News Archives | ��

WCU-Ontario Students Connect with Library Services at Campus Event��

�� — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

More than 160 ��-Ontario students enjoyed games, food, and giveaways while also learning about the wide range of services available through WCU’s Library.

“Our goal was to showcase the library and remind students that we’re here to help,” said WCU librarian Nalini S. “Sometimes students are shy or unsure about asking questions, but events like this make it easier to connect.”

Enticing students with a prize wheel and free donuts, Nalini was joined by fellow WCU librarians Lauren M., Ka C., and Marie M., who all played a key role in welcoming students, answering questions, and guiding them toward helpful resources. Many students said they were surprised to discover just how many tools they already had at their fingertips.

“Some students didn’t know about the Virtual Academic Resource Center or that we have dedicated tutoring services,” Nalini S. explained. “Others were surprised to learn about the wonderful databases available to help with their research and assignments.”

Accessible directly through the Canvas course menu, WCU Library site serves as the central hub for student resources, including:

A-to-Z Databases: Access eBooks, peer-reviewed articles, drug guides, medical information, and nursing resources.��
APA Help Guides: Step-by-step support for formatting and citing papers.��
Virtual Academic Resource Center (VARC): Tutoring and practice tools for writing, math, science, and nursing coursework. Includes a Nursing Course Center with:��
- Practice exams
- Medical terminology help
- Morphology resources
Webinars, Tutorials, and Study Tools: Videos, flashcards, and live support to strengthen skills.��
Nurse Academic Specialists (NAS Team): Located across campuses, including Ontario, Los Angeles, and Texas, to support nursing students in NCLEX preparation.

Nalini S.’s advice for students is straightforward: “Always come to the library’s website first. You’re going to find what you’re looking for. And if you can’t, ask the librarian. That’s why we encourage appointments, so students can get to know their sources in more depth.”

With new events planned across other campuses, Nalini S. hopes even more students will take advantage of the library’s resources. “There’s a lot of information, but the library is here to guide you through it all.”

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WCU-Ontario BSN Student Honored with DAISY Award for Curiosity and Dedication��

�� — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

��-Ontario nursing student Matthew L. was recently honored with the recognizing his curiosity, willingness to learn, and positive influence on those around him. Unaware that he had been nominated, Matthew was both surprised and humbled when he received the award.��

Reflecting on that moment, Matthew said, “Honestly, I have no idea why I was nominated. In my head, I was just asking and answering questions to test my own knowledge. I have no problem with asking a ‘dumb question’ because I know there are others who may have the same question.”

Matthew’s journey into nursing began with his military medical training, but it wasn’t until his personal experience as a Trauma ICU patient that he truly realized his calling.

“I remember that my nurses were always at my bedside taking care of me,” he shared. “The doctors were involved, but I saw my nurses more than anyone else. I realized that nursing was my true calling after going through my own recovery and physical therapy.”

When asked why he chose WCU-Ontario, Matthew explained, “I have multiple friends and colleagues who went through the nursing program. WCU was always mentioned because of its advanced BSN program and high NCLEX passing rate.”��

Throughout his nursing school journey, Matthew’s favorite aspect has been applying his knowledge as an emergency department technician.

“Being able to ask questions in class and apply them directly in the emergency department helps me better understand what’s happening to my patients,” he said.

Balancing family, work, and school has been one of Matthew’s greatest challenges.

“The most daunting challenge for me is maintaining balance in my life,” he shared. “My son and wife are my motivation to keep pushing through the long days of studying, classes, or clinicals. I am doing this to provide for my family and show them that anything is possible.”

For students about to begin their clinicals, Matthew offers advice: “Be open-minded, always volunteer to help with tasks you’re unfamiliar with, and ask questions. You will never know everything, but staying curious will help you grow.”

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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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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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��-Ontario Students Take on Mass Casualty Simulation��

�� — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:15:31 +0000

��-Ontario recently created an impressive real-life simulation for nursing students, with a mass casualty event replication that provided the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge base in an experiential environment.��

Learning in Real Time��

WCU-Ontario Simulation faculty Gabriel G. wanted to use his emergency room background to create a truly unique experience for nursing students that went beyond the simulation lab setting. He collaborated with WCU-Ontario Simulation Center manager Rochelle M. to develop potential scenarios for students that are aligned with WCU’s guidelines and curriculum standards.

