FORT WORTH, Texas — It seems Tarrant County College nursing student Erik Joyce was destined for a life of service. He grew up in a family of nurses.
His mother was a career nurse, and his sister, also a nurse, now manages the hospital where he was born. Watching them serve others made a lasting impression.
“Seeing their dedication up close showed me how much nurses matter, not just to patients, but to families and communities as well.”
Erik is on track to graduate with his associate degree in May 2027. He chose TCC because of its strong reputation throughout the county, particularly for its nursing program and hospital partnerships. The College also has been a practical choice for him and his family.
“It has given me a high-quality, cost-effective way to change careers without sacrificing education,” he said. “The instructors and staff have been incredibly supportive, making it possible for me to balance school, work and family.”
Service is nothing new to Erik, who was in the U.S. Navy. Following in the footsteps of his grandfathers — both of them World War II naval veterans — he felt called to pursue work rooted in purpose. His family legacy inspired him to seek a path that combined service with meaning.
During his time in the Navy, Erik gained skills that continue to shape him. “The military taught me resilience, teamwork, accountability and leadership,” he said. “Those lessons guide me every day in nursing school and in patient care.”
After completing his military service, Erik entered the finance industry and rose to a vice president position. Despite professional success, he felt something was missing. He wanted a career that felt meaningful and aligned with his values. Drawn back to service, he turned to nursing — a profession where he could make a direct difference in people’s lives.
After graduation, Erik plans to work at a Level I trauma center, a comprehensive facility equipped to provide the highest level of care for severely injured patients with 24/7 access to specialized trauma teams and advanced medical resources. JPS Health Network, where Erik is completing adult clinical rotations, is one of two Level I trauma centers in Tarrant County. The other is Texas Health Fort Worth Harris Methodist Hospital.
Erik hopes to work in critical care, serving patients during their most vulnerable moments. Once employed as a registered nurse, he plans to apply to the RN to BSN program at the University of Texas at Arlington.
He enthusiastically recommends TCC to anyone considering college. “The faculty are knowledgeable,” he said, “and they genuinely want students to succeed.”
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.