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

�� — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Beyond the Bedside: 9 Non-Bedside Nursing Careers You Can Pursue With a BSN

Courtney Eaves — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:56:28 +0000

Looking to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) but not sure if traditional bedside care is the path for you? You’re not alone and there are, in fact, a variety of rewarding non-bedside nursing career options.

Many nursing students and practicing RNs find that while they love healthcare, they’re drawn to roles that don’t involve direct, hands-on patient care. Whether you’re looking for a different pace, reduced physical demands, or a way to apply your clinical expertise in new settings, a BSN can open the door to a range of meaningful, non-bedside nursing careers.

Keep reading if you’re curious about where your BSN degree can take you beyond traditional patient care roles.

What Are Non-Bedside Nursing Careers?

Non-bedside nursing jobs are roles that allow you to leverage your clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and healthcare experience without providing direct patient care. These careers span fields like education, informatics, writing, legal consulting, and health technology. While they may be lesser known than bedside nurses, these roles are equally important in the healthcare field.

These roles can offer flexibility and stability — with some offering the ability to work remotely — making them a great option for those just starting out or making a career pivot.

9 Non-Bedside Nursing Careers You Can Pursue With a BSN

The following careers allow you to put your BSN to work in non-clinical settings. Some may require additional certifications or experience, but many are accessible with a BSN and a nursing license.

1. Nurse Educator

Do you enjoy mentoring others or breaking down complex topics into simple concepts? You may want to consider becoming a nurse educator. These professionals teach in academic programs, train new nurses during clinical rotations, or lead professional development programs at healthcare facilities.

If this path sounds interesting to you, �°䱫’s online MSN – Nurse Educator program helps you build on your knowledge and step into the classroom with confidence in as little as 16 months.

2. Healthcare Writer

If writing is one of your strong suits, working as a healthcare writer may be the right fit for you. Not to mention, is a growing area recognized by the CDC as key to public health outcomes.

As a healthcare writer, you’ll be tasked with creating educational content for patients, providers, or the public. That might include blog articles, continuing education modules, patient handouts, or health-related news. This career offers the flexibility to work remotely and the opportunity to build a portfolio that informs and empowers others using your nursing expertise.

3. Nurse Researcher

design and conduct studies that improve patient care, healthcare delivery, and nursing practices. While many roles are based in hospitals, research institutes, or universities, these positions typically focus on data collection, study design, and analysis. With a BSN, you may qualify for research coordinator roles or work on teams that publish findings to advance healthcare science.

4. Legal Nurse Consultant

work alongside attorneys to provide expert insight into medical cases. This might include reviewing medical records, preparing case summaries, or offering expert testimony. Your clinical background can give you credibility in identifying standards of care, spotting documentation inconsistencies, and explaining complex medical scenarios in legal terms. For nurses with analytical skills and an interest in law, this can be a rewarding pivot.

5. Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators oversee the business and operational side of healthcare. This might include managing budgets, staffing schedules, and policy compliance for departments or entire facilities. Though they’re rooted in healthcare, typically don’t provide patient care themselves. Instead, they focus on supporting nursing teams, improving efficiency, and ensuring high-quality care through leadership.

�°䱫’s Nurse Leader specialization (offered through our RN to MSN, MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate programs) can help you take the next step if leadership is your goal.

6. Health Coach

guide individuals through wellness journeys by offering support with nutrition, fitness, stress management, and chronic disease prevention. If you’re passionate about helping others build healthy habits, this role combines personal connection with long-term impact.

Your clinical background allows you to provide evidence-based recommendations and tailor coaching to each client’s health needs.

7. Medical Sales Representative

serve as liaisons between medical product companies and healthcare providers. Whether you’re selling pharmaceuticals, equipment, or devices, your nursing background helps you communicate product benefits in a way providers understand. This career often comes with travel opportunities, and many nurses find it to be a dynamic alternative to clinical roles.

8. Utilization Management Nurse

assess medical records to determine whether treatments and services meet insurance criteria for medical necessity. These nurses often work for insurance companies or hospitals in office or remote settings. This analytical role is ideal for detail-oriented nurses who enjoy reviewing documentation, applying clinical guidelines, and ensuring efficient use of healthcare resources. Becoming a utilization management nurse allows you to leverage your BSN knowledge without stepping onto a unit.

9. Nurse Informaticist

Nurse informaticists (part of the broader field of ) blend nursing knowledge with data and technology to improve healthcare systems. They often work with electronic health records (EHRs), develop clinical workflows, and help implement tech solutions that make healthcare safer and more efficient.

If you’re tech-savvy and passionate about systems improvement, healthcare informatics can offer a future-facing career path rooted in healthcare innovation.

Start Your Non-Bedside Nursing Journey With a BSN

For natural leaders, educators at heart, or individuals looking to reduce the physical demands of patient-facing nursing, there are plenty of non-bedside roles that may offer exactly what you’re looking for. A BSN is an excellent starting point.

�°䱫’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program helps equip students with a foundation in clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and hands-on experience. In as little as 39 months, the program is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers — both at and beyond the bedside. With campuses in California, Texas, and Florida, and Career Services support from enrollment to graduation and beyond, WCU is here to help you shape your future in healthcare.