“With Gabriel’s 25 years of background in ER, planning this was right up his alley,” Rochelle said. “He took on the organization of this event and we worked closely together to ensure the content was at an appropriate level for these student learners.”

From Parking Lot to Patient Care��

After reviewing the potential scenarios, the team decided to construct an automobile accident scenario in the campus parking lot that also extended into the simulation lab — working with their colleague Simulation Center Specialist Jose C., to develop a real-life replication. It was decided the best students to navigate this experience were those in 498L Integration of Nursing Practices, the culminating nursing practicum course designed to prepare students for the real work environment of an RN.

“I started my career as an EMT and loved the challenge behind it,” Gabriel said. “I wanted to give the students something that was truly different. While not everyone wants to pursue an ER career, skills like communication are developed during these experiences — which are critical to their success as healthcare professionals.”

The simulation team prepared for the event with a couple of dry runs, as the associates had to leverage quite a bit of technology. Several other faculty members and support staff helped execute everything, as well. Everyone had a role to play — from doctors to accident victim patients. An instructor with a microphone even “talked” as a patient, responding to nursing students and helping create a simulation that worked in the parking lot just as it does inside the simulation lab.

Building Confidence for the Real World��

Gabriel admits the mass casualty event scenario took lots of work and creativity, but students had nothing but positive feedback to share. Several even asked when they’ll be doing a similar event on campus.

“We all walked in thinking it was going to be another regular sim, not that the first group would end up in the parking lot for a mass casualty incident,” said Alejandra C, a WCU-Ontario BSN student. “It really tested us — thinking on our feet, being quick with our assessments, and identifying our next move. It was nice to have something different. This felt a lot more fast-paced, like we all had to do something new.”

A ‘Nursing Imagineer’ at Work��

With some students in the parking lot and others handling or observing patients in the simulation lab, the Simulation team was able to create the full scope of a mass casualty event. Students took turns caring for patients and observing the activities both inside and outside. As a WCU alumni, Gabriel also wanted to ensure students felt safe and prepared, and prioritized their psychological safety, as well.

Due to the immense success of this event, the team is already preparing to develop similar simulations for students. The experience not only gives them a look at what it’s like to work in a hospital setting but also helps them test their knowledge in novel ways.

“The university provides such great resources for us, and it was great to leverage it,” Rochelle said. “As a former faculty member, I liked being encouraged to do new and creative things to help students learn. As a manager, I like supporting our faculty to do these types of events.”

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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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WCU CA Physician Assistant Students Represent at National Conference in Denver

�� — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:59:00 +0000

�� Center for Graduate Studies students Madelyn L. and Hayley G. attended the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Conference in Denver, Colorado, one of the largest national gatherings for current and future Physician Assistants. As the only representatives from the WCU Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, CA, the pair embraced the opportunity to connect with students, alumni, recruiters, and healthcare professionals from across the country.

Though many attendees were unfamiliar with WCU or the hybrid model of PA education, Madelyn and Hayley proudly shared their experiences, helping spread awareness of the rigorous and innovative program. “People we spoke to had no idea what our program was or even really about hybrid programs,” Hayley said. “I think we were able to share both the pros and cons of a hybrid modality, because it’s so new overall in PA education, and explain how we’re able to still meet excellent academic standards while being hybrid.”

Beyond networking, the students immersed themselves in a variety of educational lectures and workshops tailored to PA students. “It was awesome,” Hayley said. “It was so much fun. It was really nice to see people who are in the profession, who are excited to see other students excited about the PA profession.”

Hayley also noted that the experience re-affirmed her motivation for attending WCU. “When you’re in PA school, everything is so intense,” she noted. “You’re just kind of in this hole, and you forget what you’re actually working towards. So that was really cool. It was just a great representation of how important PAs are in so many aspects of healthcare.”

While they didn’t compete in the Student Bowl, they attended as enthusiastic spectators and took note of what would be needed to organize a future CA-based WCU team. They also explored opportunities with organizations they encountered at the conference, building connections they hope will support future WCU students.

For both students, the experience was not only professionally enriching, it was personally energizing. “[Attendees] were doing all sorts of amazing things out there and really representing our careers and our importance and what we can do in healthcare,” Hayley said. “It really got me excited for my future.”

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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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