Celebrating the Diverse Paths Within Healthcare at Winter Commencement
On November 4, 119 Touro University Nevada’s College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) students walked across the stage to accept their degrees as a final celebration upon completing their programs. The winter commencement ceremony graduated 88 physician assistant students, 19 nursing students, and 18 education students.
“I am filled with immense pride with this graduating class whose dedication, hard work, and perseverance have brought them to this momentous occasion,” said CHHS Dean Robert Askey. “These graduates are not just the future of healthcare and education; they are our present leaders, ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”
Touro University Nevada was established to address the critical shortage of medical providers in Southern Nevada, and today’s graduates are key contributors to this vital mission. Many of these students are already working professionals, returning to school to enhance their skills and broaden their scope of practice which allows them to advance further in their careers. Dr. Tonya Creque completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree while working as a director of a nursing education program in Virginia. She chose to continue her education to enhance what she offers to her students. She shared that having more flexibility in her career was a major motivating factor.
Many students at Touro Nevada find their professional calling after working and exploring their options in the medical field. Michelle Benda was shadowing in an orthopedic office that had two physician assistants and realized after following them around the office instead of the doctors, this was the career fit for her.
“We often hear from students who didn’t start their educational journey thinking about becoming a doctor, but their desire to help others and make a positive impact in their communities has guided their journey to alternate career paths,” adds Dean Askey. “This ceremony celebrates the diverse paths within healthcare and other fields that allow individuals to make a meaningful impact in their communities, showing that there are many ways to serve and improve the lives of others.”
Dr. Shayla Bowman is an example of how earning additional degrees can help open doors in a variety of potential fields. Her schooling journey began with Touro obtaining her teacher credentials, administration credentials, a master’s, and now a doctorate all while working as a school principal for the past ten years. “Earning this doctorate in my field, I believe will open up doors no matter where I go but I'm looking into district to help the education system,” said Dr. Bowman.
