After earning his degree in public health from San Diego State University, Tyler Karg found himself at a crossroads.

Originally interested in healthcare administration, he decided he wanted something more personal, a career that would allow him to connect directly with patients.

“I realized I really wanted to focus on the patients and getting that one-on-one interaction with them,” he said.

That realization led him to MiraCosta College.

In 2022, Karg enrolled in the college’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, drawn by its affordability and the learning environment it provides students.

“I really like the smaller class sizes and more supportive environments,” Karg said.

Now 28, Karg is continuing his journey in healthcare through MiraCosta’s Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program, with plans to pursue the RN bridge program next.

Along the way, he has relied on the college’s academic support services to overcome challenges, including test anxiety.

“Their academic support services have been extremely great all around, and they've really been able to help me focus on how to just get through tests without being so anxious,” Karg said.

He also found strength in the community around him, both in and out of the classroom, where classmates encourage one another to succeed and support each other through the high-demand program.

“It's extremely welcoming,” Karg said. “It seems like we're all in it together.”

That support also extends to the nursing faculty including nursing program director Dr. Alison Perkins, who Karg said has always been there to help guide him.

“If ever I'm worried, I'll always go to her, and she'll help me work through it,” Karg said. “And she's always like, ‘You got this, I don't know why you're worrying.’”

Karg was awarded MiraCosta’s Medal of Academic Merit, recognizing his academic excellence and dedication.

“It’s a different kind of recognition of all this hard work I’ve been putting in,” he said. “So it’s really special to me.”

As he looks ahead, Karg hopes to work in emergency nursing and continue advancing in the field, a path he plans to keep building at MiraCosta.

Karg will continue to commute from La Mesa to MiraCosta's Oceanside campus, a commitment he said is well worth the drive.

“They have some of the best resources I've ever had,” Karg said.

For future students, his advice is simple:

“Don't be afraid to reach out when you need help,” he said. “Your faculty and professors are always there.”