With over 65,000 alumni worldwide, 国产主播 is thrilled to celebrate the vibrant network of graduates who are leaving a lasting impact across industries and communities. But what truly sets our alumni community apart is how many of them return to WCU to give back 鈥� many as guest lecturers, mentors, and even faculty members.

More than 100 alumni return to the classroom each year to inspire the next generation, bringing invaluable real-world experience and igniting students’ passion for their chosen fields.

鈥淚 knew there wasn’t anywhere I would rather work than at WCU,鈥� said Amanda Woolery, a nursing instructor who earned her Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from WCU in 2018 and 2021, respectively. 鈥淚 had such a wonderful experience here as a student, it was only natural that I would want to come back to my 鈥榟ome鈥� to teach the next generation and bring it full circle.鈥�

Alumni faculty embody WCU鈥檚 commitment to creating lifelong connections, where students become professionals and then mentors, each generation inspiring the next.

Valerie Cromwell-Perry, who earned her Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) from WCU in 2020, was encouraged by her professor to return to the university as a lab assistant, which ultimately led to her becoming an assistant professor in the OT department.

鈥淎s a mentor, I see my role as one of guiding and nurturing students’ growth and understanding,鈥� Valerie said. 鈥淚 consult with my students on the first day of class to better understand their preferred learning styles 鈥� fostering a richer learning experience.鈥�

Every story is a testament to the power of knowledge, compassion, and community. Our alumni often say that WCU instilled in them the skills for their profession and a profound sense of responsibility to make a difference. Through their dedication, our alumni remind students that anything is possible with hard work, compassion, and resilience.

Could you be the next to join them? If you鈥檙e interested in becoming an alumni faculty member, please e-mail Marina Harrison to explore current opportunities that may be a perfect fit for you.

The post 国产主播 Celebrates Our Global Community of 65,000 Alumni appeared first on 国产主播.

Kelly W., a 国产主播 alumna, veteran, and scholarship recipient, recently shared her inspiring journey.

At 17, Kelly made the decision to enlist in the military and had begun boot camp by the time she turned 18. Over the course of the next 12 years and two military tours, she developed invaluable skills and values that she later applied to her civilian career in healthcare.

In 2009, Kelly began her nursing education as part of WCU鈥檚 first graduating class in the LPN to ADN pathway program. She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing from WCU-Ontario in 2013, eventually becoming a nurse practitioner and clinical instructor at her alma mater.

For the past five and a half years, Kelly has worked in a pediatric emergency room while teaching clinical pediatrics students at WCU. She is deeply committed to supporting students and advocating for children. Recently, she embarked on a new academic journey, pursuing an MBA with a focus on healthcare. In recognition of her contributions to the community, WCU awarded her a scholarship to support her continued education.

What led you to join the Army?

My childhood was not easy, and I didn鈥檛 think I could support myself financially to get an education. While in high school, I joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and learned about the military. I joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2002 in a medical unit. I reenlisted and did two tours overseas. Overall, I stayed for 12 years, so I enjoyed it.

How did the Army lead you to nursing?

I was working with a lot of medics, nurses and people in the healthcare field. I wanted to continue on and do more than just screening and triaging. I deployed in 2004 and was in the field. I came back and worked as an LVN but wanted to return to get my RN.

Why did you choose to attend WCU?

I saw they had the LVN to RN bridge program, and they were a GI school. Coming from the military, I wanted to use my benefits. I was happy the university was supporting veterans and was accredited. Given my background, I was able to grow in my career.

How do the skills you gained in the military impact your work as a nurse?

I live by Army values every day: selfless service, integrity, honor. I love it. I鈥檓 disciplined now because of my time in the military. I don鈥檛 take the little things for granted. I鈥檓 also reliable and responsible 鈥� I鈥檝e stayed in most of my jobs for a long time because I feel devoted.

What made you want to return to teach at WCU?

When I graduated as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I got a job working in the pediatric emergency department. I also applied to teach at WCU. I love what I do and I wanted the students to realize what it is to take care of kids. Being in the emergency department, I felt I could bring a new perspective.

