From EMT to Registered Nurse

Before enrolling in the nursing program at North Central Michigan College, Caleb was working as an EMT. While the schedule offered some flexibility, balancing nursing school with long shifts left little time for studying. To make his educational goals more achievable, he transitioned to a position at a local restaurant that offered greater flexibility but came with a significant reduction in income.

As Caleb worked toward his nursing degree, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium helped ease some of the financial pressures that often come with higher education. Assistance with textbooks, supplies, and mileage reimbursement proved especially valuable. Some semesters required more than $600 in textbooks alone, and clinical rotations often involved extensive travel, including one day that required more than 400 miles of driving.

With those barriers reduced, Caleb was able to focus on what mattered most—succeeding in nursing school. Throughout the challenging four-semester program, he maintained strong academic performance while building meaningful relationships and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

One of the highlights of his journey was securing an internship with McLaren Northern Michigan after his first year of nursing school. The internship allowed him to work alongside nurses on a medical-surgical floor for a full year, providing invaluable experience and helping prepare him for the demands of his final year in the program.

In May 2026, Caleb graduated from nursing school and began his career as a Graduate Nurse at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. Upon passing the NCLEX exam, he will transition to a Registered Nurse position with an increased wage.

Reflecting on his experience, Caleb shared, “If there is a will, there is a way. There are so many people and organizations willing to help if you ask for it. I wouldn’t be where I am today as a registered nurse without the support I received.”

Today, Caleb is beginning a rewarding career in healthcare and looks forward to making a positive impact in the communities he serves.