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From California to New Careers: WCU Students Embrace Leap to Texas and Miami

�� — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Making the decision to move across the country for school isn’t easy — but for three �� nursing students, relocating from California opened doors to opportunity, community, and rewarding careers in healthcare. Their journeys to Texas and Florida show how the right environment can help future nurses thrive.

Courtney’s Journey: From Compton to WCU-Texas

After more than a decade as a licensed vocational nurse, Courtney W. felt called to take the next step in her nursing career. That meant leaving Compton, California, and moving to Texas with her daughter to earn her bachelor of science in nursing at WCU-Texas.

“I gave up everything in California and came to Texas, me and my daughter,” Courtney shared. “The support, the resources, if I was struggling with any type of topic, the teachers were right there ready to help me. I knew why I came to Texas. I came for education.”

Her move paid off. Through clinical experience and dedicated faculty mentorship, Courtney not only completed her degree but also secured a position in a Dallas hospital’s transplant unit residency program.

Esther’s Move: Choosing Texas for a Fresh Start

For Esther N., the decision to relocate from California to Texas came after learning about the benefits of attending WCU out of state.

“I originally heard about �� from California because that’s where I was living previously. And then I decided to move to Texas,” she said. “Overall, I’m just glad that I chose West Coast because the campus is beautiful, the staff is friendly, everybody treats you with love, and I’m glad I was a student of West Coast.”

Esther’s story highlights how relocation can offer not just an education, but also a welcoming environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Jordyn’s Adventure: Driving to WCU-Miami

Not all relocations stop in Texas. Jordyn S. packed her car and drove across the country from California to Miami, ready for a bold change.

“I like change, hence why I packed my car up and moved to Miami from California,” she said. “Knowing that I’m going to get to pursue a career doing something I’m extremely passionate about, that is the thing that reminds me it’s worth it.”

Her advice to other future nurses? “Do it. Take the risk. Totally worth it. You’ll never get to experience and achieve things that are scary if you don’t take a risk.”

Why Relocation Can Transform a Nursing Career

Courtney, Esther, and Jordyn each faced the challenges of leaving home, adjusting to a new city, and committing to the rigorous demands of nursing school. But their stories show that with the right university, relocation can be the first step toward a rewarding career.

Whether it’s WCU-Texas with its close-knit community or WCU-Miami with its vibrant atmosphere, �� campuses provide the resources, mentorship, and clinical opportunities that prepare nursing students to succeed anywhere.

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Finding Your Why: A Nursing Graduate’s Powerful Message from WCU-Ontario

�� — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

��-Ontario’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is more than just a degree — it’s a transformative experience that challenges students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Valerie A., a recent graduate and student speaker at the January 2025 BSN pinning ceremony, captured that transformation with powerful words, reflecting on the courage, commitment, and resilience it takes to become a nurse.

The Shared Struggles of Nursing School

“The exit exam. Uniform checks. Sim lab validations. Clinical judgment plans. Med math. Panel interviews.” Valerie listed off the milestones every nursing student recognizes with a bittersweet mix of anxiety and pride. Her speech reminded fellow graduates that they weren’t alone in those challenges. Whether it was triple-checking assignments in Canvas or silencing phones before exams, these shared experiences forged a unique bond among future nurses.

Every �� BSN student at our university understands the intensity of this journey — but they also understand the reward.

Finding Your “Why” in Nursing

Valerie’s story began in a chaotic emergency room in 2019. Faced with overwhelmed hospitals and patients in crisis, she witnessed firsthand the selfless strength of nurses. That moment inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, leading her to �� in Ontario, California — a decision she says changed the trajectory of her life.

“Remember your why,” she told her fellow graduates. “We’ve been chosen for this honor. It’s our insatiable appetite to help others that has shaped us into the nurses we are today.”

At WCU-Ontario, BSN students are reminded that nursing isn’t just a job — it’s a calling.

A Community of Support

During her time at ��, Valerie not only gained the clinical knowledge needed to care for patients but also built lasting friendships and found a community of support.