How did you run your clinical sessions as an instructor?

The feedback I often got was that they loved that I was so hands-on. I would take them to the emergency department and if there were baby catheters or IVs, I always volunteered to do it with my students so I could teach them the skills. They were grateful and excited to accomplish something with a patient. We would huddle at the end of the clinical and they would discuss their cases and feel proud of what they did.

Why are you #WCUProud?

I feel proud that I am recognized as an alumnus. I think it鈥檚 great that there鈥檚 unity within the university. I remember being there, and we had a veteran group. There was a lot of camaraderie. I also want to say thank you to WCU for continuing to support my career progression. I feel a family connection with the university, given the longevity I鈥檝e had with them as both a student and a professor. I feel honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.

Editor鈥檚 Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.

The post Alumna and Veteran Talks Teaching, Serving and Working With Kids appeared first on 国产主播.

We talked to BSN graduates from four campuses in three states about their advice to future nursing students. The replies varied but had one common theme: When you鈥檙e ready to be a nurse, don鈥檛 let anything stop you — including yourself.听

Check out what our alumni had to say: 

Do your homework. 

鈥淭ake your time. Do your research. Carefully look for the things that matter most to you, meaning class sizes, the times that they have availability, and their flexibility to work with your schedule and your life. Just because we go to school doesn’t mean we can put the rest of our life on pause. Having that option of flexibility and a school that works with you, and professors that are willing to give you resources and help you, is really the No. 1 priority.鈥� — Tiffany C., WCU-Miami BSN 鈥�23听

—- 

When in doubt, dive in 鈥� headfirst. 

鈥淚f you’re on the fence about it, I say do it because you’re going to talk yourself out of it. Even if it’s something you’ve wanted your entire life, you’re going to end up talking yourself out. So, if you’re ready and you have the means to do it, just jump in headfirst. You won’t regret it.鈥� — Lauren A., WCU-Los Angeles BSN 鈥�22 

—- 

You鈥檙e not alone. 

鈥淯tilize all the resources that you have. We have students tutoring other students; we have some of our professors tutoring for their classes. Go to every resource that is offered to you.鈥� — Haneefah M., WCU-Ontario BSN 鈥�23 

— 

Don鈥檛 wait to get help.  

鈥淯se their resources. 国产主播 provides you with tons of resources. There鈥檚 PAL tutoring, there鈥檚 your professors. Use all your resources early. Don鈥檛 wait until it鈥檚 like Week 5 or Week 6.鈥� — Esther N., WCU-Texas BSN 鈥�24听

—听

Don鈥檛 give up.听

鈥淪tick it out. It’s difficult while you’re here, but the end result is just so worth it. Just find things that bring you joy in the little moments. You need that to make it through because it is a tough road.鈥� — Shelby L., WCU-Los Angeles BSN 鈥�17 

—- 

You will find the right fit. 

鈥淕o for it. Don’t think about it, don’t dwell on it — especially if you’re at a point in your life where you want to be in the healthcare field and you just don’t know where you’ll fit in. I think nursing is a beautiful career because you don’t necessarily have to be in a hospital setting. You don’t have to be in a clinical setting. You can pretty much do whatever you want.鈥� — Melani G, WCU-Miami BSN 鈥�20  

—- 

It鈥檚 worth it. 

鈥淣othing in life is easy that is worth it. If it is worth it, most likely, you’re going to have to put some effort into it, some sweat and some tears. That’s good — it sharpens you.鈥� — Monica B., WCU-Miami BSN 鈥�17 

The post 7 Tips for Future Nursing Students from WCU BSN Alumni听 appeared first on 国产主播.

