SWAG�ϼ�

December 5, 2024
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

SWAG�ϼ� student Courtney Dillon spent time caring for some of her older family members as she approached her college years, and the fulfillment she felt from doing that made the decision to pursue nursing easy for her.

“For me, it’s a journey of heart and soul and the profound impact that I can have on a person’s life,” she said.

Dillon began working as a CNA during her senior year of high school in December 2005 and earned her associate of applied science from SWAG�ϼ� after high school.�� ��In 2014, she came back to SWAG�ϼ� and started working towards her nursing degree, where she obtained her LPN degree, followed by her IV certification.�� She is now on track to finish her registered nurse credential at the end of this year.

“It’s been a demanding journey trying to prioritize time, time to be a wife and a mother of three active children, working full-time, and saving what time is left for school and myself,” she said. “SWAG�ϼ� prepares us for the workforce by teaching us clinical skills, using critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision making.”

Dillon said the mixture of classwork, hands-on experience in simulation labs, and on-site clinical work has prepared her to excel in the workforce. She said having instructors who worked in the field is also vital to this preparation.

“The instructors are always providing us with mentorship and feedback to make sure we are ready,” she said. “The instructors are also great when you need someone to listen.”

Although her interactions with her instructors have been crucial to her development as a nurse, she has also made close friends in the program.

“You end up building strong relationships with other classmates through group projects, clinical groups, and study groups," she said.

Dillon has enjoyed working in central Kansas but aspires to eventually take her skills globally as an international traveling nurse. She said SWAG�ϼ�’s program is helping her become well-rounded while she takes the next steps to make this happen, which includes continuing to work while she pursues her bachelor’s and master's degrees.

“SWAG�ϼ� gives you a lot of hands-on experience through lab time with ‘manikins,’ case studies, and clinical experience in a variety of settings,” she said. “You get the opportunity to experience all that nursing has to offer.”

SWAG�ϼ�’s program features state-of-the-art technology, including “manikins” that can breathe, have simulated dialogue, produce body temperature changes, and more to make them extremely lifelike. There are various iterations of these, including infant and pregnant versions, and SWAG�ϼ� has many other supporting technological elements to truly simulate the real world.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. The priority deadline for applying for the nursing program is January 31, 2025. Applications can still be received until March 1. For more information or to apply, visit .

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