“To my son, whom I had while pursuing my nursing education at West Coast, I can’t wait to tell you about the pivotal moment I first wore this uniform,” she shared.

She also thanked her family, friends, professors and seven women of her dedicated cohort who stood by her side every step of the way. That’s the power of the BSN program at WCU: “it equips students with a network of future healthcare leaders, all committed to uplifting one another and delivering compassionate, competent care.”

Preparing Nurses for the Real World

Valerie knows that the next chapter won’t be without its challenges. As she reminded the crowd, new nurses may find themselves holding the hand of a patient in their final moments or helping bring a new life into the world. But the rigorous BSN training at �� ensures that graduates are prepared to meet those moments with skill and heart.

“Our resilience has been challenged, our purpose clarified, and our advocacy expanded,” she said. “We carry compassion in our hearts, and it’s our honor to funnel that kindness into the lives of others.”

Start Your Nursing Journey at ��

Are you ready to turn your passion for helping others into a lifelong career? The BSN program at ��-Ontario offers:

Accelerated learning environments
High-tech simulation labs
Dedicated faculty and support staff
Hands-on clinical experiences
Career services and new grad support

Like Valerie, you can take the first step toward changing lives — including your own.

Learn More About the BSN Program at ��-Ontario

Whether you’re just beginning your nursing journey or ready to transfer, WCU can help you make an impact in healthcare. Explore the BSN program today.

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Coming Together for Texas: WCU-Texas Raises Over $5,700 for Flood Relief

�� — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:00:29 +0000

When disaster strikes, strong communities rise together. Last month, ��-Texas campus partnered with the WCU Foundation to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those impacted by the devastating Texas floods. Every dollar raised by students and associates was matched by the WCU Foundation, doubling the impact and turning compassion into real relief for local families.

From July 21–25, the WCU-Texas campus united in a week-long effort to benefit the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a public charitable foundation that channels resources directly to local nonprofits helping residents recover. This was more than a fundraiser — it was a show of solidarity with our neighbors.

The campus came to together with purpose as students, associates, and community partners worked together to support the region’s recovery:

Tuesday Jeans Day: Staff and faculty proudly donated to wear denim sparking conversations about the cause while raising funds.

Popcorn and Prizes: Students enjoyed treats and the chance to win WCU gear, turning small contributions into a big collective impact.

A Boost from Café Moore: The campus coffee shop stepped up with a generous $1,000 donation, setting the tone for the week.

By the week’s end, more than $2,800 had been raised online through the WCU Foundation. Thanks to the WCU Philanthropy department’s dollar-for-dollar match, the total impact grew to over $5,700 — funds that will help families rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and bring a sense of normalcy back to the Texas Hill Country.

“This is what the WCU spirit is all about — community, compassion, and action,” WCU-Texas executive director Mitch Thomas said. “We are proud to stand alongside local leaders and organizations working tirelessly to restore our community.”

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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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WCU-Miami BSN Graduate Put Family First by Putting Herself First

�� — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

For Katrell J., pursuing her dream meant making one of the hardest decisions of her life — letting her daughter live full-time with her former husband so she could attend school full-time. A U.S. Army veteran, Katrell is no stranger to sacrifice, but this one was personal.

After 15 months deployed in Iraq and years of grueling work in a correctional facility, Katrell recognized that in order to build a better future, she would need to fully commit to her education. That meant choosing to be away from her daughter—a decision she made not just for herself, but for the future of her family.

“I worked at a prison for 6 and 1/2 years. I worked 12-hour shifts, and that took away from me being a parent,” she said. “In order for me to actually pursue this dream of mine, I had to allow her to stay with her father full-time.”

Despite the emotional toll, Katrell embraced the idea that being “selfish” in the short term could mean long-term gain for her and her daughter.

“Take the time that you need to. If you have to be selfish, be selfish because it’s not—you’re not doing this for you, it’s for your family,” she said.

When she discovered ��-Miami, she felt an instant connection.

