Western Nevada College Jump Start program fast tracks Carson City student’s plans to become a nurse

Discipline, ambition, dedication and hard work made it possible for Morgan Tingle to accomplish something never done before at Western Nevada College.

Tingle recently became the first student directly out of high school to earn acceptance into WNC’s nursing program. The college’s Jump Start College program hastened Tingle’s nursing school plans by allowing her to complete the prerequisite classes during her senior year at Carson High School.

“As a result of her hard work, the strong support of her family, Carson High School and the Carson City School District, Morgan has officially been accepted into the very competitive WNC nursing program,” said WNC Dean of Student Services John Kinkella.

Tingle will start as a nursing student in August.

“It was a great opportunity for her to be able to get high school credit while getting her college credit,” said Morgan’s mother, Sheryl about the Jump Start Program. “The savings were phenomenal for us, and she was able to jump ahead so much faster in her college career and plans.”

In fall of 2014, WNC created a partnership with 11 western Nevada high schools encompassing five school districts, allowing students the opportunity to earn up to an associate degree before graduating from high school. The program’s flexibility allows the high schools to determine whether their students take the college classes at one of WNC’s three campuses or at their high school.

While admitting a 17-year-old into the nursing program is precedent-setting, the feat is well-deserved and inspiring, according to Dr. Judith Cordia, director and division chair of WNC’s Nursing & Allied Health Department.

“She followed her dream, stayed focused and proved that these are essentials that pave the way to success,” Cordia said. “The faculty and I realize what a special opportunity this is for Morgan and welcome the challenge to provide her with an education that will be the cornerstone for all of her future educational endeavors.”

Tingle credited the Jump Start College’s support system for easing the transition from high school to college classes.

“They want you to succeed,” said Tingle, who made the Dean’s List during her 20-credit final semester. “I think I’ve improved my time-management skills and balancing activities. I also developed study habits over time, and it taught me to ask for help when I needed it.”

Tingle has a history of jumping ahead in her education. Following Morgan’s seventh-grade year, the Carson City School District permitted her to skip the eighth grade and enter Carson High School.

Prior to her senior year of high school, Tingle developed a plan to become eligible to enter WNC’s nursing program right of high school. With a career ambition to become a registered nurse, she immersed herself into higher education.

As a 13-year-old, she determined that she preferred a career where she could help people.

“I’ve always been interested in health and anatomy in different classes throughout school and I also love baby-sitting, so it kind of taught me to care for other people and develop a passion for nursing,” Tingle said. “I would like to specialize in pediatric nursing one day because I love children.”

In the few hours left over from her hectic academic schedule, she still found the time for employment. She works 10 hours per week at American Family Insurance in Carson City.

“I was still able to go to high school football and basketball games and hang out with friends while doing all that,” Tingle said. “Sometimes there were conflicts in my schedule because I was taking night classes.”

Those sacrifices and Tingle’s forward-thinking have given her a head start on her future.

“It’s really exciting,” she said. “It gets me ahead in life, so I’m more willing to get a master’s degree in nursing. It makes it look like I have more time and can go further with my degree.”