challenges.

For new students, Victoria’s advice is simple: Get involved.

“Join as much programs as you can,” she said, naming groups like ACCP, ASHP, CHS, PAA, PHA, and the professional pharmacy fraternity PDC. “It’s a way to connect with your cohorts, students above you, below you, and even alumni… you can be connected with so many people around the U.S.”

She also recommends gaining real-world experience while in school. “Maybe like 8 to 16 hours a week is good enough just for you to be able to apply the knowledge you learn in class to your actual day-to-day at work,” she said.

Victoria admits the journey can feel daunting at first. “It might seem rough in the beginning, but definitely just persevere. You got this,” she said. “Three years — it’s going to fly by, and you’re going to be so excited, you’re going to be here standing right here.”

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WCU BSHA Grad Balanced Family, Work, and School — And Sets Her Sights on Pharmacy School

�� — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:54:10 +0000

For Hilda S., earning her bachelor of science in health administration (BSHA) from �� wasn’t just a steppingstone, it was a major achievement in a life defined by determination and care for others.

“I’ve been a pharmacy tech for about 10 years now,” she said. “I love what I do. I work in a clinic, an oncology center… just trying to provide better patient care if I can in the middle of me trying to get my pharmacy degree.”

Hilda chose WCU for its flexibility, a key factor as she balanced two jobs, parenting, and full-time school.

“For people who have families, who have busy schedules, it’s more convenient,” she said. “You can do it at your pace, and you don’t have to worry about, ‘I have to be in class at this time.’ I enjoyed it.”

Her long-term plan is to enter PharmD school, ideally, at ��.

“That’s the goal,” she said. “It was more initially just to kind of get my degree and then see where I can go from there. But I love pharmacy, and I feel like I can’t leave it.”

Even with years of healthcare experience, the program still brought challenges mostly outside the classroom.

“It was more like my home life,” she said. “Trying to balance my kids, my schoolwork. I was working two jobs, going to school full-time. But the school being online it made it a lot easier.”

Despite never having stepped on a WCU campus, support from the faculty made a lasting impression on Hilda.

“I had a lot of instructors, even though I had never met them in person, they were there when I needed something,” she said. “When I would get overwhelmed and stressed, they were there to ease that stress.”

Her advice to future students is direct.

“Try to do it as early as you can,” she said. “And just find something that you love — because if you don’t love it, then you’re not going to do well in it.”

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‘Let’s Go Help People:’ How a WCU Nurse Saved a Life at Astroworld

�� — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:00:23 +0000

When Sophia S. graduated in 2021, she was ready to begin her nursing career, but less than a month getting her RN license, her training would be put to the test in a way no one could have predicted.

In November 2021, Sophia and her best friend attended the Astroworld music festival in Houston. When a sudden crowd surge turned the event into one of the deadliest concert tragedies in recent history, Sophia’s instincts as a new nurse took over.

“I was there as a fan,” she recalled, “but once I realized what was happening, my brain kind of just went from, ‘OK, I’m good — now let’s go help people.’ I will always put other people’s needs in front of me. It’s just who I am.”

Her courage and quick action that night would later be featured in a released this summer, bringing her story to millions.

Prepared Before She Knew It

But the lessons she learned at ��-Los Angeles were fresh in her mind. Particularly, the lessons from the simulation labs, where students practice making critical decisions under pressure. “The simulation labs really helped me,” she said. “They put you into scenarios where you don’t know what you’re walking into. That prepared me to stay calm and act, even outside the hospital setting.”

When the surge began, Sophia and her friend were pulled apart. Alone but surrounded by panic, she relied on her training.

“I started triaging people in my head,” she said. “You have to decide who needs help first, and who might still have a chance. That’s exactly what we were taught to do.”

One man in particular showed faint signs of life. Sophia focused her efforts on him, performing CPR until medical teams arrived. “That was always a fear in my head, that I was also going to lose this guy,” she said. “But I didn’t. He’s alive, he’s great.”

A Calling That Started Young

Sophia’s instinct to serve others has always been a part of her. “I think I was just born with it,” she said. “Even when I was 8 or 9 years old, I wanted to be a nurse. Helping people is innate for me.”

Choosing WCU was a natural step toward that dream. “I chose �� because of the accelerated BSN program, the supportive faculty, and the commitment to student success. I wanted to be a nurse and start my career as fast as possible. So, what better way than to come to West Coast.”

Finding Her Place in Nursing

After the Astroworld tragedy, Sophia’s perspective on her career shifted. “That night changed me,” she said. “I don’t think I could ever do hospital nursing after what I went through. But I’m still a nurse.”

Instead, she found her calling in public health. “Serving the community brings me happiness,” she explained. “Patients see someone who speaks their language, looks like them, and understands them. That gives them trust. They feel more comfortable around me. Knowing that I’m able to help someone… it brings a lot of inspiration and a lot of hope, and that makes me really happy.”

Today, Sophia continues to serve with compassion, skill, and resilience, making a difference outside of the traditional bedside setting.

Lessons for Future Nurses

Looking back, Sophia reflects on her experience at WCU with gratitude, both for the training that prepared her and for the resilience she discovered in herself. “Although it gets hard, just keep going,” she said to current students. “Your future you will thank you.”

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“Exactly Where I’m Supposed to Be:” BSN Graduate Reflects on Her Journey Through Nursing School at WCU-Miami

�� — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

After years of determination, late nights, and relentless studying, Jordyn S. looked back on her nursing school journey, with pride, perspective, and an unshakable belief that she made the right choice — both in her career path and her school.

“The experience here in Miami has been an absolute roller coaster,” Jordyn said, reflecting on the intensity of nursing school. “By far, nursing school has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, which is expected.”

