Events
Nursing Graduates Poised to Strengthen Health Care Workforce
RALEIGH, N.C. (Friday, December 5, 2025) – Wake County's health care system will soon benefit from a new wave of skilled nurses as nearly 70 graduates of Wake Tech's popular Martha Mann School of Nursing prepare to enter the workforce.
A day before they walked across the stage at graduation, nursing graduates were honored in a traditional pinning ceremony at the Perry Health Sciences Campus. The ceremony celebrated the dedication and achievement of students who have completed rigorous training to meet the growing demand for nurses across the region.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude for their commitment to the profession.
"Nurses are the quiet heroes we rely on most when life feels uncertain," said Ralls. "Your skill, compassion and dedication will make a profound difference in our community. Thank you for choosing a calling that truly has purpose."
Dean of Nursing Anne Jones-Sutton reminded graduates that their journey is just beginning.
"Nursing school is one of the toughest challenges you'll ever face," said Jones-Sutton. "But today marks the start of a lifetime of learning and service. We couldn't be prouder of what you've accomplished."
Each graduate received a nursing pin, a lamp, a red rose and a copy of the Florence Nightingale pledge – symbols of their commitment to compassionate care and professional excellence. With approximately 250 students, Wake Tech has one of the largest Associate Degree Nursing programs in North Carolina.
Ten graduates of Wake Tech's Practical Nursing diploma program were also recognized during the ceremony. These graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level nurses, providing essential care and support in a variety of health care settings.
"Our instructors didn't just teach us; they believed in us," said Practical Nursing graduate Cecily Gomez. "They gave us the confidence to advocate for our patients and provide care with both skill and heart."
Other Health Sciences graduates, including those in Medical Assisting, Radiography, Pharmacy Technology and Medical Sonography, also received pins in separate ceremonies earlier in the day.
The Perry Health Sciences Campus serves more than 3,500 students annually, and a major expansion underway will allow for program growth in many areas. A three-story, 100,000-square-foot simulation hospital under construction will be one of the largest and most comprehensive training facilities in the country. From patient check-in to a simulated emergency room to diagnostics labs and more, the Perry Family Simulation Hospital will provide realistic, multidisciplinary training for a variety of health care specialties. It is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
