Building a career foundation through faith, culture, hands-on experience
To better understand the distinctive qualities of Belmont's nursing education, we connected with current students about their experiences in the Inman College of Nursing.
For Angelica Garcia, her time at Belmont has been transformative both personally and professionally, combining clinical experience, spiritual growth and cultural connection to prepare her for a rewarding career in nursing.
Student Profile
Name: Angelica Garcia
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Notable Experiences: Treasurer of Hispanic Student Association (HSA), Member of CRU Bible Study, Bruin Recruiter
The Challenge
Garcia faced the significant challenge of adapting to a new country and culture while pursuing a demanding nursing curriculum. As an international student, she needed to find ways to maintain her cultural identity and faith while building the clinical skills necessary for her future career.
The Solution
Garcia found Belmont's College of Nursing offered three key elements crucial to her development.
1. Early Clinical Exposure
"During my time in Belmont, my most 'hands-on' experience was attending clinics in my Foundation of Experiential Learning class," Garcia explained. "I got the opportunity to be more exposed to a clinical environment and actual patients instead of just going to the lab and practicing with mannequins. I've never worked or practiced at a real hospital, and taking this class helped me understand how this specific setting works."
2. Faith-Centered Education
"Belmont's Christian community really helped me get closer to my religion and not lose that part of my values,” shared Garcia. “College can already be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to exams and grades. But in the College of Nursing, I love that they always pray before a test, which I realized really calms my soul."
3. Cultural Community
"Every club that I've joined has had some impact on me. The one that really stands out to me is HSA, where I won the treasurer position this sophomore year,” said Garcia. “I got closer to this community, and it made me feel at home. I love talking and sharing about my culture with others, and with this club, I can create new friendships and share a common interest.”
The Results
Garcia's experience in the nursing program has transformed her both professionally and personally by:
- Establishing practical nursing skills through early clinical experiences
- Deepening her faith through campus ministries and faith-integrated learning
- Developing leadership abilities as HSA treasurer
- Building resilience adapting to a new culture while maintaining her identity
Key Takeaway
"Belmont has made a significant impact on my personal and professional growth. My time here has shaped me into the person I am now and makes me feel so satisfied because this is what I've always prayed for since I started school," Garcia reflected.
Her journey exemplifies how the College of Nursing nurtures not only clinical excellence but also personal growth and cultural connection.
Next Steps
Ready to begin your nursing journey at Belmont? Contact our admissions team to learn more about our nursing program:
- Speak with current students and faculty
- Learn about clinical opportunities