Growing up in a family rooted in the medical field, Shelby L. has always been passionate about helping others 鈥� and she may not have had a choice in the matter. Shelby’s career path seemed almost preordained, with a doctor for a father and a dietician for a mother 鈥� who met for the first time in a hospital.听

鈥淚’ve always had a passion for helping people,” Shelby said. 鈥淚 always enjoyed caring for people. I enjoyed science, so I thought that nursing was a great career for me.鈥� 

However, the road to becoming a nurse wasn’t easy. Now a proud alum of 国产主播-Los Angeles鈥� BSN program, Shelby faced numerous challenges along the way but was driven by her desire to support those in need.听

“Nursing school was really difficult,” she admitted. “I struggled through it, but once I finished, I was able to go and work in a hospital, help people who really needed it, and be with people through the toughest times of their lives. That is what pushed me through because I wanted to be there for people in the future.”听

Shelby found valuable support through the PALS tutoring program at WCU-Los Angeles. Having tutors who had recently navigated the same challenges provided a unique and effective support system for students, she said. 

“I would recommend PALS tutoring for anyone struggling with any class because it’s led by someone who has just gone through this. They understand the instructors, they understand the exams, they understand the material,” she added. 

Today, Shelby finds immense satisfaction in her role as a nurse. The moments of joy and relief she witnessed in her patients made all the hard work worthwhile. 

“Nursing is very rewarding. I love being a nurse. I love helping my patients,” she said. “I love when a patient comes to me when they get their test back saying they’re in remission. That is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever felt in my life.” 

The post WCU-Los Angeles BSN Alum Followed Family鈥檚 Footsteps to 鈥楳ost Rewarding鈥� Career听 appeared first on 国产主播.

While her journey to nursing was far from traditional, Amanda M. is excited to write the next chapter in her career as she nears the finish line of her BSN program. 

Before enrolling in nursing school at 国产主播-Miami, Amanda worked at a law firm, having earned her paralegal certificate. Despite her success in the legal field, she found her true passion in healthcare while working as an ER scribe. This pivotal experience sparked a profound interest in nursing, leading her to shift careers. 

鈥淚 became a scribe to see a different world,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I found a love for nursing.鈥� 

Amanda’s transition from law to nursing was supported by her family, especially her mother and aunt, both of whom are experienced nurses. While initially surprising to her mother, who had seen Amanda deeply invested in the legal field, the shift was met with support and encouragement. Amanda鈥檚 mother, a single parent, is particularly excited about her daughter’s upcoming graduation, and she looks forward to the emotional moment when she will pin Amanda at her cohort鈥檚 ceremony in March 2025. 

As Amanda approaches her final semester, she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her nursing program. Her most recent semester in pediatrics was particularly demanding, but with the help of her professors, peers, and extensive resources like tutoring, she managed to navigate the difficulties successfully. Amanda praised 国产主播 for its comprehensive support system, which has significantly contributed to her academic and personal growth. 

鈥淚t’s definitely been a rocky road because you have to learn so much material, but it’s been a good experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t exceeded my expectations because all the teachers are there for you. They help you understand the material, not just learn and pass the classes and exams, but to take in that knowledge and understand you’re going to be taking this with you to the hospitals.鈥� 

The supportive environment within her cohort has been another key factor in her success. Amanda described her classmates as a close-knit group that functions like a family, providing mutual support and encouragement throughout their rigorous studies. 

鈥淔or someone starting nursing school and 国产主播, this is your best choice. You’re going to do really well here,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f I made it here and all my peers have made it to this moment, you can too. 

Looking forward to her career, Amanda was eager to make a positive impact in the nursing field. She is committed to not only applying her medical knowledge but also offering compassionate, patient-centered care. Her goal is to be a source of support for her patients, helping them through their illnesses and contributing to their healing process. 

“I say nursing is not only about being the smartest person and knowing everything but actually being there for your patients 鈥� to understand them, to understand their illness or what they’re going through and help them heal,鈥� Amanda said. 鈥淭hat’s the main goal.鈥� 

The post WCU-Miami BSN Student Found Right Path After Paralegal Career听 appeared first on 国产主播.

How has WCU helped you get to where you are today in your career?

WCU provided the necessary resources to help me achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a nurse. Apart from the resources that the school has to offer, WCU staff has been nothing but helpful, friendly, and informative. WCU gave me the tools to carve my own path and achieve my goals. 

