Student Perspectives from Inside JWU’s Health and Wellness Programs

Are you thinking about a health and wellness career but aren’t sure which career path and school is right for you? There are lots of choices, from nursing and physical therapy, to counseling, nutrition and many more. The best way to narrow down your major and where to earn your degree is to learn about the programs and the schools that offer them.

We offer several programs through our College of Health & Wellness and College of Arts & Sciences. And they all include embedded and required hands-on learning which is critical for working in the health and wellness industries. 

Several of our health and wellness programs are offered as Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Programs that allow you to dive right into your career path. If you qualify for the program, you can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees on a continuous path by completing some of your core graduate courses as an undergraduate. The best part? You can complete both degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money.

Hear straight from students in the programs for a true taste of what it’s like to study and prepare for your career at JWU. Students from different programs shared why they chose JWU’s programs, what they like best about them, what it’s like learning within a cohort model (being with the same small group of students for the entire program) and other topics to give an in-depth look at what to expect from our programs.

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Explore our College of Health & Wellness

Why JWU’s Program?

“I wanted a program that would let me transition into nursing as quickly as possible without sacrificing the clinical experience and the quality of the education — that's what stood out to me most about JWU. The 16-month program means I can jump into my nursing career sooner. Also, the small class sizes, the clinical placement and the faculty being supportive made a huge difference.”
Kaleigh Della Gratta ’25
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

“I was able to do my undergraduate degree in three years and then transition into my master’s degree smoothly. I retained all the knowledge from my undergraduate program and took it straight into my master's. A lot of schools don't offer that. I did the combined undergraduate and graduate program and was able to get my undergrad done in three years, and then my master's in two years."
Caitlin Gales '24, '25 M.S.
Psychology B.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.

“Even though it's accelerated, you have support in place. It's a great opportunity for people interested in nursing who want to finish in less time.” 
Catherine Carwile-Ridnour ’26
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Connections to Alumni & Networking

“Some alumni are still in contact with my cohort and come back to give presentations, talk about how they're doing in the field, what steps to take. Some even gave us their business cards. A few alumni who are clinicians at the site where I am interning supported me in working with clients and by offering their help.”
Caitlin Gales

“I had the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant with Associate Professor Sara Namazi, and that opened doors for me. It's provided me with a full-time position at UConn as a research assistant and the grant I received put me in the direction of pursuing a Ph.D. after my earning my MPH.”
Kaitlyn Maggiore ’19, ’25 MPH 
Health Science B.S., Master of Public Health

Why Students Love the Faculty

“Professor Jonathan Noel, who launched the MPH program and is my faculty advisor, helped me with the application process and encouraged and supported me. All my professors have supported me. For my MPH I have some of the same professors I had as an undergraduate and was excited to work with them again.”
Kaitlyn Maggiore

“I consider all my faculty to be mentors, but especially the ones I work with in clinical because I get to watch them and learn from them and then implement that into my own care. They're all amazing. They're incredibly supportive and genuine, and they always care — you come first, your health and wellbeing as a student.”
Kaleigh Della Gratta

“I like the philosophy of the professors I've had — they don't expect you to know everything, and they want to teach you. That has been the most refreshing part and that's the attitude I've gotten from most of the faculty here. I also like them because they build a community around the program. I've never felt like I couldn't approach any of them or any of my classmates for help. That's wonderful.”
Ryan McNiece ’26 M.S. 
Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Applying Learned Skills to Real Life Scenarios

“Our first clinical rotation was on a rehab floor in Fatima Hospital. The patients were there to recover from strokes, falls or other injuries. We made sure they were stable and watched them progress. I had a new patient about four weeks ago who could barely move his left side. By the time we finished working together, he was walking; it was amazing.”
Laila Martin ’26
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

“I definitely see how the program has affected my work as a vocational counselor. It has changed my focus and the way I approach clients. It has helped me see how important therapy is in vocational counseling.”
Ryan McNiece

“I've done a few simulated lab experiences and a rehab clinical. I enjoyed the simulated experience. Even though it wasn't in a hospital and the patient was a mannequin, the faculty made it as realistic as possible. After we practiced in simulated labs, we began working with student volunteers and real patients.”
Catherine Carwile-Ridnour

Learning Through a Cohort Model

“Having a small cohort allows us to build strong relationships and feel comfortable with one another. We all understand the pressure and the demands that come along with nursing school, so having that support system on the inside is beneficial. We're always celebrating each other's wins. Having that encouragement and consistency is good for our journey.”
Kaleigh Della Grotta

“I like the smaller class cohorts and getting to know your classmates. You have your own little community, and you learn to rely on each other and that's helped a lot. We have a close-knit group and all talk regularly. I'm going to miss it when it ends.”
Ryan McNiece

“I love the small class size, especially with my cohort. I'm a full-time student, so if you're going to see the same people three to four times a week, it's nice being in such a welcoming environment with a small class.”
Kaitlyn Maggiore

“I like the cohort that I'm in and the familiar faces; we all help each other out. If we need help on a homework assignment, projects or study groups, we're there for one another.”
Caitlin Gales

Their Favorite Part of the Programs

“Taking my first master's course and getting into the groove of things helped me see that I was going to enjoy the program. The classes are also my favorite part. I love learning and then being able to take what I'm learning in classes and put it to use in the real world.” 
Caitlin Gales

“Definitely the clinicals. It's rewarding to know that even just the little bit that we're doing goes a long way, whether it’s conversing with patients or helping the nursing staff — we’re building our skills and our confidence. It shows us what it will be like when we are working and it's something to look forward to.”
Kaleigh Della Grotta

How JWU Helped Students Grow Personally and Professionally

“The feedback we get from our professors helped shape me and let me know I am meant for this field. It took some time, especially the practicum, which was very eye opening for me because I was scared to meet clients and put myself out there. With the internship, you really see the growth and the difference in yourself and your classmates. The program has shaped me into a better version of myself.”
Caitlin Gales

“The clinical has been crucial in building my confidence as a nursing student. At first, I was unsure if I'd be able to handle nursing school but gaining more experience in the classroom and in clinical has helped me grow.”
Kaleigh Della Grotta

“I am a little reserved, but I’ve grown since I've started the nursing program. Since it's a small cohort, I have the chance to talk to, connect with and become friends with all the other students. I've noticed I’ve grown personally and professionally that way.” 
Catherine Carwile-Ridnour

Career Goals for the Future

“I want to work towards getting my license and working with children. Opening and owning my own practice is a possibility.”
Caitlin Gales

“I intend to join the United States Navy. This very quick, accelerated hybrid-type nursing program works perfectly for me for my next steps forward.”
Catherine Carwile-Ridnour

“I knew as soon as I was finishing my undergrad program that I wanted to pursue the MPH, and since I started the MPH program, I've been motivated to further continue my education. It has set me on a path to pursue a Ph.D. and has set me up for success.”
Kaitlyn Maggiore

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