Doctoral Archives | ��

NCLEX Preparation Tips from WCU Faculty

Courtney Eaves — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:56:31 +0000

Advice from four experienced nursing faculty members on studying smart, building clinical judgment, and walking into exam day with confidence.

Passing the is the last step between nursing school and licensure as a registered nurse, and it’s normal to feel some nerves as that date gets closer. At ��, we want you to walk into your test center feeling ready. That’s why we build NCLEX preparation into our nursing programs from day one.

When you study with us, you’ll have access to resources like NCLEX bootcamps with full-length practice tests, the Virtual-ATI (VATI) guided review, the BoardVitals practice-question bank, no-cost tutoring, and our Green Light readiness checkpoint.

Some of your most valuable resources, though, are the experienced faculty teaching your courses. We asked four WCU nursing instructors how they help students get ready for the exam. Here’s their advice, from building a study plan to steadying your nerves on test day.

Meet Our Faculty

Jun Caluya, DNP, has taught at WCU-Orange County for 13 years. “One of my favorite things about teaching nursing is watching students grow from being unsure and nervous into confident graduate nurses who can think critically, advocate for patients, and make safe clinical decisions,” he says.

Amber Casselberry, MSN Ed, a medical-surgical nursing instructor at WCU-Texas, has been with the university for nearly six years. She loves “helping students break down complex concepts in a way that feels understandable and less intimidating,” often connecting course content to real nursing experiences and relatable examples from everyday life.

Brandy Colletti, DNP, has taught at WCU-Ontario since 2009. “One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching nursing is watching students grow into confident, competent healthcare professionals,” she says, “and celebrating their successes as they achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact on patient care.”

Zarenna Khan, DNP has been at WCU-Los Angeles for six years. “Seeing someone who initially doubts their abilities develop into a safe, competent graduate nurse is incredibly rewarding,” she says. She enjoys helping students connect classroom concepts to real patient care so they feel prepared for both practice and the NCLEX.

Common Misconceptions About the NCLEX

Ask our faculty about the biggest misconception students hold, and a clear theme emerges: many believe the NCLEX is a test of memorization, or that they need to know everything to pass. Khan hears students worry that they “need to know every disease process or every medication.” Casselberry sees the same pattern, noting that students think “they need to know everything.” Colletti points to another version of the myth, that “the NCLEX is designed to make them fail.”

In reality, the exam measures whether you can think and act like a safe, entry-level nurse. Colletti helps students reframe it “as a measure of readiness rather than a barrier,” and Khan encourages them to stop asking “What’s the right answer?” and instead ask, “What’s the safest action for my patient?”

Caluya sums up the shift this way: “I help students reframe the NCLEX as a clinical judgment exam. Once students understand that the NCLEX is about safe decision-making, their studying becomes more focused. Instead of trying to memorize everything, they begin practicing how to prioritize, eliminate unsafe options, and think like a nurse.”

How Soon Should Student Nurses Prepare for the NCLEX?

On this question, our faculty are unanimous: preparation starts on day one. “NCLEX preparation should not start six weeks before graduation,” Caluya says. “It should be built into how students study every course.” Casselberry tells students that “NCLEX preparation starts on day one of nursing school, whether they realize it or not,” because every class, clinical, and simulation builds the clinical judgment a safe entry-level nurse needs. Colletti recommends beginning early, ideally during the Fundamentals course, and Khan agrees that “every lecture, clinical experience, simulation, and exam builds the foundation for success.”

The reason to start early is simple. Last-minute cramming, Caluya explains, “usually leads to stress and surface-level memorization,” while consistent preparation “builds confidence, endurance, and clinical judgment over time.” As he puts it, the goal “is not to study harder at the end, it is to study smarter throughout the program.” Dr. Colletti agrees: “Students who consistently engage with course content and NCLEX-style questions over time tend to perform much better than those who rely on last-minute cramming,” she says.

Building an Effective Study Plan

So, what does studying smarter look like? Here’s a step-by-step approach, drawn from our faculty’s advice, to use throughout your program.

1. Start with the “why.” Before drilling questions, review the core content until you understand the reasoning behind each nursing intervention. Caluya calls the first step of his framework Review, and Colletti points to consistent remediation with NCLEX-style questions as one of the most effective strategies she’s seen.

