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DPT Student’s Dedication to Empowering Others Started at an Early Age

�� — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Inspired by her own experiences with sports injuries as a child, Samantha S. found solace and strength in the care of her physical therapist.

“I made a really great connection with my (physical therapist), and what I did with (physical therapy) helped me become a better person, both physically and mentally,” she recalled.

This connection aided her recovery and ignited her passion for helping others achieve their full potential. And at the heart of her studies at ��’s Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, Samantha has discovered a nurturing environment that fosters growth and support.

“The first time I was here, I was really scared because I had no idea what the postgraduate life was going to bring,” she admitted, but that fear quickly dissipated as she found herself embraced by a community that saw her as more than just a number.

“You’re literally a person here that could make a really big impact on somebody’s life, and being in a cohort full of 44 people, we’re going to be in the same classes. There’s no competition,” she said, reflecting on her experience with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program faculty and her peers. “I just love the overall community because we are here just to help every single one of us.”

Samantha’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. As a PT Movement Ambassador and an activities coordinator in the DPT student government, she plays a vital role in educating others about the diverse opportunities within the field of physical therapy.

“We represent ��, but we’re just representing PT as future physical therapists,” she explained.

Her involvement in community outreach, particularly in educating younger students about PT and occupational therapy, has been both challenging and rewarding.

“Learning how to communicate with children is a really hard skill… but it’s a really good thing to learn,” she said.

Samantha’s ultimate goal is to specialize in pediatrics, where she hopes to bring joy and positivity to the lives of young patients.

“As a physical therapy student, I hope to bring happiness,” she added.

Her passion for connecting with children and her desire to leave a lasting impact is evident in her every word. Samantha’s advice to future PT students is to take it “day by day” and to prioritize their mental well-being.

“You’re learning,” she said. “Don’t be too hard on yourself because, in the end, you’re becoming a great clinician.”

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WCU-Miami Student’s Cuban Roots Fueled Her Journey to American Dream of Becoming a Nurse

�� — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Embarking on a nursing career is a significant decision, marked by both excitement and challenges. For Shelsia G., a student in the BSN program at ��-Miami, this decision was driven by a deep passion for helping others and a desire to honor her mother’s legacy.

Shelsia’s experience at �� started after a period of dissatisfaction at a different university. She felt unmotivated and disconnected until her mother, inspired by the kindness and professionalism of �� nursing students she observed at a hospital, encouraged her to explore the program. This encouragement led Shelsia to research her options, ultimately choosing �� as the place where she could fulfill her aspirations.

“The whole process was done in two days,” Shelsia recalled, emphasizing how smooth and efficient her transition was. “It wasn’t hard at all, and I felt like this is where I was supposed to be.”

While starting at a new school can be intimidating, Shelsia quickly found support from her peers and professors. From her first day at orientation, she connected with fellow students, forming friendships that were crucial throughout her education.

“We all made a group chat, and it makes your life easier when you can help each other out,” she explained.

Shelsia’s choice to pursue nursing is deeply personal. Born in Cuba, her mother was a nurse who couldn’t continue her profession after moving to the United States. For Shelsia, nursing is a way to honor her mother’s sacrifices while pursuing her own passion.

“She supports me in everything,” Shelsia said. “I want to do this for her and myself.”

As she continues her studies, Shelsia is already thinking about her future in nursing. While she is drawn to working with babies and in labor and delivery, she remains open to exploring different specialties before making a final decision.

“I want to wait until I really see what each specialty brings and then decide,” she said.

For those considering a career in nursing, Shelsia offers sincere advice: “You really have to have the heart for it. Patients feel the kindness from you, and when they’re at their lowest, you’re there to make their lives easier.”

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WCU Occupational Therapy Dean Highlights Career Degree Pathway at OTA Panel Discussion

�� — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

In a collaborative and informative event, �� Occupational Therapy Dean Dr. Stacey Willis was featured as a distinguished panelist during a multi-disciplinary panel for Occupational Therapy Assistant students at American Career College. The panel brought together leading experts from various fields, including mental health, pediatric, and acute care facilities, creating a unique learning experience for the OTA students.

