A Word of Caution for Prospective Nursing Students
As a former student of the Clarkston Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) nursing program, I urge prospective students to carefully evaluate their options before enrolling. While the program provides a pathway into nursing, an institution’s integrity should be demonstrated through fairness, transparency, and genuine student support—not just its reputation.
During my time at WWCC, and through conversations with fellow students, I noticed a troubling tendency to prioritize institutional prestige and stability over student advocacy. Faculty decisions often seemed more focused on maintaining appearances rather than addressing legitimate concerns. Some key issues include:
Accommodation Disparities – Extended test time was granted based on documentation signed by a Primary Care Provider (PCP), yet this did not necessarily verify a state-certified disability. As a result, many students—some without officially recognized needs—received accommodations, while others who struggled with external distractions like noise and crowded testing environments had limited support. While accommodations should be accessible to those who truly require them, the inconsistency in this process created unintended advantages and challenges.
Inconsistent Testing & Grading – Exams were administered differently between campuses, and grading adjustments often seemed to favor certain students more than others. Some tests contained missing questions, impacting final scores, and vague reassurances like, “Don’t worry, everyone did horribly—you’ll get points back,” contributed to a flawed testing mentality.
Outdated Course Material—The nursing theory curriculum remained unchanged for years. I personally had access to course notes and PowerPoint presentations from two to three years before my enrollment, and they were identical to the ones used in my classes, raising concerns about the program’s commitment to keeping education aligned with current industry standards.
Ethical & Transparency Concerns—Ethics was covered in coursework, yet faculty responses often contradicted these principles. When I faced multiple technical issues throughout the program and sought fair resolutions, my concerns were dismissed rather than addressed.
Concerns Reguarding Inconsistant Progression Standards—It was disheartening to observe students with significantly lower averages—some below 68%—advance in the program, while others with higher scores were held back, raising questions about consistency and potential favoritism, though I acknowledge there may be factors I wasn’t fully aware of.
Instructor Integrity & Grading Autonomy—On several occasions, I observed instructors express fear of repercussions for awarding A's and B's on clinical work they believed warranted it, only to be overruled by program leadership who asserted that only 'real nurses' should receive top marks—despite this being a training environment specifically designed to develop those very skills.
While WWCC’s nursing program offers a structured pathway to earning a degree, its approach to handling student concerns raises serious questions. If fairness, transparency, and student advocacy matter to you, I strongly recommend conducting additional research before committing.
For those already enrolled, the best approach is to focus on efficiently earning your degree. Unfortunately, when serious concerns arise—whether related to harassment, academic evaluations, or necessary accommodations—WWCC and its affiliated facilities tend to favor avoidance over resolution. Faculty frequently appeared unwilling or unable to acknowledge critical inaccuracies, potentially out of fear of consequences or reputation management.
Students who speak up often worry about jeopardizing their future career prospects, fostering a culture where many feel pressured to remain silent rather than challenge systemic issues. When an institution prioritizes self-preservation over student advocacy, it raises legitimate concerns about the integrity of the program and...
Read more
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