What is your specialty and what path did you take to attain your career as a nurse?

I work in an acute care cardiac surgical stepdown unit. I took the path of the BSN program. 

Tell me more about your journey to work in acute care.

My journey in this specialty was not expected by any means. I had applied to other hospitals in different specialties and the unit that I work for now gave me an offer before anyone else. I trust that god puts people in places where they are needed. I am more than happy to be in the unit that I am in.

What has been the most incredible part about your job so far?

The most incredible part about my job so far is being able to help patients recovering from surgeries as well as attending to the needs of more critical patients. The unit I work in is very exhilarating and it takes being calm under pressure to be successful. 

How does your job connect back to your coursework at WCU?

My job connects back to the coursework at WCU in many different ways, for starters the most important thing WCU taught me was how to properly and promptly perform a head to toe assessment. That is very fundamental skill in nursing. Other ways WCU connects to my job are the different skills I have learned along the way, such as peripheral IV placement and Foley catheter insertion. 

Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?

A class that influenced me a lot was my pediatrics class, it influenced me because it was the most challenging class in my WCU experience, it taught me to work and study harder, and to really dig deep to achieve my goal. I would like to give a special shoutout to professors Andrea Cianes, Cindy Ayala, Emilio Xiques, Roselle Samson-Mojares. They were all very influential in my WCU experience. 

What advice do you have for students who want to follow your path?

An advice I have for students is to just be prepared to make sacrifices. This career path is very time-consuming and requires a lot of effort and attention. Be ready to say no to going out for the weekend or going on vacation for the time being, but the other side is very rewarding, so the sacrifice is worth it.

How has your alma mater influenced your relationship and life journey post-graduation?

My alma mater has influenced my relationships and life post-graduation in many ways. For starters, it has taught me that now is the time to really put the pedal to the metal and hit the ground running in terms of working and absorbing knowledge. There are many goals we want to achieve, like buying a house and starting a family, and there needs to be a financial foundation set up in order to proceed with that. At the same time, it has taught us to take advantage of the free time we have to spend with each other and with friends and family, time is short in this life and making the most of every minute is the way we want to carry on throughout life. 

What made you both want to continue your legacy of being in nursing school together?

After a couple of years in community college bouncing around majors, not knowing what to study or what to do, we set out a goal of becoming nurses because of our desire to work in the healthcare field, and nursing is a career that has many doors for you to open and many opportunities to explore, being a bedside nurse is the first phase of the nursing career. 

Are there any funny or memorable stories from your time as a student that you often reminisce about?

Yes there are many memorable stories from our journey. One memorable story was post Covid-19 when the school decided to go back to in-person clinical rotations. Our first live clinical experience was in our mental health class, rotating through a mental health hospital for the first time is very intimidating, to say the least, but we had each other’s backs and our classmates as well and the experience was very positive. Besides that, we can think of the countless Starbucks runs before clinicals, as well as carpooling with classmates to the rotation sites, as well as being part of many study groups. 

Tell us about your sweetheart journey and your love story.

Our love story began in high school. We had known each other since freshman year of high school because we went on the same school bus together, and we became acquaintances at first and later turned into friends and leading up to our senior year, we decided to pursue something romantically. We have been together for nine years and every year is better than the last. We have our arguments like every couple, but good communication goes a long way. We are very happy to have gone through the WCU experience together and now we are excited for the next phase of our lives.听

The post Graduate Q&A: Abey G., WCU-Miami BSN 鈥�23 appeared first on 国产主播.

Laureen S., MSN 鈥�23, first discovered her passion for nursing while watching the popular TV series 鈥淢*A*S*H.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 the only thing I ever wanted to do,鈥� Laureen shared. 鈥淚 loved the physical sciences and wanted to be a surgical nurse like Margaret Houlihan.鈥�

After high school, Laureen attended college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1987. Her subsequent 37-year career spanned numerous technological advancements, a global pandemic, and multiple nursing specialties.