The discussion centered around the diverse career pathways available in occupational therapy, providing insights from professionals who work in specialized areas. Experts from mental health emphasized the critical role OTAs play in helping individuals navigate emotional and psychological challenges. At the same time, pediatric care professionals shared inspiring stories about working with children to foster development and independence. The acute care representatives discussed the fast-paced nature of hospital settings, where OTAs are instrumental in aiding patients’ recovery and transition back to daily life.

A key highlight of the event was the Occupational Therapy Assistant Pathway presentation. This groundbreaking initiative allows OTA students to transition seamlessly from the OTA program to WCU’s Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree program. This pathway provides a streamlined route for OTAs to further their education and pursue a master’s degree in OT, opening the door to advanced career opportunities in occupational therapy.

The panel showcased the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare and underscored the commitment of ACC and WCU to support their students’ professional growth and development. The pathway program represents a vital step forward in creating a more adaptable and skilled workforce in occupational therapy.

Students left the event feeling empowered, equipped with knowledge, and inspired by the potential career pathways available to them as they progress in their journeys from OTA to OT.

This panel marked another milestone in the partnership between ACC and WCU, reinforcing their shared mission to provide exceptional education and opportunities for students aspiring to excel in the dynamic and rewarding field of occupational therapy.

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WCU-Texas MPA Teams Shine at TAPA Student Challenge Bowl, Building on National Success

�� — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

��-Texas Master of Physician Assistant students once again demonstrated their skills in medical knowledge, securing second and third place at the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) Student Challenge Bowl.

Competing against 18 universities from across Texas, WCU’s achievement is especially remarkable as all four of its teams advanced to the second round — an honor only six teams earned overall, leaving room for just two teams from other schools.

This success builds on the momentum from earlier this year when WCU-Texas made waves on a national stage at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) National Medical Challenge Bowl. The WCU team placed in the top 4 percent nationally, showcasing their knowledge and skill in a highly competitive arena. Their strong performance at the AAPA event laid the foundation for the success at TAPA, as students and faculty continued to refine their strategies and expand their expertise.

Professor Akisha Dave, who played a key role in preparing both the AAPA and TAPA teams, praised the students’ dedication and hard work.

“It’s been an incredible journey to see our students excel at both national and state levels. Their passion for learning and teamwork has been inspiring,” Dave said.

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�� Graduates Celebrate 2024 Commencement at Miramar Cultural Center

�� — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:00:33 +0000

The Miramar Cultural Center was filled with excitement and pride this October as the friends and families of about 200 graduates from �� gathered to celebrate their loved ones’ achievements. Graduates from various healthcare programs marked a pivotal moment in their careers, prepared to step into the healthcare field equipped with skills and experience.

Triumph and Reflection from the Valedictorian

Kayli T., the valedictorian of WCU-Miami’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, shared a deeply personal connection to her accomplishment. Her mother had predicted months in advance that Kayli would earn this honor. When the official news came, both mother and daughter celebrated the moment together.

“Today means everything to me. It shows what I’ve accomplished and all the things I’ve had to go through to get to where I am,” Kayli said. “It shows how hard I worked and how much effort I put into everything I’m about to start doing — my career, everything.”

A Milestone for Family Pride

For Lorelys A., another WCU-Miami BSN graduate, the moment carried even greater significance as the first member of her family to graduate from college.

“I did this basically for my parents. I’m the first to graduate college in my family, so I’m really happy about that. I’m very proud of it,” Lorelys shared. “My mom and dad always encouraged me to work hard… Watching myself put (my graduation robes on) in the bathroom, it made me emotional.”

A Journey of Unexpected Joy and Growth

Joanna O., who completed her Master of Science in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner program, found inspiration for her studies through her interactions with WCU alumni at her job in a stroke unit. Despite her busy schedule, Joanna said WCU offered the flexibility she needed through its online programs.

“The time comes, and it comes faster than you’re expecting it and faster than you ever think it’s going to happen,” she said. “I remember signing up for school, and I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s going to be 20-something months.’ It passes by so fast… Just enjoy it.”

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

For Anthoniel C., the road to graduation was deeply personal. Already a WCU alumnus with a BSN, he returned to earn his MSN as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Having missed his undergraduate graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attending the master’s hooding ceremony was particularly meaningful to him.

