San Jacinto College’s highly-acclaimed nursing program is helping Erin Gerfers achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.

Gerfers recently earned a certificate of technology in vocational nursing at San Jacinto College North and plans to continue attending San Jac to earn an associate degree. She also intends to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree.

Despite a long commute to attend classes, Gerfers says it’s worth it. “I live in Kingwood, so I travel quite a distance to attend San Jacinto College, but I am glad to have the opportunity,” she commented. Gerfers also juggles college life with other roles as a wife and a mother of two children, Nolan and Kendall, and as a weekend employee at a long-term care facility for people with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. “The nursing program at San Jacinto College is an extensive program that requires much dedication to achieve success,” she remarked. “But the knowledge I am gaining is worth the effort.” Hands-on training outside the classroom, known as clinicals, provides valuable real-world experience for San Jacinto College nursing students. These clinicals occur at local hospitals and health care facilities, and are supervised by San Jacinto College instructors. Clinicals provide an opportunity for students to achieve the knowledge to become excellent nurses and care-givers. “Each clinical was a unique experience and has prepared me to stand on my own,” noted Gerfers.

Gerfers speaks highly of the instructors in San Jacinto College’s vocational nursing program. She says each instructor in the department has passed along something that she will take with her as she continues her education and career. “I owe them much more than just words,” she said.

Alana Curry, program director of the San Jacinto College North vocational nursing department, says Gerfers stands out as a diligent student who is determined to succeed. “Erin has been a joy to have in the program,” Curry commented. “She has been a strong, dedicated student with a passion for nursing. Her success today is a testimony to her commitment to excellence and her desire to become a nurse.” Read more