2. Practice questions regularly, not just before an exam. Both Caluya and Khan build steady, week-over-week question practice into their students’ routines so test-style thinking becomes second nature well before the final term.

3. Slow down and work the question. “Don’t run straight to the answer choices,” Casselberry advises. Instead, ask what’s happening with the client, what information matters, what the priority problem is, and which action keeps the client safest, recognizing the important cues before you ever click an answer.

4. Reflect on the rationales. This is where the real learning happens. When you miss a question, Caluya suggests asking whether you missed it because you didn’t know the content, misread the question, or didn’t prioritize correctly. Khan recommends spending more time reviewing rationales than you spent answering, and Casselberry reminds students they’ll “learn just as much from the incorrect answers as they will from the correct answers.”

5. Explain your thinking out loud. Because the uses case studies and other item types designed to measure clinical judgment, our faculty ask students to talk through their reasoning. Caluya poses questions like “What are you most concerned about? What data supports that concern? What would you do first?” That habit turns practice questions into feedback rather than just a score.

What to Do if You’re Only Six Weeks Out (Or Fewer)

If your exam date is close, our faculty agree on one thing above all: consistency beats cramming. “Six weeks out is not the time to panic or try to relearn everything,” Caluya says. “It is the time to identify priority areas, practice questions consistently, review rationales deeply, and build stamina.” He points students toward high-yield areas such as safety, prioritization, delegation, pharmacology, fundamentals, and clinical judgment.

Casselberry cautions against dramatically increasing your question count just because the date is near, since “more questions do not automatically mean more learning.” Set a realistic daily target, review the rationales for both correct and incorrect answers, and, as Khan reminds students, don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s. Protecting your mental health matters too, because burnout doesn’t help anyone pass the NCLEX.

Managing Test-Day Anxiety

First, know that some nervousness is normal, and it doesn’t mean you aren’t ready. “Stop viewing anxiety as a sign that [you’re] not ready,” Caluya says. “Some nervousness is normal. It means the exam matters.” Khan echoes that reframe: “Anxiety is normal. It means you care. Instead of trying to eliminate it completely, learn to manage it.”

From there, lean on a few practical techniques. Build a calm routine around exam day by sleeping well, eating something light, and arriving early. If you’re feeling anxious during the exam, pause, breathe deeply, and focus on one question at a time.

Casselberry encourages positive self-talk, and Colletti points students to the VATI anxiety-management module and coping strategies practiced throughout the term. Most of all, trust your preparation. By exam day, you’ve completed hundreds of practice questions, clinical experiences, and simulations, so you’re more prepared than you may feel.

How WCU’s Green Light Can Help

Wondering how you’ll know when you’re truly ready? That’s exactly what WCU’s Green Light program is designed to answer. As part of the Virtual-ATI (VATI) guided review, you’ll work through a 12-week review of NCLEX-tested content paired with a dedicated nurse educator, along with access to the BoardVitals adaptive question bank.

At the end of the program, your nurse educator evaluates your readiness and either assigns additional review or gives you the “Green Light,” a signal that you’re prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN with confidence. As Caluya puts it, that structure “gives students a clearer sense of where they are strong and where they still need focused review,” taking much of the guesswork out of when to test.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Above all, our faculty want students to remember that NCLEX preparation is also professional preparation. “The habits they build while studying, critical thinking, reflection, prioritization, and accountability, are the same habits they will use as nurses,” Caluya says. The exam, Khan adds, “is not designed to trick you, it’s designed to determine whether you’re ready to provide safe patient care as a new graduate nurse.”

Passing is an important milestone, but it isn’t the finish line, it’s the beginning. So trust the process, ask for help when you need it, and keep practicing with purpose. If you’re ready to take that first step, explore WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

FAQ

What is the NCLEX-RN?

The (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the exam you must pass to become licensed and practice as a registered nurse in the United States. Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), it uses computer adaptive testing to assess the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment an entry-level nurse needs to provide safe, effective care.

What are Next-Generation NCLEX Questions?

item types were added to the exam in April 2023 to better measure clinical judgment and decision making. They include evolving case studies that present a patient scenario and ask you to recognize cues, analyze information, prioritize concerns, and decide on safe actions, alongside familiar formats like multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply questions.

What resources does WCU provide to help students prepare for the NCLEX-RN?