“I want people to know that they can do it. It’s scary, but if you work hard, you can do it, and West Coast can give you the resources to do it,” Anthoniel encouraged.

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WCU-Texas MPA Dean Honored with AI Champion Special Impact Award

�� — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 17:57:32 +0000

Dr. Amy Bronson, dean of the Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program at ��-Texas, has earned the AI Champion Special Impact Award from AIMed, recognizing her forward-thinking approach to preparing PA graduates for clinical practice today and medicine in the future.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” Bronson said. “AI is revolutionizing how we deliver healthcare. Integrating AI into our PA program allows students to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they can provide better, more informed care to their patients.”

Bronson will attend the AIMed24 Conference in November, where she will be formally recognized for her groundbreaking work. Her efforts have solidified her as a leader at the intersection of healthcare and technology, preparing future medical professionals for an AI-driven world.

“When I started incorporating AI into the curriculum, it wasn’t just about the technology,” Bronson said. “It was about teaching students how to leverage it responsibly and ethically, using AI not as a replacement for human care but as a tool to enhance it.”

Bronson will also serve as a panelist at AIMed24, where she will discuss AI’s role in shaping the future of healthcare education. Her experience integrating AI into academic programs provides a unique perspective on how educators can adapt to new technologies while maintaining the human connection central to healthcare.

As she prepares for her role at the conference, Bronson reflects on what this recognition means to her and her students.

“This award is not just for me,” she said. “It’s for all the students who have embraced this emerging field, for the faculty and administration who have supported this innovation, and partners that have been pioneers in this field that have made this possible. We are all part of something much bigger.”

Bronson’s colleagues and students couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments. This award recognizes not only her innovative work but also her dedication to the future of healthcare education.

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Inspired by Family, WCU-Miami BSN Student Balances Full-Time Work and Studies

�� — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:00:54 +0000

Briana Y. always had a passion for the medical field, but it was a personal family crisis during her nursing journey that truly solidified her path.

Having worked in a hospital environment for nearly six years, Briana was initially drawn to �� by both personal connections and practical considerations.

“I had a couple of friends who had applied to West Coast and went through the BSN program, and they loved it,” she explained.

The flexible evening and weekend schedule at WCU was also a perfect fit for her, allowing her to balance full-time work as an administrative assistant at a surgery center with her studies.

Although her administrative role at the center has shifted to a work-from-home setup, her past hands-on experiences in various settings there fueled her desire to transition from clerical tasks to direct patient care.

“I loved helping people and wanted to be by their side, holding their hand through the hard times and cheering them on during the good times,” she said.

Unfortunately, after enrolling at WCU, Briana learned her grandfather was battling stage four lung cancer and her grandmother was facing stage three colon cancer. During their cancer treatment, Briana found herself deeply moved by the nurses who went “above and beyond” in their care.

“Seeing the nurses, how they treated (my grandfather) … really inspired me. It made me want to be the best person I could be for people, patients going through similar things, and their families as well,” she said.

Currently, Briana is immersed in her Med-Surg 2 course and said she finds the material both challenging and captivating. She’s exploring her interests across different specialties but is particularly drawn to the dynamic environment of Med-Surg or the Emergency Room.

“The issue with me is that I find interest in everything,” she said, highlighting her enthusiasm for diverse medical fields.

Briana attributes her success to effective time management and the supportive resources at WCU, including the peer-assisted learning (PAL) tutoring program. As a PAL tutor herself, she enjoys helping her peers succeed, reinforcing her own knowledge in the process.

“PAL tutors are amazing,” she said. “They really want to help the students and help them as best as they possibly can.”

Looking ahead, Briana feels well-prepared for her future. Her journey at WCU has not only equipped her with essential medical knowledge but also nurtured her compassionate spirit, ensuring she’s ready to make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession.

“I feel that once I finish this program, I will be able to take the NCLEX with no issue,” she said.

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WCU-Miami Student Leaders Support Lotus House Women’s Shelter Back-to-School Drive

�� — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:34:41 +0000

The Student Advisory Council at ��-Miami embarked on a mission to support the Lotus House Women’s Shelter by gathering school supplies to aid the shelter’s residents and their children as they begin the 2024-2025 school year.