“From the first conversation to coming in and doing the walk on campus — everything smooth and it felt like family, like community.”

Now, with the support of programs like Peer-Assisted Learning and a renewed purpose, Katrell is on the verge of giving back in the most meaningful way. PAL tutoring at WCU is a peer-led academic support program where students who excelled in earlier courses help their classmates succeed in those same subjects. These PAL tutors are carefully selected based on their strong academic performance and their ability to communicate difficult concepts in a way that resonates with fellow students.

“I’m just so excited for the day to come where I can actually take those tools and use it and have somebody say, ‘Thank you, you helped me,’” she said.

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Earn Your PharmD with Flexibility: Explore the Hybrid Program at ��

�� — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

If you’re passionate about pharmacy and looking for a more flexible path to your degree, ��’s Hybrid Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program could be the right fit. It blends online learning with hands-on clinical training, designed for people who want a rigorous education without putting their personal or professional life on pause.

What Is a Hybrid PharmD Program?

A hybrid PharmD program allows you to complete much of your academic coursework online while still participating in labs and clinical rotations in person. At WCU, you’ll learn foundational and advanced concepts through digital platforms, then apply your knowledge during scheduled campus-based lab sessions and real-world pharmacy practice experiences.

This model offers the structure of a professional program with the flexibility modern students often need.

Why Choose the Hybrid PharmD at ��?

Learn on Your Terms

Whether you’re balancing a job, family, or other responsibilities, the hybrid format gives you more control over your schedule. You can complete lectures and assignments online, with in-person components built in at key points throughout each term.

A Curriculum That Goes Beyond Textbooks

WCU’s PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and is built around real-world application. You’ll engage with case studies, interactive assignments, and group discussions that prepare you to think critically as a pharmacist. Simulation labs and clinical experiences ensure you’re not just learning the material but using it to solve problems and support patients.

Real Clinical Experience Starts Early

From community pharmacies to hospitals, your rotations will expose you to different pharmacy environments. These experiences help you discover where your interests lie and start building your professional network. You’ll complete both Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) with guidance from licensed preceptors.

Faculty Who Know Your Name

Even in a hybrid setting, you’re never on your own. WCU faculty are available to answer questions, offer feedback, and mentor you throughout your academic journey. The program also includes access to student support services like tutoring, academic coaching, and career preparation.

Learn in Los Angeles

Your in-person labs take place at WCU’s Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, a facility equipped with advanced lab and simulation spaces. It’s a hub of innovation and collaboration where you can practice clinical skills and connect with classmates and faculty face to face.

What Can You Do with a PharmD?

A Doctor of Pharmacy degree opens the door to a wide range of careers. WCU graduates pursue roles in:

Hospital and clinical pharmacy
Ambulatory care
Community pharmacies
Managed care and health systems
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Public health and policy

Pharmacists are also key members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, often working closely with physicians, nurses, and other providers.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

The hybrid PharmD program at �� is ideal for motivated individuals who want a quality pharmacy education with more flexibility built in. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in pharmacy, this program gives you the tools and support to move forward.

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Championing Change: How One WCU Alumna is Breaking Barriers in Women’s Health

�� — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

From a young age, Meg B. felt a strong calling to pursue a career in healthcare. Her father, a doctor, ran his practice from the basement of their home, while her mother worked as a nurse and midwife at the local hospital.

“In the summers, my sister and I would help organize patient charts and restock the pharmacy,” she recalled.

Having been surrounded by medicine her entire life, Meg felt inspired to embark on her own journey, in the field.

Meg earned her bachelor of science in nursing and master of science in nursing, eventually completing a post-master’s family nurse practitioner certificate from �� in 2021. At the time, she was working full-time and needed a program that offered the flexibility of being online.

“I had an introductory meeting at West Coast and immediately appreciated how supportive and accessible the faculty and staff were,” she shared.