WCU builds NCLEX preparation into the nursing curriculum from the start. Students have access to NCLEX-style practice questions and remediation, NCLEX bootcamps with full-length practice tests, the Virtual-ATI (VATI) guided review with a dedicated nurse educator, the BoardVitals adaptive question bank, no-cost tutoring, hands-on simulation labs, and the Green Light readiness program.

What is WCU’s Green Light program?

The Green Light program is a readiness checkpoint built into the WCU curriculum. Through the 12-week Virtual-ATI review, a nurse educator helps you strengthen weaker areas and reinforce your strengths, then evaluates your readiness. When you’ve demonstrated the indicators of readiness, you receive the “Green Light” to sit for the NCLEX-RN with confidence.

Where can I learn more about earning a BSN with WCU?

You can explore program details, campus options, and admission requirements on WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program page. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.

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What Is NP School?

Courtney Eaves — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:55:06 +0000

A guide for RNs who want to become nurse practitioners: admission requirements, what to expect in a program, and how to choose the one that fits your goals.

If you are a registered nurse thinking about your next move, you may be asking a simple question: what is NP school? NP school is graduate-level education that prepares registered nurses (RNs) to become nurse practitioners (NPs). At NP school, you build the advanced clinical knowledge, assessment skills, and decision-making ability to take on a larger role in patient care.

More specifically, “NP school” refers to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a nurse practitioner focus. These programs build on the foundation you developed as an RN, adding advanced coursework and supervised clinical hours in a chosen specialty so you graduate ready to diagnose, treat, and manage patients at a higher level.

Deciding to become an NP is a significant step, and it helps to know what lies ahead. This guide covers what NP school is, the steps required to get in, what to expect once you’re enrolled, and how to choose the program that fits your career goals. Wherever you are in your journey, having an overview of the path forward can help clarify what your future could look like.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides care beyond the RN scope of practice. “NP school” refers to the graduate programs that prepare RNs for the APRN role. An NP will have completed an MSN or a DNP degree and obtained board certification in their specialty.

NP education follows a holistic, patient-centered model. Rather than focusing on disease alone, NP programs teach you to consider the whole person, pairing advanced clinical training with the caring, relationship-centered approach that defines nursing.

The scope of practice for NPs depends on the state and setting where they work. Generally, however, NPs can:

Diagnose medical conditions
Develop and manage treatment plans
Order and interpret tests
Prescribe medication

That expanded authority appeals to many RNs, and is a major driver behind enrollments to NP school. To get more insight into how to go from RN to NP, review our guide on how to become a nurse practitioner.

The Path to NP School: Admission Requirements

Getting into NP school starts long before you submit an application. Most programs evaluate candidates based on a specific set of academic and professional qualifications. Here are the essential steps on the road to becoming a nurse practitioner:

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is the typical prerequisite for graduate-level nursing study. It establishes the academic foundation NP programs expect.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and gain licensure. A valid, active RN license is a mandatory requirement for admission to NP school. Passing the NCLEX-RN is how you earn it.
Gain clinical experience. Many programs look for one to two years of hands-on nursing experience, so you enter with real-world clinical judgment.
Complete an MSN or DNP program. Graduate programs include advanced coursework and precepted clinical hours in your specialty.
Pass a national NP certification exam. National certification in your specialty is required before you can be licensed and practice as an NP. Certification exams are offered by several different bodies.
Apply for state certification or licensure. Earning your state APRN certificate or license (the exact credential varies by state) is the final step to practicing as a nurse practitioner.

Programs also set academic standards for admission to ensure students can handle the rigor of graduate-level coursework. At ��, for example, applicants to our MSN nurse practitioner programs are generally expected to have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Inside an NP Program: Curriculum and Specializations

NP programs are built around a dual focus: advanced clinical knowledge and the leadership skills to advocate for patients and improve health care at a systems level. For example, students in our MSN programs complete core coursework designed to deepen their understanding of areas like advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, while also learning to lead teams, use evidence to guide practice, and improve outcomes across a population.

Much of this coursework is delivered online, giving working nurses the flexibility to keep earning while they learn. Hands-on skills are developed differently, through on-site intensives and supervised clinical hours that let you apply what you are learning with real patients.

As a student at WCU, you’ll complete required precepted clinical hours at approved sites, often close to where you live, so you can build experience in your own community. (You’ll also have access to our Clinical Placements team, who can help you navigate the process of finding sites and preceptors.)