The Student Advisory Council’s efforts culminated in the donation of a variety of items, including notebooks, crayons, markers, folders, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, notebooks, binders, pencils, and colorful pens. Each item was carefully chosen to ensure that it would be useful for the children and families benefiting from the donation.

Annet P., a BSN student from WCU-Miami and advisory council member, expressed the group’s sentiments: “We hope that we have a major impact on the school-aged children and on the moms. We feel grateful and appreciate that we were able to be part of this drive. The Lotus House was very welcoming, and the children were very excited to have school supplies.”

The Lotus House, renowned for its dedication to in need, welcomed the donations with open arms. One of the most touching moments for the students was witnessing the joy on the faces of the children who received the school supplies.

“The best part was seeing the children have a smile on their faces,” Annet remarked.

The Student Advisory Council at WCU-Miami is vital in fostering community engagement and student leadership. The council, comprised of student representatives, serves as a bridge between the student body and the administration, organizing initiatives addressing campus and community needs. By leading projects like August’s school supply drive, the council enhances the university’s impact on the surrounding community and provides students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to causes they care about.

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From Tragedy to Triumph: WCU-Miami Students Inspiring Path to Nursing

�� — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Jason D.’s journey into nursing began with a personal tragedy that left an indelible mark on his life.

“I remember that day was catastrophic for us as a family,” he recalled.

Nearly three years ago, Jason’s father passed away suddenly, leaving the family in a state of devastation. During this difficult time, the compassionate support from nurses profoundly changed him.

“I can’t help but thank them for everything, and that really kind of told me, ‘Hey, I want to go into nursing,’ and I want to be like those nurses that really took care of me and took care of my father during that time,” he said.

This experience solidified Jason’s decision to pursue a career in healthcare. In April 2022, he enrolled at ��-Miami, drawn by its supportive and family-like environment.

“The minute I stepped foot on campus, I fell in love. Everybody here treated me like family,” he recounted.

Throughout his time at WCU, Jason found that the university’s culture of collaboration and support was instrumental in his success. He especially appreciated the close relationships he developed with both his professors and peers.

“It doesn’t become, ‘Hey, let me do this by myself,’” he said. “It’s, ‘Let’s all get through this together.’”

As the president of the Student Council (SAC), Jason embraced leadership roles, actively participated in community events and emphasized the importance of being engaged. For incoming students, Jason’s advice is to actively engage with the student body and use campus resources.

“The school is here to help you out. They really have people dedicated to just hearing you out, helping you figure out problems, and giving you that extra support,” he advised. “Once you’re involved, you have the opportunity to talk to other students that might be going through the same kind of obstacles that you’re going through,” he said.

Currently serving as a nurse extern at Kendall Regional Hospital, Jason feels well-prepared for his future. He credited WCU’s challenging yet supportive program for his readiness, affirming, Jason’s ambition is to work in a trauma ICU, where he aims to provide exceptional care and support to patients and their families.

“I want to be that person, that nurse that a family can lean on, a patient can lean on,” he said. “I feel prepared. I’m ready.”

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��-Ontario Celebrates Diploma Day with June 2024 Cohort

�� — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:00:05 +0000

This August, ��-Ontario was filled with excitement as the June 2024 cohort returned to campus for Diploma Pick-up Day.

This event marked a significant milestone for the recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, as they reunited with their peers to celebrate their hard-earned achievements.

Since launching the Diploma Day event, WCU-Ontario Career Services has continually evolved to better support graduates. Recently, the team began inviting employers to assist graduates who may still be seeking employment. Representatives from prominent healthcare organizations including San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Corona Regional Medical Center, and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center were present to discuss career opportunities and offer insights into the industry.

“It was wonderful to see our recent graduates back on campus,” WCU-Ontario Career Services Director Mercedes Garner said. “The enthusiasm from graduates, students, and employers was amazing. Events like this not only provide a crucial networking opportunity for our graduates but also serve to motivate upcoming students. We often hear from students nearing the end of their program asking when they will have their own Diploma Day!”

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