College Bound Success: College to Career with Mike Billar

Описание: “My goal for you is not to graduate. My goal for you is licensure. We want you to become a registered nurse.”

In this episode of College Bound Success: College to Career, I sit down with Mike Billar, Assistant Campus President and Acting Dean of General Education at Arizona College of Nursing’s Fort Worth campus. Mike has spent much of his career working in student affairs and nursing education, including leadership roles at West Coast University in California. Before entering higher education administration, he began his career as a high school drama teacher, an experience that still shapes his passion for mentoring students and guiding them toward meaningful careers.

Mike and I met years ago at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. One commonality we have is that even though neither of us are nurses or healthcare providers, we found our way into nursing education and have worked to support nursing students meet their educational and career goals.

During our conversation, Mike shares insights into the growing demand for nurses, how accelerated BS Nursing programs are helping address the nursing shortage, and what families should understand about nursing education today. One key takeaway: in nursing education, the goal isn’t simply earning a degree—it’s preparing students to pass the NCLEX, obtain licensure, and enter a profession where skilled, compassionate nurses are urgently needed.

We also discuss how today’s students are increasingly thinking about return on investment, career outcomes, and hands-on preparation when choosing a college pathway. Mike offers practical advice for high school students considering nursing, including exploring the profession early, volunteering in healthcare settings, and seeking experiences that confirm their motivation for the field.

I hope you'll take a listen and share this with others who are interested in nursing as a profession.

Be Boundless.
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