Common NP Specializations

One defining feature of NP school is the chance to specialize in a specific patient population. Your specialization shapes most of your coursework, your clinical training, and the patients you will care for. NP specialization tracks offered at WCU include:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Cares for patients of all ages, from infants to older adults, most often in primary care settings.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Focuses on the mental and behavioral health needs of patients across the lifespan.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): Cares for adolescents, adults, and older adults in primary care settings.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): Cares for adults with complex, acute conditions, often in hospital settings.

If you are still weighing your options, comparing NP specializations side by side can help you match your interests and long-term goals to a track

How to Choose the Right NP School

With hundreds of NP programs available, how do you find the one that is right for you? The best fit depends on your goals, your schedule, and your budget. As you compare programs, weigh these key factors:

Accreditation: Look for programmatic accreditation from a recognized body like the . Accreditation signals that a program meets rigorous quality standards, and it can affect your certification eligibility and how employers view your degree. WCU’s nursing programs are CCNE-accredited.
Program pace and flexibility: WCU delivers coursework online with flexible scheduling built around busy lives. You can choose from Accelerated or Working Professional pace options. Our Accelerated Pace MSN nurse practitioner specializations can be completed in as few as 20 months.
Specialization options: Make sure the school offers the specific NP track that aligns with your career goals, whether that is family practice, psychiatric-mental health, or adult-gerontology care.
Clinical placement support: Ask how the school coordinates clinical practicum sites. Strong placement support can save you significant time and stress during your program.
Program cost and financial aid: Compare tuition across programs and ask about financial aid options for those who qualify.
Faculty and support services: Look for experienced faculty and services like tutoring and career guidance that help you succeed. You can see the support built into WCU’s nursing programs on the program page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NP school take?

It depends on the degree and the pace you choose. An MSN typically takes two to three years, though WCU’s accelerated options can be completed in as few as 20 months. A DNP with an NP specialization may take two to four years, depending on whether you’re starting with an MSN and the specialty option.

What degree do you need to get into NP school?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) plus active RN licensure is the standard requirement for NP school. Some schools, including WCU, also offer RN-to-MSN pathways for nurses who hold an associate degree and want to advance to the NP role.

What’s the difference between an MSN and a DNP?

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the traditional pathway to becoming a nurse practitioner. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree that adds a deeper focus on systems leadership, health policy, and evidence-based practice. Both can prepare you for advanced practice, so the right choice depends on your long-term goals. You can also complete a DNP after earning your MSN and becoming certified as an NP—WCU’s DNP, for example, is a post-MSN program.

Taking the Next Step Toward Advanced Practice

NP school opens the door to an advanced practice nursing role with greater responsibility, autonomy, and impact. Choosing the right program comes down to a few key factors: accreditation, flexibility, the specializations offered, and the support you will have along the way.

Learning what NP school involves is the first step toward transforming your career. With the right program and a clear plan, the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner is well within reach.

Ready to take that next step? Explore ��’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and request more information to learn how you can move toward advanced practice nursing.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at �� are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 887-6791
Fax: (202) 887-8476

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Should You Get a DNP in Nursing Leadership? What to Know About This Path

Courtney Eaves — Fri, 15 May 2026 22:15:28 +0000

When you first stepped into a nursing leadership role, a doctoral degree may not have been part of your long-term plan. But if you’ve started thinking about how you can influence strategy or policy decisions at a broader level, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) may be the right next step for your career.

In this article, we’ll explain the importance of leadership in nursing and why a DNP in nursing leadership may be worth it for you.

What’s the Importance of Leadership in Nursing?

In nursing, because it can directly affect the delivery of care. Strong nursing leadership can help improve patient outcomes and give nurses the support they need to do their jobs.

If you’re already working as a nurse leader, you’ve probably seen that good leadership can also have a larger impact. It can influence how care gets delivered across an organization. Leadership in nursing matters at a team level, but it also needs to be present in the executive meetings and boardrooms where policy development and strategic priorities get decided.

4 Reasons to Get a DNP in Nursing Leadership

A Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal nursing degree that focuses on evidence-based practices, quality improvement, and systems leadership, according to the .

