March 23, 2026
JCCC’s nursing path provided the stepping stones to a rewarding career for Rada Lewis.
If you’re interested in a nursing career, JCCC is the place to be!
Our high NCLEX pass rates, state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center, and ranking as the #2 nursing school in Kansas have set up graduates like Rada Lewis for success in the nursing field.
Rada was already familiar with JCCC’s educational quality. Her children earned college credit through JCCC while attending high school and had a positive experience.
After Rada’s last child left for college, she decided to return to school as well, this time as a nursing student.
“I thought it might be weird or uncomfortable because of the age disparity,” she said. “But it quickly became apparent that anyone at any age could feel welcome here.”
JCCC provides a path for your nursing education
At JCCC, you have several programs to choose from when it comes to pursuing your nursing education.
Rada began with JCCC's Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program, a 96-hour course teaching the basic care of clients in long-term and acute-care facilities.
After earning her certification in just a few weeks, she qualified for the next step, JCCC’s Certified Medication Aide (CMA) program.
“I looked at the CMA class as a stepping stone to see if I would like nursing,” said Rada. “The degree of responsibility and volume of material was far greater.”
JCCC’s CMA program sets you up for success—in work and in school!
JCCC’s CMA program is a 12-week, 80-hour course that teaches CNAs how to administer drugs and medications safely. Many students, like Rada, pursue the certification to increase their CNA qualifications and set the stage for further nursing education.
“[The CMA program] has a Practical Nursing (LPN)-level pharmacology experience,” she said. “And for people like me, who need scaffolding, this was an excellent reinforcement course.”
After earning her CMA certification, Rada wasted no time entering JCCC’s nine-month LPN Certificate program. According to Rada, the foundational education from her CMA work made learning in the highly selective LPN program much easier.
Currently, Rada is a Licensed Practical Nurse, working at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She plans to follow the next step in JCCC’s nursing path, the LPN to Registered Nurse (RN) Bridge program. Afterward, she will be ready to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through JCCC’s partnership with the University of Kansas.
A JCCC education sets you apart
As a working nurse, Rada said JCCC's reputation for excellent nursing graduates is well known in the Kansas City area.
“Veteran staff nurses have told me that you can always tell which new hires came from JCCC, because they perform at a higher level,” she said.
Rada cites the JCCC nursing faculty as a key part of her success in the field.
“The teachers I have encountered at JCCC have been among the best I've had,” she said. “The smaller classes meant that your teachers knew and took an interest in you. The amount of practical career advice that I received is invaluable.”
Rada advises incoming nursing students to take advantage of available opportunities. Get involved in clubs and organizations and reach out to professors when you need help.
“Make the most of your time here, and you will only be enriched by it,” she said.
Start your healthcare career at JCCC
From Certified Nurse Aide to Registered Nurse, JCCC’s Nursing program provide the high-quality education you need to pursue your dream career.