Today we celebrate International Nurses Day! A day to honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses around the world. At Pima Foundation we are honored to support such an exceptional program at Pima Community College.
To many nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling. From compassion and emotional stability to critical thinking and physical stamina, nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, PCC is leading the charge to meet workforce needs while creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive in healthcare careers.
PCC offers a comprehensive nursing pathway—from Nursing Assistant to Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (ADN) and beyond. Through concurrent enrollment partnerships with universities, students can pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, accelerating their education and career advancement.
Ashley Moran, a proud Pima alum and Clinical Nurse Lead at Tucson Medical Center, says it best,“A nurse is who I am, not what I do, and Pima got me there.”
Best of all, in January 2025, Pima opened the doors to its new Center of Excellence in Health Professions, a state-of-the-art facility redefining healthcare education in Southern Arizona. Located at the Downtown Campus, this 80,000-square-foot center is a bold investment in the future of nursing and allied health fields.
Equipped with immersive simulation labs, augmented and virtual reality tools, and cutting-edge technology like Anatomage and Syndaver, the Center provides a 21st-century educational experience that prepares students for real-world challenges. Beyond technology, the space is designed to foster collaboration, connection, and community—with modern study areas, interactive displays, and spaces for public engagement.
With more than 800 health profession graduates each year—many of them nurses—Pima’s impact is profound. These graduates will go on to care for over one million patients annually, shaping healthier communities and stronger futures.
As we honor the contributions of nurses this International Nurses Day, we also celebrate the role Pima Community College plays in preparing the next generation of healthcare heroes. Through its dynamic programs and visionary new center, Pima is not just responding to the future of healthcare—it’s shaping it.
To learn more about the Center of Excellence in Health Professions, and to provide program support click here.