If you’re considering a move into executive leadership, here are a few reasons to consider getting a DNP:

Influence Policy Decisions

Some nurse leaders pursue a DNP in leadership because they want to have more influence over policy decisions at a system-wide level. Executive DNP programs often include coursework related to healthcare policy development and implementation. Earning a doctoral degree can be helpful if you want to have a voice in big-picture decisions affecting multiple departments or entire systems.

Lead Change in Healthcare Systems

A DNP in executive leadership may appeal to you if you want to contribute to healthcare systems beyond clinical day-to-day operations. For example, you may want to implement quality initiatives, create new processes, or contribute to strategic decisions about the delivery of care.

Getting a doctorate-level education can help you learn how complex healthcare systems operate, so you can effectively advocate for changes that affect patient care on a wider scale.

Build on Your Leadership Skills

As a nurse leader, you’re already using your leadership skills, such as strategic planning and quality improvement, to make a difference. A DNP in executive leadership can help you build on those skills, so you can focus on making policy-related or organizational change.

In a DNP program, you’ll take advanced coursework designed to help you expand on your leadership skills. ��’s DNP program curriculum includes these classes, among others:

Organizational and systems leadership
Policy development and implementation
Informatics and healthcare technologies
Advanced executive leadership

Part of the program also includes a DNP research project, which you implement at a clinical site in your area. This practical learning experience can help you better understand how to apply your skills across the healthcare system.

Grow Your Career

If you want to grow into leadership roles outside the nursing department, a DNP may be the best fit for your goals. It can help prepare you for the demands of executive leadership roles in healthcare settings, such as these:

Director of nursing
Vice president of nursing
Chief nursing officer
Clinical director
Healthcare administrator
Nurse executive

These roles may feel like a natural next step after working in nurse leadership for a while. After advancing in his career to become a clinical manager, WCU alumnus Justin C. planned to earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice, with the goal of becoming a director in healthcare.

“I want to become a chief nursing officer or chief nursing executive,” Justin said. “A CNO is the highest position in an acute care setting for nursing.”

Is a DNP in Executive Leadership the Right Fit for Your Goals?

If you’ve already invested years in your nursing education and training, you may be asking yourself if a DNP is worth it. While it’s not the right fit for everyone, it may be a good option if you want your leadership strengths to extend to organizational strategy, systems improvement, or policy development.

Ask yourself these questions as you consider a DNP program:

Do you want to grow your career beyond department-level leadership?
Do you want to have a larger role in strategic planning and decision-making?
Are you looking to build on the leadership skills you already use as a nurse leader?
Do you want to have a broader impact on policy or quality improvement?
Is now the right time to go back to school while balancing work and other priorities?

Keep in mind that some DNP programs, like the one at ��, include online coursework and flexible learning formats. Depending on the program, you may be able to continue working while you earn your DNP at the same time.

Advance Your Nursing Education at WCU

Executive nursing leadership has the power to improve patient care, support nursing staff, and guide broader healthcare policy. For these reasons and more, many nurse leaders choose to pursue a DNP in executive nursing leadership to keep growing in their careers.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at �� can help prepare you for this next step. In the DNP – Executive Leadership track, you’ll receive training on how to use strategic leadership effectively in healthcare systems. With a flexible online format, you can earn your DNP in approximately 20 months at an Accelerated pace.

Are you ready to explore the next step toward a role in executive nurse leadership? Reach out today to schedule an information session!

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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 PharmD Graduate Overcame Barriers, Looks Ahead to Community Care

�� — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

When Varduhi O. walked across the stage at the Honda Center to receive her doctor of pharmacy degree from ��, the moment marked far more than academic achievement. It was the culmination of years of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination.

A New Life and a New Language

Varduhi moved to the United States from Armenia at the age of 23 — without knowing a word of English.

“It’s a really big deal for me and for my family,” she said.

As a first-generation immigrant and now the first in her family to earn a doctoral degree, Varduhi’s success is a powerful example of what’s possible through hard work and grit.

Balancing Pharmacy School and Motherhood

Earning a PharmD is demanding for anyone — but Varduhi did it while raising two young daughters. For her, walking the graduation stage wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a message to her children.

“I want them to see how hard work and commitment will help you and others live in a better way,” she said.

Overcoming Doubt with Support

Varduhi admitted there were moments of self-doubt, especially after giving birth during her second year of pharmacy school.