Despite the challenges, she spoke highly of WCU and how the program shaped her professionally and personally. With clinical training, simulation labs, and academic support, she feels more than prepared to take on the next phase of her nursing career.

“The reason I’m here is because of that,” she stated. “Knowing that I’m going to get to pursue a career doing something that I’m extremely passionate about — that is the thing that reminds me it’s worth it.”

Throughout the ups and downs, the WCU community played a significant role in keeping her grounded. She described moments of doubt and stress but also emphasized the importance of trusting the journey.

“There’s a reason that I woke up one morning and said, ‘I’m going to pack my car up today and move to Miami.’ So I’m glad I did it,” she said. The decision to relocate wasn’t easy, but it was rooted in a desire for change, growth, and opportunity. Miami became more than a backdrop — it became a turning point.

“Moving here meant starting from scratch,” she said. “But WCU made it feel like I belonged. I felt supported, seen, and pushed to become the best version of myself.”

She also emphasized the flexibility and potential a nursing degree provides, especially when paired with the portability of RN licensure. “That’s the great thing about being a nurse — your RN license, you can take it with you anywhere you go. It’s not limited to the state you’re in,” she said. “If you decide to move, you still have a career that can follow you, and I think that is the most amazing part about it.”

It wasn’t just about academics for Jordyn — it was also about mindset. Comparing her timeline with friends who had already launched their careers or started families, she admitted to moments of self — comparison. But she consistently reminded herself of one key truth.

“Where I’m supposed to be is right here right now,” she said. “I have to remind myself that a lot, because that’s the truth.”

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From Badge to Bedside: How WCU-Miami Graduate Found His Calling in Pediatric Nursing

�� — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

After years in law enforcement, Joseph C. made a life-altering decision: to trade his police badge for a stethoscope. Now a proud graduate of ��-Miami and a pediatric oncology nurse at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Joseph’s path to nursing was one shaped by family, purpose, and a relentless drive to help others — especially children.

“All of my family is in nursing,” Joseph stated. “My sister-in-laws, my niece… they actually loved the fact that I was going into it. Kept it in the family.”

While his family supported his career pivot, Joseph’s real inspiration stemmed from a deep personal passion for pediatrics. Though initially unsure if he’d end up in pediatric care, fate steered him back to his original calling. “I’m currently working on hematology oncology for pediatrics,” he said. “Just something about being able to see a child that’s in desperate need… to still be as happy as they are — it’s my drive.”

As a single father, Joseph’s journey took on even greater meaning. “I have a 4-year-old boy. That’s my best friend in the world,” he said. “I did everything that I did just for him. Sacrifices were hard… but it was all worth it.”

For Joseph, nursing is more than just a profession — it’s a means of building a stable life for his son. “It gives us a home, a routine, and a future,” he explained. “I wanted him to see his dad do something that matters. Something that gives back.”

The path wasn’t easy. Joseph openly admitted to struggling with imposter syndrome and doubts throughout nursing school. “Every day,” he recalled. “But something that I learned… the professors really do prepare you. On your low days, they encourage you. On your high days, they challenge you.”

��’s accelerated program and personal attention played a pivotal role in his success. “You’re getting everything you pay for,” he said. “Small class sizes, personal relationships with professors — they all know you by name. That was honestly my favorite part.”

Now, just weeks into his role at his dream hospital, Joseph has no doubts he’s right where he belongs. “It’s cool being part of it — to know that you’re kind of like that glimmer of hope for them,” he said. “Even if it’s bad news, I know that for those 12 hours, I can make that moment better.”

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WCU-Miami BSN Graduate’s Passion Took Her From Lab Coat to Scrubs

�� — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Juleen F. didn’t begin her career in nursing. In fact, she spent a dozen years behind the scenes in healthcare, working as a medical laboratory technician. But it was during one unexpected experience in the field that her path shifted.

“It wasn’t until I started doing bone marrow biopsies at Jackson where I connected more with the patients that I became more in touch with my human side,” Juleen said. “Then I realized, hey, I can do this. I can connect with people.”

With that spark, Juleen enrolled at ��-Miami and began pursuing her nursing degree, a journey she completed in the summer of 2024.

“When I came to West Coast, it was already settled that I wanted to become a nurse,” she said. “What I appreciated was that the anatomy and physiology I took here was specific for nursing. It helped a lot. I’m a new ICU nurse now — all my cranial nerves, I learned them in depth here.”

The nursing-focused curriculum, she said, stood out from her past academic experience. From anatomy to math and even English classes, everything was structured to support future nurses.

“All the classes were structured for nurses,” she said. “The math was based on nursing skills, med math, calculations. The English classes — all the papers were on nursing topics. Even the anatomy and physiology included case studies to help us think critically.”

But beyond the academics, it was the campus culture and community that made the biggest difference.

“What separated it from going to another university was that everybody on campus was a nurse,” she said. “We all looked to each other for support and guidance. That was a big deal for me.”

Balancing school, family, and a full-time job was no easy task. Juleen, a mother of three, said discipline and time management were key to her success.

“If you really want something, you’ll do it,” she said. “You still have to juggle that house life, school life, and work life. But it can be done.”

Despite the challenges, Juleen never wavered in her commitment.

“I was passionate about it,” she said. “Got up every morning, came to classes, didn’t miss a clinical. I wasn’t a magician, but I was juggling a lot.”

Looking back, Juleen called her experience at �� “awesome.”

“Every school has its hiccups, and your experience is what you make it to be,” she said. “I took advantage of every opportunity. I took advantage of my nursing school — nursing school didn’t take advantage of me.”

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