YC propels 62 graduates into ‘hero’ nursing, radiologic technology professions

By Press release submission

May 27, 2022

Two of Yavapai College’s acclaimed frontline healthcare training programs, nursing and radiologic technology, have propelled 62 graduates into “hero” professions.

The college celebrated 51 nursing program graduates from both the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses and 11 radiologic technology (medical imaging) graduates based at the YC Prescott Valley Center during separate traditional pinning ceremonies this spring.

Proud throngs of wellwishers, including their instructors, mentors and clinical trainers, applauded the graduates’ sacrifices and perseverance in the two highly competitive and challenging programs, acknowledging that their countless hours of study and practice coincided with a global pandemic.

“Through the most challenging of times, these graduate nurses advocated for their nursing education, demonstrating determination to flex and adapt to the ever-changing demands and requirements of the healthcare world around them,” YC Nursing Program Director Dr. Marylou Mercado said in remarks during the nurse pinning on May 14 in the YC Performing Arts Center. “They stood strong to the challenges before them with minimal complaint, but rather with the attitude of determination and grit.”

Radiologic Technology graduate Jessicah Wellman, in her remarks during a May 6 pinning ceremony in the Prescott Campus Community Room, spoke of the strong bonds forged with her classmates, her instructors and healthcare professionals in the community while a rad-tech student. She was introduced to her classmates watching lab videos they created for her before she was able to join them in person at the Prescott Valley Center. “None of us had even met and we were already there for each other and we really have been since… I knew that these were the people who had my back and I had theirs.”

Wellman said her cohort was warmly welcomed into radiologic technology facilities across Northern Arizona for real-world learning and skill building. “I think we’ve gained even more than strictly x-ray experience.”

YC Nursing Professor Dr. Barbara Durham delivered the keynote at the Nurse Pinning saying, “It is hard to believe that this cohort started the program at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and look how much you have overcome and accomplished since then.” Durham imparted some final, invaluable advice to the graduates, including the importance of lifelong learning, kindness and self care, before welcoming them into the noblest of professions. “It has been an honor to be part of your educational journey. In my heart I know your future nursing endeavors are destined for greatness.”

All of the nursing and rad tech graduates have state exams to complete, but if historic pass rates continue for the two YC programs, the vast majority soon will be landing at healthcare centers across Yavapai County and the globe.

For information about the YC Nursing Program, visit www.yc.edu/nursing. Information about the “rad tech” program is here: www.yc.edu/radiology.

Following are the spring 2022 YC Nursing Program graduates: