SWC News Center
SWC Vocational Nursing Graduate Celebrates National #1 Ranking and the Journey That Shaped Her
By Ko Inouye - April 25, 2025
When Angela Castell贸n graduated from 色界吧鈥檚 (SWC) Vocational Nursing (VN) program, she already knew she was part of something special. But the latest rankings have added even more pride to her accomplishment.
鈥淚t feels incredibly rewarding and an honor to be a graduate of a Vocational Nursing program that has been #1 in the U.S. in four of the past five years,鈥� Castell贸n stated.
According to the latest data from PracticalNursing.org, SWC鈥檚 VN program ranked:
- #1 in California and the U.S. in 2022鈥�2023
- #1 in California and the U.S. in 2020鈥�2021
- #1 in California and the U.S. in 2019鈥�2020
- Top 20 in California in 2021鈥�2022
These rankings came to light as faculty prepared for the program鈥檚 five-year approval visit with the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
鈥淚 was totally unaware of our U.S. ranking until we began preparing for the state approval visit,鈥� said Samantha Girard, Senior Program Director for the Nursing & Health Occupations program. 鈥淚鈥檓 speechless other than to say that I am so proud of our faculty and students for consistently striving for excellence!鈥�
For Castell贸n, the impact of the program is deeply personal. Her journey into healthcare began as a curious child trying to comfort her injured sister. That moment sparked a lifelong desire to help others. After high school, she enrolled in a medical assistant program. But it was working alongside nurses that solidified her decision: she wanted to be a nurse.
鈥淎ll my older siblings attended Southwestern at one point, and I鈥檝e always felt a strong sense of belonging here,鈥� Castell贸n explained. 鈥淏eing part of a college that reflects the community I grew up in made me feel safe and supported.鈥�
She credits Professor Angelia Monroy for inspiring not only her clinical skills but her confidence as a learner and professional. 鈥淪he made it safe to ask questions, and that confidence has stuck with me,鈥� Castell贸n expressed, 鈥淓ven now, I ask questions and learn from my peers, leaders, and physicians every day. That鈥檚 what makes a good nurse.鈥�
Now part of SWC鈥檚 Step-Up (Licensed Vocational Nursing to Associates Degree in Nursing (LVN-ADN)) transition program, Castell贸n is continuing her education with plans to earn a master鈥檚 in nursing education. She declared, 鈥淏ecoming an LVN was not just a stepping stone鈥攊t was the foundation of my career. I鈥檓 going to be a better [registered nurse] because I started here.鈥