“I failed my first exam,” she said. “But Dr. Kasan motivated me and reminded me of my strengths. I’m so glad that I never gave up.”

Her story is a reminder of how important mentorship and encouragement are in shaping student success.

Finding Purpose in Community Pharmacy

Today, Varduhi works at a major retail pharmacy, where she finds meaning in daily patient interactions. Though she trained in both hospital and retail settings, she found her passion aligned more with community pharmacy.

“We are very accessible for patients,” she explained. “Even over the phone, they can call us and ask for advice.”

Looking Ahead: Blending Pharmacy with Lifestyle Coaching

Varduhi’s long-term vision is to open a clinic-style pharmacy — one that merges traditional pharmaceutical services with wellness and lifestyle coaching.

“I want to help people live better, healthier lives, not just through medicine, but through education and support.”

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Why One Student Chose WCU’s DPT Program to Follow Her Passion for Helping Others

�� — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

��’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is all about empowering students to make a real impact on people’s lives. For Lilia F., that meant relocating from Northern California to Southern California to join WCU’s Center for Graduate Studies. Drawn by the supportive faculty and welcoming community, she’s found her place here, sharing how WCU has fueled her passion for physical therapy and helped her grow in ways she hadn’t expected.

Personal Inspiration

Lilia’s passion for physical therapy began with a deeply personal experience. Her love for sports and activities made physical therapy an ideal career path.

“What got me into PT was actually seeing my brother go through it when I was younger, and he wasn’t fully able-bodied,” she explained, reflecting on her younger years. “Seeing how the physical therapist kind of engaged him into getting back into activity and helping him get his motivation back… really brought to light at a young age that helping people is what I wanted to do.”

Choosing ��

Lilia’s search for the right DPT program led her to WCU, where she felt a unique connection with the faculty and the student community.

“I knew I wanted to stay in California,” she said. “When I met the professors and interacted with them… they were the ones that really showed the most care to their students.” The compassion and dedication of the faculty have proven invaluable. “I can say most of those professors were the reasons why we continued and didn’t give up.”

Support from Faculty

Throughout her journey, Lilia has felt deeply supported by her professors, who have cultivated an encouraging and understanding environment. She noted one professor’s approach, saying, “He felt the energy that we were feeling in the room. He felt the nerves; he felt the anxiety. And he took the time to speak with us and tell us, you know, ‘Do your best, and that’s all that should matter.’” These reassurances have helped her, and her cohort gain the confidence to succeed.

A Cohort That Feels Like Family

The support within Lilia’s cohort has been just as meaningful. “No matter what, whenever something happened to a student, we backed each other up… we wanted to make sure our class was a family, and we had each other’s backs.” Lilia appreciates her bond with her classmates, who offer support through challenges and share in each other’s triumphs.

White Coat Ceremony: A Symbol of Transition

Recently, Lilia celebrated the White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic milestone for DPT students. “Today we’re doing our white coat ceremony, which signifies the end of our didactics… and now starting in September, we’re out in clinics treating patients.” This transition marks a significant shift from classroom learning to real-world clinical practice.

Preparing for Clinical Rotations

Lilia and her cohort are about to begin their full clinical rotations, where they will apply the skills, they’ve learned. Many will stay in California. However, some will choose to travel out of state. “I’m very excited for the hands-on… I’m ready to work with the patients, building that connection, seeing the results.”

Resources and Lasting Faculty Connections

WCU’s DPT program has equipped students with extensive resources, from faculty guidance to administrative support. Lilia emphasized the faculty’s enduring commitment: “Our professors have been there for us no matter what, and they even state to this day that they’re going to be with us even after. We can call them at any time.”

Advice for Future DPT Students

Lilia’s advice to prospective students is simple: “Do it. It definitely challenges you, but the most important thing that helps me, especially being far away from my family and friends, is to take time for yourself… because without yourself, you’re not going to get through the program. Without a mindset that is positive, you can get lost. Doing stuff that reminded me of who I am and what I love aside from studying… that’s really what helped me.” She believes in prioritizing personal well-being as the foundation for academic success.

Be a Part of the WCU Physical Therapy Community

��’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is more than an academic path; it’s a supportive, inspiring community that fosters the next generation of physical therapists. With dedicated professors, close-knit cohorts, and hands-on clinical experience, WCU’s DPT program prepares students like Lilia to thrive in a meaningful, patient-focused career.

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