MESA, Ariz. – Dec. 23, 2025 — Mesa Community College (MCC) proudly announced that 68 registered nurses, 19 licensed practical nurses and 20 nurse assistants were awarded degrees and certificates during commencement ceremonies held Dec. 15–16, 2025, at the college’s Southern and Dobson Campus. These graduates are now poised to fill vital roles in Arizona’s healthcare system amid a significant workforce shortage.

Graduates in the Registered Nursing program earned both a Certificate of Completion in Registered Nursing and an Associate in Applied Science, which is transferable to Arizona’s public universities. MCC’s Nursing Program is part of MaricopaNursing, a consortium of Maricopa Community College nursing programs.

For more than 60 years, Mesa Community College has built a reputation for excellence in nursing education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of the profession, patients and the broader community. Today, MCC’s Nursing Program is ranked among the top five in Arizona by the national nursing advocacy organization RegisteredNursing.org, based on strong NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates.

“The success of our graduates reflects the rigor and quality of MCC’s nursing program,” said Denise Lewis, chair of the MCC Nursing Department. “Our students are well prepared to transition directly into the workforce, where skilled and compassionate nurses are critically needed.”

The MCC Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), affirming the program’s commitment to high standards and continuous improvement. The department’s curriculum incorporates current trends in healthcare, including technological innovations, expanded nursing roles and workforce readiness.

“MCC’s nursing graduates are in demand because of their strong clinical skills, professionalism and readiness to serve in diverse 

care settings,” said Carol Achs, MCC dean of instruction for Mathematics/Computer Science, Sciences and Exercise Science.

Learn more about MCC’s Nursing Program at mesacc.edu/nursing.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.