12-05-2025
A heart for healing: Inside Midland College's Nursing Program
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- In a small lab filled with simulation dummies and focused faces, future nurses at Midland College aren't just learning procedures…they're discovering their purpose.
For Amanda Tipton, a maternal and pediatric nursing professor, it's about more than instruction.
'We want to see our community with safe, good care provided by the nursing staff in the area,' she said. 'That's where we start. We build from the basics, so there's an assurance these students will go out into the community and make a difference in people's lives and keep people alive. That's what we do.'
That mission is matched by impressive results. Midland College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program recently achieved a 98.49% NCLEX-RN pass rate, far exceeding the national average of 90.63%. Meanwhile, the college's Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program earned a perfect 100% pass rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks.
'These outstanding results reflect the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, administration, and most importantly, our students,' said Cindy Madewell, Dean of Health Sciences. 'We are incredibly proud of their achievements and their commitment to providing top-quality health care.'
Stacy Salazar, a graduating student, exemplifies that commitment. Her decision to become a nurse was inspired by her experience as a young patient at Cook Children's Hospital. Now, she's preparing to begin her career in the Critical Care Unit at Midland Memorial Hospital.
'I just hope to be the nurse that took care of my grandma when she passed away,' Salazar said. 'Not just focusing on her, but caring for the family during such a difficult time.'
Salazar's journey, like many in the program, wasn't easy.
'Time management has been hard…I used to do everything last minute,' she admitted. 'But over time, you get into your rhythm and figure out what works best.'
Tipton said that kind of growth is central to the program's design. Many students arrive without fully understanding the demands of nursing school.
'People don't always know how to really study before they get here,' she said. 'Building those habits is essential.'
But support at Midland College goes beyond academics. Salazar credits the TimelyCare app, a mental health resource for students, with helping her stay grounded during high-stress semesters. 'I used to be quiet,' she said. 'But now I speak out more…with patients, with classmates, in relationships.'
Tipton sees that transformation as a hallmark of the program. 'This work affects people's lives,' she said. 'As an OB nurse, I get to be part of moments people will remember forever. I want my students to love what they do.'
As Texas faces a growing demand for skilled nurses, Tipton stressed the accessibility of Midland's pathways. The college offers dual credit options, LVN to RN bridges, and direct-entry routes for high school graduates, creating multiple on-ramps into the field. 'There's always a way in,' she said.
Whether students are fresh out of high school or returning to school later in life, Tipton said the diversity in her classroom proves one thing: 'It's never too late to care.'
With outstanding exam results, hands-on training, and compassionate instruction, Midland College is shaping the future of health care in the Permian Basin, one well-prepared nurse at a time.
For more information about Midland College's nursing programs, visit .
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