Ready to take the next step? Request information today and learn how your BSN can lead you somewhere meaningful.

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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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5 Healthcare Graduate Programs Under 3 Years

Courtney Eaves — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:58:18 +0000

Thinking about grad school but not sure you’re ready to spend half a decade in the classroom? There’s good news: not all healthcare graduate programs require you to put your life on pause for years. In fact, you can step into some of the most impactful roles in the field through accelerated master’s and doctoral programs in less than three years.

Whether you’re building on a healthcare background or starting fresh, you have numerous options that can lead you to a rewarding career. Keep reading to discover five healthcare graduate degrees that can help you build a successful career — without the long wait.

What Are Common Graduate Healthcare Degrees?

Medical school isn’t the only way to build a worthwhile career in healthcare. While it’s easy to picture years of studying before you can begin working, some healthcare graduate programs offer faster, more flexible avenues into patient care without compromising on quality.

If you’re exploring your next steps, some common graduate paths include programs for physician assistants, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and pharmacists. These roles let you work directly with patients while also giving you the chance to take on leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

Plus, at an accredited institution like ��, you can prepare for many of these careers in less time. Take a look at some common graduate healthcare degrees:

1. Master of Physician Assistant

Want the advantages of being a medical provider without spending years in medical school? diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform exams, and even assist in surgeries, working closely with physicians across a range of clinical settings.

Through the Master of Physician Assistant program at WCU, you can earn your degree in as little as two years. You’ll build a strong foundation through classroom learning and gain real-world experience during a full year of clinical rotations across multiple specialties.

Toward the end of the program, you’ll get individualized support to confidently prepare for the .

2. Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

allows you to help people heal physically while also supporting their emotional and social well-being. Whether you’re working with a child facing developmental delays or an adult recovering from surgery, you’re guiding patients as they regain confidence and independence.

At WCU, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program takes less than two years to complete, with no bachelor’s degree needed. You’ll learn through a mix of classroom instruction, clinical labs, and fieldwork placements that prepare you for the exam.

Earning a master’s degree is also a key requirement for becoming a licensed occupational therapist, making this program a smart and practical next step. Learn more about what it takes to become an occupational therapist in California.

3. Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

If you’re ready to build on your occupational therapy background and grow into a leadership role, the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at WCU can help you get started. Designed for working professionals, this advanced degree helps prepare you for clinical specialization, research, advocacy, and program development.

The program can be completed in as little as 32 months (less than three years) and combines on-campus with online synchronous learning for greater flexibility. Plus, from day one, you’re matched with an occupational therapy (OT) faculty mentor who can offer personalized guidance and help you explore the many settings where OTs make an impact.

4. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

You’ve seen them in rehabilitation clinics, athletic facilities, or at private practices. are movement specialists who help patients through recovery from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions.

From stroke recovery to sports rehab, PTs develop personalized treatment plans and guide patients through every stage of healing, often becoming a critical part of someone’s journey back to independence.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at WCU is designed to give you hands-on experience to excel in this growing field through three full-time, end-of-program internships. You’ll also complete coursework that covers topics such as biomechanics, neuromuscular rehabilitation, and ethical practice.

5. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

If you picture pharmacists as people who just count pills behind a counter, think again. Pharmaciststoday are patient-facing healthcare providers, and in many states, they can even administer vaccines and consult directly with physicians as part of a comprehensive care team.

�°䱫’s hybrid Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program can be completed in just under three years. The curriculum combines clinical rotations with a strong foundation in drug safety, therapeutics, and healthcare systems. Once you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the and step confidently into roles across hospitals, research, retail, or even public health policy.

Want to explore this career path in greater depth? Learn more about becoming a pharmacist in California.

How to Choose a Healthcare Graduate Program

Selecting the right graduate program begins with being clear about your professional goals and learning style. It’s also important to factor in any current responsibilities that might affect your ability to stay focused while enrolled.

If you’re looking for a hands-on role in clinical care or being part of a care team, paths as a physician assistant or physical therapist can give you the kind of patient interaction that many find especially rewarding. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to medication management or even research, you might feel more fulfilled as a pharmacist.

As you weigh your options, ask yourself questions such as:

Can the program fit my current work or family schedule?
Will the program prepare me to sit for any required licensure or certification exams?
Are there opportunities for diverse clinical rotations?
Is the learning format (online, hybrid, or in-person) a good match for how I learn best?

In the end, the right program supports your career goals, personal strengths, and lifestyle. If you’re not sure where to start, reaching out to the admissions team at a school you’re considering is a great first step.

Earn a Graduate Degree in Healthcare in Under 3 Years at WCU

You don’t have to spend half a decade in grad school to make a difference in healthcare. Whether you see yourself guiding patients as a physician assistant, supporting your community as a pharmacist, or helping people regain independence through occupational therapy, there are healthcare graduate programs that can get you there in less than three years.

At �°䱫’s Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, each accredited healthcare program is built to prepare you for real-world success with experienced faculty and industry-current simulation labs. From your first assignment to your clinical rotations, �°䱫’s programs are designed for future healthcare professionals who are ready to lead with purpose.

Advance your education on your own terms — schedule an information session at WCU today to see how you can earn your graduate degree in under three years.

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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

�°䱫’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 �°䱫’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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