Valley college graduates first nurses in bachelors degree program, filling critical workforce gap
May 9
The first class of nearly 20 GateWay Community College (GWCC) students will be walking across the stage to receive their bachelor’s degrees in nursing this month.
Mark-Jayson Garcia will be part of GWCC’s first graduating class to complete the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program.
“The RN-BSN program at GWCC has been such a meaningful part of my journey as a nurse. I can honestly say I was never alone. My instructors were always there whenever I needed guidance or support,” Garcia said in an MCCCD press release. “That level of care made a real difference for me and helped me stay confident and motivated, even during the more challenging moments.”
GWCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), which is the nation’s largest community college district. The program began in fall 2024 and the graduates previously received their Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (RN) through an MCCCD campus.
Students like Garcia choose to attend a community college like GWCC due to its accessibility and affordability.
Why is GWCC’s nursing program important?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be more than 195,000 open positions for registered nurses across the state from 2021 to 2031, according to the Arizona Board of Nursing. MCCCD helps educate close to one-third of the state’s nurses, making it the institution with the highest number of nursing graduates.
The district has other programs to certify Licensed Practical Nurses and nursing assistants. MCCCD offers more than 70 healthcare programs throughout its campuses, filling critical gaps in the healthcare system.
“Compared to other RN-BSN programs in the state, GateWay offers a high-quality education at a much lower cost. That made it possible for me to keep going in school without added financial stress, while still receiving great support and instruction,” Garcia said.
GWCC’s nursing program helps address a critical shortage of nurses in the workforce across the state. The lack of healthcare professionals, including nurses, affects all Arizonans. Shortages of healthcare professionals can lead to delayed medical care and longer emergency room wait times.
“We are very excited to celebrate this first class of BSN graduates,” GWCC President Amy Diaz said in a press release. “For most, choosing nursing is much more than picking a field of study; it’s a calling for the greater good, and I am personally looking forward to seeing these students contribute to making our community stronger and healthier.”
Reporting by “Arizona Horizon” Education Solutions Reporter Roxanne De La Rosa. Her role is made possible through grant funding from the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund and Report for America.