Laureen’s first job was in the medical oncology unit, where poor nurse-to-patient ratios and grueling night shifts made her question her career choice. She then moved to the step-down unit of the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), where she discovered her calling in cardiac care and patient education.

Her career continued as she worked in the ICU, home health care, and the adult critical care unit’s flow pool. Eventually, she transitioned to the NICU, where she found her true passion for neonatal care and spent 20 fulfilling years.

鈥淢y mom had always wanted me to be a pediatric nurse and I never had any interest, let alone in babies,鈥� Laureen recalled.

Laureen went on to work at 国产主播 鈥� Ontario as a pediatric clinical instructor, where she has taught for the past seven years. Her time at WCU has been marked with new opportunities and experiences in nursing.

After teaching for nearly five years, Loreen was informed that her role now required a master鈥檚 degree.

鈥淚 was 56 years old at the time and didn鈥檛 want to go back to school. I hadn鈥檛 been a student since 1987,鈥� she said.

Several months later, Laureen learned that she qualified for a grant to cover the cost of the program. As a result, she was able to start the WCU MSN online program in Nursing Education in January 2022 and conclude in December 2023, graduating at the top of her class and earning a nomination into Sigma Theta Tau. She also won the Daisy Award in October 2023.

One of Laureen鈥檚 greatest outcomes from her master鈥檚 program was her introduction to the simulation center.

Laureen quickly fell in love with simulations and in January, she transferred from the nursing department to the simulations department. In the fall, Laureen will begin as the newest pediatric simulation instructor at WCU.

鈥淚 never thought I needed or wanted a master鈥檚 degree, but now, because I have it, I am a simulation instructor.鈥�

Laureen is excited about her future and remains dedicated to teaching and helping the next generation of nurses thrive.

The post WCU instructor finds passion over 37-year nursing career appeared first on 国产主播.

When WCU-Miami alumna Brenda L. (BSN 鈥�23) graduated high school, she struggled to make a decision about her career path. On the one hand, she had the option of following in her parents鈥� footsteps. They were both nurses, and Brenda was familiar with the profession. However, she also had the option of forging her own path and trying a different occupation.

During her years in community college, she changed majors a few times and seriously considered pre dentistry, but she just couldn鈥檛 find a program that clicked as well as nursing.

The answer became clear: nursing was her true calling. That鈥檚 when she sought information on pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at 国产主播 鈥� and it was a perfect fit!

Now Brenda is a WCU-Miami alumna working in the pediatric ICU. Check out what she has to say about her nursing journey!

Q&A With Brenda

WCU: Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?

Brenda: A class that influenced me a lot was pediatrics. This was the most challenging course while I was in school; it taught me how to study and how to critically think.

WCU: How did you end up working in the pediatric ICU?

Brenda: My journey to work at this specialty started when I did my clinicals at the hospital. My clinical professor asked us what our interests were. I said pediatrics, and she took me to the ICU. I fell in love with the unit; I saw myself working there, and I applied as soon as I graduated.

WCU: What are some of the top ways your nursing education helped prepare you for this role?

Brenda: WCU has helped me get where I am today by providing very valuable resources. The staff at WCU are very helpful and friendly, from administration to professors. WCU provided me with the tools I need to become a nurse.

WCU: What advice do you have for students who want to follow your path?

Brenda: The advice I have for students who want to follow this path is to never give up on their dreams, no matter what life throws at them. This is a beautiful and rewarding career. Also, study hard from the beginning and find what works best for you.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Brenda L. appeared first on 国产主播.

国产主播 nursing graduate Maya S was recently honored with the DAISY-in-Training award for 鈥渄isplaying amazing compassion and kindness to a critically ill patient鈥� during her clinical rotation.  

Heavily medicated and in the intensive care unit, the patient had over a dozen key diagnoses which complicated his extreme illness 鈥� including multi-system organ failure. Each week when Maya and her classmates returned to the hospital, they were unsure if he would still be alive. 

Student nurses are randomly assigned a different nurse each clinical visit, but for three weeks in a row Maya ended up shadowing the ICU nurse who was assigned to the patient. Despite his inability to speak due to a tracheostomy, Maya formed a deep connection with the patient, becoming his voice and advocate. 

