Hospital welcomes former paramedics as registered nurses following completion of innovative three-semester program

Lake Havasu City, AZ – [September 19, 2025] – Havasu Regional Medical Center is proud to celebrate the achievement of its first two employees to complete Mohave Community College's innovative Accelerated Nursing Program for Paramedics. Jesus "Tito" Mireles and Azriel "Z" Ortega have successfully completed the rigorous three-semester program and are now eligible to take the national licensure examination to become registered nurses.

The accelerated program, approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, was specifically designed to transition experienced paramedics into registered nursing roles. This streamlined pathway recognizes the valuable clinical experience and medical knowledge that paramedics bring to the nursing profession while providing the additional education and training necessary to excel as registered nurses.

"We are incredibly proud of Tito and Z for their dedication and achievement," said Rebecca Class RN, Emergency Department Clinical Coordinator at HRMC. "Having worked alongside them as paramedics in our Emergency Room, we've seen firsthand their commitment to patient care and clinical excellence. Their transition to registered nurses represents not only their personal success but also our hospital's investment in developing our healthcare team."

Both graduates previously worked as paramedics in the hospital's Emergency Room and will now transition into their new roles as registered nurses at Havasu Regional Medical Center. Their career progression represents a natural evolution that leverages their existing emergency medicine expertise while expanding their scope of practice and patient care capabilities.

The Accelerated Nursing Program for Paramedics addresses two critical needs in healthcare: providing career advancement opportunities for experienced paramedics and helping to alleviate the ongoing nursing shortage. By building upon the medical knowledge and clinical skills that paramedics already possess, the program offers an efficient and effective pathway to nursing licensure.

The program's compact three-semester format allows working paramedics to advance their careers without the typical four-year commitment required for traditional nursing programs. Students complete intensive coursework in nursing theory, advanced clinical practice, and specialized nursing skills while maintaining their connection to real-world healthcare environments.

Havasu Regional Medical Center continues to support employee advancement opportunities and encourages other healthcare professionals to explore the Accelerated Nursing Program for Paramedics offered through Mohave Community College. The hospital is committed to fostering professional development and career growth for its healthcare team.