Aniken Johnson began his college journey at what was the UTC School of Nursing and will graduate as part of UTC’s newest and fifth college—the College of Nursing. As a member of a tight-knit cohort of just 40 students, Johnson experienced a program defined by rigor, hands-on learning and close community—one he believes is poised for growth as UTC expands its nursing facilities and simulation-based learning.
Clinical Experiences That Shaped a Calling
“The new College of Nursing is going to push past former limits,” Johnson said. “With new simulated classrooms—ICU, emergency room, labor and delivery—it’s opening doors for more students and more realistic experiences.”
That emphasis on experiential learning played a major role in solidifying Johnson’s calling to health care. Although the transition to the College of Nursing occurred during his senior year, he completed more than two years of clinical work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, elementary schools and community settings throughout the Chattanooga area.
One experience that stood out was working with UTC Nursing’s foot clinic through the Chatt Foundation, where students teach individuals—often those with limited access to care—how to properly manage foot health.
“It could be diabetic patients, people experiencing homelessness—anyone who hasn’t been able to take care of their feet for different reasons,” Johnson said. “Getting to serve people in that way really showed me what nursing can be.”
Johnson grew up in Summertown, Tennessee, a small community in Lawrence County where not many students go on to attend four-year universities. Early on, he knew he wanted something different.
“I wanted to push myself—to go somewhere new, make friends, and see more of the world than what I’d seen,” he said.
After visiting several universities, one trip to UTC was enough.
“I came to campus once, and that was it,” Johnson said. “Chattanooga had the outdoor opportunities I loved, and UTC felt like an urban college community that was still safe and welcoming. I just liked the vibe.”
Although he arrived knowing he wanted to pursue nursing, Johnson said he didn’t choose UTC specifically for its program—something he now sees as a blessing.
“I chose UTC for UTC,” he said. “And it just happened to be one of the better nursing programs.”
The Demands of Nursing School and the Importance of Compassion
“Nursing school is hard enough that it makes you question everything,” Johnson said. “You’re balancing long classes, 12-hour clinical shifts, care plans that are 30 to 40 pages long—and then trying not to lose compassion along the way.”
Johnson said the program directly addresses burnout and compassion fatigue, preparing students not just to pass exams but to sustain meaningful careers.
“As difficult as it is, UTC Nursing over-prepares us,” he said. “Our licensure pass rates are so high because we’re tested constantly and supported every step of the way.”
One influential figure in Johnson’s academic journey was Paula Jo Peters, a nursing professor who taught both in the classroom and clinical setting.
“She didn’t just teach us the science—she showed us what it looks like to be a good nurse,” Johnson said. “Compassionate, knowledgeable, present.”
Finding Belonging Beyond the Classroom
Outside the classroom, Johnson found community through intramurals, leadership opportunities and campus involvement. As an intramural leader during his junior year, he learned how to balance responsibility while creating space for others to enjoy themselves—skills he plans to carry into his career.
But his strongest sense of belonging came through community organizations and campus ministries, like the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), during his first year.
“Finding community early changed the trajectory of my life,” Johnson said. “I came here knowing almost no one, but I took a leap of faith—and I found people who supported me and challenged me.”
Some of his favorite memories are simple ones: movie nights, shared meals or an impromptu game of “chip golf” across campus with friends.
Those moments of joy, Johnson said, were essential alongside the demands of nursing school.
“They kept me grounded.”
“Finding community early changed the trajectory of my life,” Johnson said. “I came here knowing almost no one, but I took a leap of faith—and I found people who supported me and challenged me.”
Looking Ahead: ICU Care and a Heart for Medical Missions
As graduation approaches, Johnson plans to remain in Chattanooga and hopes to begin his career in a step-down intensive care unit, building toward his long-term goal of working in ICU care. Eventually, he hopes to use his nursing degree to serve through medical missions.
At the heart of those plans is one guiding principle.
“Healthcare requires passion,” Johnson said. “You don’t want to do this if you’re not called to it.”
When asked what kind of nurse he hopes to be, his answer is simple but intentional.
“I want to be a compassionate nurse who treats every patient with equal care and respect—physically and spiritually,” he said. “A big part of nursing is therapeutic communication. Sometimes being present matters just as much as the treatment.”
His advice to future UTC students is rooted in the same clarity.
“Know your why,” Johnson said. “If you don’t know why you’re doing something, it’s easy to burn out when things get hard.”
And while he encourages students to work hard, he hopes they won’t miss out on the experiences outside the classroom.
“Go to the events. Take the free food. Meet people,” he said with a smile. “UTC does a great job creating opportunities—it makes sense to take advantage of them.”
As he prepares to graduate, Johnson reflects on a journey shaped by perseverance, purpose and compassion—one that began with a single campus visit and grew into a calling.