鈥淛ust as much as I played a part in his life, he played a huge part in mine because he was the first patient that I helped make a change in their life,鈥� Maya said. 

A patient鈥檚 voice 

Unable to talk and too weak to write, the patient used simple hand gestures and thumbs-up or thumbs-down signals to respond to Maya鈥檚 questions. 

鈥淪he always talked to him about every aspect of care being performed and encouraged him to try to talk or mouth words to express himself, when he was awake enough,鈥� WCU-Orange County associate professor Ginger Pierson said, who nominated Maya for the DAISY Award. 

Maya also spent time getting to know the patient on a personal level, engaging in 鈥測es or no鈥� conversations about sports and everyday life, as he raised a finger to indicate a favorite basketball team or player.  

During ICU visiting hours, Maya also met the patient鈥檚 relatives and girlfriend, who she helped coach on ways to decipher what he was trying to say and tips on communicating with him. Through the family, Maya learned the patient was a sweet, friendly guy who loved to joke and have fun. 

鈥淭hey said he was a charmer and always had the biggest heart,鈥� Maya said. 鈥淐an you imagine being so kind to everybody, and then it switches and you鈥檙e not even able to say anything?鈥� 

Sometimes, Maya said, the nurses would even entrust her to assist them with family updates due to her strong link to the patient鈥檚 relatives and her knowledge of the situation. 

鈥淚 did get really attached because I felt so bad,鈥� Maya said, 鈥渂ut my clinical instructor discussed with me that you need to learn how to create a bond, but to leave the attachment part outside.鈥� 

鈥楲et me choose鈥� 

On her last clinical shift in the ICU before a break in school, Maya noticed the patient was more awake and trying to get her attention. His health was declining, and the medical staff were on the phone with his mother, discussing his options. His mother, who lived out of state, wanted the tracheostomy to remain in place. Maya saw the patient disagreed. 

鈥淟et me choose,鈥� he pled to Maya, which she relayed to the ICU staff. 

At first the nurses and doctors weren鈥檛 confident Maya had understood him correctly, but quickly realized she was right.  

鈥淎n active discussion then took place with the patient to hear his choices and a plan was made together, including waiting until the next day to see if the patient still felt the same way regarding his care,鈥� Pierson said. 鈥淏ecause of Maya’s compassion and advocacy, this patient had a voice to make choices about his life and care.鈥� 

A self-confessed passionate person who 鈥渓oves to cry,鈥� Maya said she got emotional after her final visit with the patient. She knew the odds were against him and any improvement was unlikely. The next day, Maya said, in accordance with his wishes, the patient鈥檚 tracheostomy was removed. 

A familiar voice 

A few weeks later, Maya was back in the hospital when Professor Pierson asked if she could come into a patient鈥檚 room in the telemetry unit. 

When Maya entered, sitting up in the bed, was her patient. In just a few weeks, he had made significant strides and regained the ability to move his arms, eat, drink water, and even text.  

鈥淗e was texting!鈥� Maya exclaimed with a laugh. 鈥淏efore he couldn鈥檛 even put his thumb up! I was shocked!鈥� 

The patient had heard Maya鈥檚 voice outside his room, her instructor said, and wanted to meet her. 

鈥淗e said, 鈥榊ou sound familiar. Why do you sound familiar?鈥欌�� and Maya explained that she had helped take care of him for a few weeks. 

The patient was astonished that, even though he could not recall many other details from the previous month, he recognized something in Maya’s voice. 

鈥淚 don鈥檛 remember certain things happening,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut I remember your voice.鈥� 

Lasting lesson 

Reflecting on her experience, Maya said she learned that treating patients with respect and empowering them to make their own choices not only improved their quality of life but also enriched her own nursing practice. 

鈥淵ou have to care for them as much as you can because you don鈥檛 know what will happen,鈥� she said. 

Professor Pierson said she hoped Maya’s journey with the patient would serve as a reminder that behind every medical case is a person with hopes, dreams, and a desire for their voice to be heard. 

