GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – The growing number of jobs in health care has about 450 Colorado Mesa University students poised for success.

The CMU nursing program received a financial boost on Monday, from long-time donor John Moss. The donation will go toward increasing and enhancing the program.

"This semester has been really fun because we have been learning how to do IVs and we do clinicals over at St. Mary's," said level-two nursing student Michelle Peterson.

The future health care professionals all have different reasons for getting into the program, but they share a common passion for helping people.

"Actually, my dad is a graduate of this program, so having him help me do the same thing was a great influence on me," said level-two nursing student Russell Glenn.

Students say they picked the program for the diverse opportunities offered locally and abroad.

"They take a trip to Nicaragua every year to see how hospitals in other countries work. I hope to go next year," said Peterson.

The Director of Health Sciences, Deborah Bailey, said that John Moss's donation will help expand the program and enable the students to keep up with cutting-edge medical practices.

The Moss School of Nursing, as it was named on Monday, already has four programs and will be adding a fifth doctoral program this spring.

Graduates of the Moss School of Nursing have big plans after completing their course work.

"I'm a Veteran so I'd like to work with the Veterans Association," said Glenn.

The Nursing School generally accepts 36 applicants in each of the programs out of 80 to 100 that apply.