Entrepreneurship wasn’t something Meg had planned, but it found her in the wake of a natural disaster. In 2021, a hurricane flooded her neighborhood — though her home was spared this time. Having experienced a similar situation just two years earlier, Meg understood the impact firsthand. She felt compelled to support those affected, just as others had supported her during her own time of need. Meg began assembling hygiene kits with a specific focus on feminine products, recognizing that these essential items are often overlooked.

“The professors at West Coast really emphasized the value of community involvement and understanding the key challenges local communities were facing,” she shared. “What started as simply helping those in need eventually grew into partnerships with school nurses to provide care bags for students — and that’s how PeriodPower Pantry was born.”

In 2023, PeriodPower Pantry partnered with the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition to advocate for the end of the Tampon Tax in Texas, working alongside state legislators and Governor Abbott. “Access to basic necessities shouldn’t be considered a luxury,” Meg emphasized.

Meg was recently awarded the Distinguished Alumni award at the 2025 WCU Alumni Awards, an honor that celebrates alumni who have demonstrated exceptional career accomplishments and meaningful contributions to their community or the university.

“Being recognized among 67,000 alumni is truly an honor,” she said. “What stands out to me most are the small moments along the way — the patients, the advocacy, the journey.”

The has grown to include First Period Kits — designed for first-time menstruators — and educational resources like a period tracker.

“I envision building strong international partnerships with organizations already championing similar causes and advancing female empowerment,” she shared.

Meg’s passion for advocacy and community impact continues to drive her mission forward. Through education, empowerment, and partnership, she’s helping to break down barriers and create lasting change. Her journey is a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can lead to a global movement.

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WCU Graduates Step into the Future at Summer Commencement 2025

�� — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

�� celebrated its Summer 2025 commencement this June, as graduates filled the Honda Center in Anaheim for a day of recognition and reflection. The ceremonies honored students from WCU’s online and on-campus programs, including advanced degrees and bachelor’s programs including nursing, dental hygiene, pharmacy, and healthcare administration.

WCU-Center for Graduate Studies pharmacy graduate Victoria S. found her passion in a close-knit cohort and faculty-driven program. She encourages students to join clubs, gain work experience, and trust the process.

“We are at the Honda Center and we are graduating,” Victoria, who transitioned into pharmacy after working as a pharmacy technician, said. “It’s the last day. We made it. I’m so excited. These past four years have been worth it.”

Bianca C., who earned her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from WCU-Orange County, overcame family hardships while shifting from dental assisting to preventive care. She now hopes to serve her community through education and clinical outreach.

“It is a milestone, and it took several years to get here. I was excited to finally be blessed with this opportunity,” Bianca said.

Freddy H., a Marine Corps veteran and BSDH graduate from WCU-OC, brought discipline and heart to his new career in dental hygiene and credits WCU’s accelerated, hands-on program for preparing him to serve patients confidently.

“It is a rigorous program,” Freddy H. said. “They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing… West Coast did a great job in preparing future hygienists to be out there and help patients in the real world.”

WCU DNP graduate Anthony P. focused his doctoral work on supporting nurses dealing with burnout. He credited WCU’s flexibility and encouragement for helping him achieve each milestone.

“I am a living testament. I was a VN graduate from American Career College and then I went to get my BSN at ��, got my masters in nurse practitioner in psychiatric at ��, and then went back to get my DNP. So, it is very possible,” Anthony said.

Max L. juggled a full-time job with his studies, completing the online MHA program in just one year and preparing to step into a leadership fellowship.

“I was able to finish in the year that I was wanting to, started my new job in a month, and I was able to kind of prove to myself that I was able to finish it in a year and still work full-time,” Max said.

WCU-Ontario BSN graduate Greg D. entered nursing in his 30s after supporting individuals with special needs and finding inspiration in his father’s ICU experience. He praised the university’s clinical preparation and encouraged future nurses to follow the profession for the right reasons.

“When you actually do good work and you actually heal people, being of service to others is… the best human experience,” Greg said.

JLisia B., a former speech-language pathology assistant, was driven by her father’s stroke to return to school and serve geriatric patients. WCU’s online MSLP programs offered the support she couldn’t find elsewhere.