鈥淭he way Maya handled herself with this patient with such compassion, confidence, and professionalism, and as a true patient advocate in the best way possible, was so impressive,鈥� Pierson said. 鈥淭his was truly a memorable nursing moment at its best.鈥� 

Daisy In-Training Award 

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999. During his hospitalization, the family deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When Patrick died, they felt compelled to say 鈥渢hank you鈥� to nurses in a very public way, and the Daisy Award was created to recognize those nurses who promoted the positive image of the nursing profession. 

The post WCU Grad Learns Valuable Nursing Lesson During Clinical Rotation From Critically Ill Patient appeared first on 国产主播.

As a student in 国产主播’s first doctor of occupational therapy cohort, Valerie Cromwell Perry trusted the faculty to help prepare her for success. Now a professor at WCU, she aims to instill a similar confidence in her students’ caregiving future.

鈥淭he best part about occupational therapy is when you walk into what seems like an impossible situation, and you just start opening doors to people who just are completely succumbed by whatever illness or injury that they’re currently going through,鈥� Perry said. 鈥淭hrough the power of skilled occupational therapy, they’re able to overcome those challenges and restore their independence and their quality of life.鈥�

Perry saw that power firsthand while being the primary caregiver for her father, who was terminally ill with cancer. Describing her dad鈥檚 OT as 鈥渒ind, compassionate and brilliant,鈥� Perry said she was fascinated by the techniques and adaptive strategies that 鈥渞estored his independence.鈥�

Perry said she knew she had found her calling while watching her dad鈥檚 eyes light up just from the simple act of putting on his shoes or getting up from the couch to get a glass of water.

鈥淭he OT taught him how to do it, so he didn鈥檛 have to rely on me,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was her professionalism and her expertise that made me want to be like her.鈥�

Born and raised in California, Perry was living in Illinois when she began looking for OT schools. After visiting several universities, Perry said she felt “at home” after her interview at WCU. Despite being part of the university’s first OTD cohort, Perry said she had “no reservations” about the program’s integrity due to her interactions with the faculty.

“I didn鈥檛 realize I was ‘on edge’ until I talked to the faculty here and felt so at ease and comfortable,” she said. “I knew we were fully accredited in our master鈥檚 program, and I knew that the same team that ran the master’s program was running the doctorate program, so I had zero concerns that we would have any issues with it.鈥�

After graduating in 2020, Perry came back to teach at 国产主播 in 2022. While some things are different since her time as a student, Perry said the core philosophy of the accelerated program remains unchanged.

“Occupational therapy spans from infancy all the way to older adulthood and everything in between,” she said. “We span all various ages and all different conditions. We can work with them. Our curriculum is as diverse as they come.”

Once enrolled, Perry recommends students come in with an open mind, be receptive to feedback, and be ready to learn from Day One.

“Students are supported from the moment they walk through those doors,” she said. 鈥淲e are going to prepare you to restore hope in something that feels so distant at this time.鈥�

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Valerie Cromwell Perry and what is her connection to 国产主播?

A: Valerie Cromwell Perry is an alumni of 国产主播’s first doctor of occupational therapy cohort. After graduating in 2020, she returned to WCU as a professor in 2022. Her journey from student to faculty member showcases the strength of WCU’s occupational therapy education.

Q: How do you become an occupational therapy instructor?

A: Requirements for instructor or professor positions can vary greatly between one organization and the next. Prospective students who are interested in teaching one day can benefit greatly from pursuing their doctorate degree. An doctorate generally provides more in-depth preparation than a master鈥檚 degree, better equipping students for roles in academia and research.

Q: What is an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)?

A: OTD programs prepare students to become occupational therapists. The curriculum provides the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become an effective clinical practitioner. In addition, OTDs include a capstone project where students are able to engage their research skills, helping them prepare for academic or leadership positions.

The post OT Alumni Hopes To Instill Same Confidence As Professor That She Gained As WCU Student appeared first on 国产主播.