“To be here today after the countless amount of times that I said, ‘Oh I don’t want to do this anymore, I can’t do it, I can’t do it’ — it’s great,” JLisia said.

With every hug, tassel turn, and tear shed, WCU’s Summer 2025 graduates showed the power of persistence, purpose, and a community that believes in every student’s potential.

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�� Ranks Among Top Institutions for 40-Year Return on Investment in Higher Education

�� — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

A recent of 40-year Return on Investment (ROI) data places �� among the top-performing institutions nationwide, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for students seeking strong long-term career and financial outcomes.

WCU’s Impressive Long-Term Value

Across its various campuses — including Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario, Miami and Texas — �� demonstrated remarkably high 40-year ROI figures.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

WCU-Texas leads with an outstanding $3,525,000 40-year ROI.
WCU-Orange County follows closely with a $3,479,000 40-year ROI.
WCU-Miami reports a $3,464,000 40-year ROI.
WCU-Ontario achieves a $3,408,000 40-year ROI.
WCU-Los Angeles maintains a strong $3,397,000 40-year ROI.

These figures represent the estimated financial return a graduate can expect over four decades compared to non-degree holders, adjusted for current dollar value.

Center on Education and the Workforce. (February 26, 2025). Ranking 4,600 colleges by ROI (2025). Georgetown University.

Why It Matters

Return on investment is a critical measure for students considering higher education, especially in a competitive field like healthcare. An institution’s ROI reflects not just tuition costs and initial salaries, but the compounded financial impact over an entire career.

At ��, students receive a focused, career-centered education with an emphasis on clinical experience, technologically advanced facilities, and strong employer partnerships. These advantages translate directly into robust employment outcomes and high lifetime earnings, key drivers behind WCU’s outstanding ROI performance.

A Leader in Healthcare Education

As a private university specializing in healthcare degrees, �� continues to distinguish itself from many traditional institutions. The data proves that WCU graduates are seeing substantial returns on their educational investment, often exceeding those of graduates from many public and private nonprofit institutions.

Whether pursuing nursing, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, or other healthcare fields, WCU students benefit from programs designed to meet the real-world demands of today’s employers, resulting in career longevity and financial security.

Lifelong Value

Choosing a university is about more than just where you study — it’s about where your education can take you. With one of the highest 40-year ROIs in healthcare education, �� empowers its students to invest wisely in their futures, achieving not just their dreams, but lifelong professional and financial success.

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From Property Management to Postpartum: How WCU-Miami BSN Grad Found Her Perfect Job in Mother-Baby Nursing

�� — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Maria T. always knew she wanted to work in healthcare, but it wasn’t until later in life that she found the courage to pursue her dream. A former property manager with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Maria made the leap into nursing with determination — and hasn’t looked back since.

Her passion for women’s health runs deep. Surrounded by strong women in her own family, Maria was driven by a desire to be an advocate, especially for women of color who often feel unheard in medical settings.

“I come from a big line of women. I’m the middle one of three sisters, I have two nieces, and I know there’s a lot of disparities when a healthcare provider doesn’t listen to you as a woman,” she said.

That personal motivation became professional purpose when she joined Memorial Healthcare System as a mother-baby nurse. In this postpartum specialty, Maria supports both newborns and mothers in the first critical days after delivery — a setting where joy can quickly turn into an emergency.

“Some things can happen in that setting that force you to apply those critical thinking skills and act quick on your feet,” she said.

Maria’s journey to her ideal job wasn’t without its challenges. While pursuing her BSN at ��-Miami, she balanced full-time work and a long commute. But support from faculty and her own fierce determination helped her push through.

“One of my professors told me, ‘How you apply now is how you’re going to be out in the field, so I need you to apply your best and take it even a step forward,’” she said.

Her resilience was especially tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. But even then, Maria stayed focused — logging in for virtual classes and staying connected through skills labs and simulations.

“If you’re truly passionate about caring for others… then don’t stop, don’t quit,” she said.

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