Let’s hear from Cameron. She’s from Southern California and is in her second year of the Physician Assistant Masters program and she, like most graduate students, knows that faculty experience and support may be the biggest key to their success and their future. She not only found that at Touro Nevada, but she also found a community. Tell us more, Cameron.
– Thanks Alex and hello everyone. When I was deciding between schools, it was important that I found a place where the people would support my goals and help me become an amazing physician assistant. Yes, I wanted a school with a high pass and graduation rate, but I also needed to feel a sense of community and I found all of that at Touro University Nevada. We’re a close-knit family here. The faculty are supportive, offer constructive feedback and open doors to any student. I can’t count the number of times I walk into a faculty member’s office to ask for advice or just to chat about the future. As a clinical year PA student, I appreciate Touro’s dedication to interprofessional education and the ability to interact with students from other programs. It helps me understand how different medical professions work cohesively to provide the best patient care and Touro Nevada is dedicated to improving patient care. Take research for example. You don’t always get access to research opportunities at other universities, but it’s important here. For a physician assistant or doctor of osteopathic medical students, those research opportunities are a huge advantage. Many of my peers and faculty have become published. This is something that’ll help us become top-notch providers and even more competitive in the job market. Plus, it’s always fun to see what your peers are researching and get exposure to new topics in the process. I see Touro’s commitment to my development as a well-rounded physician assistant every day. I know I’ll achieve my goals and build lifelong relationships. I’ve learned so much about what it means to be a skilled and caring PA here. I know I’m getting the training and experience I need to be a stellar provider for my patients. And if that’s what you’re looking for, then you need to be here too. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Cameron. It’s safe to say there are many prospective students out there looking for the same thing you found, the supportive faculty and research possibilities and the Engelstad Research Complex at Touro Nevada truly sets it apart. We think you’re on your way to becoming the well-rounded practitioner you want to be. Take care.
It’s time to meet James, a first year student in the School of Occupational Therapy. James embodies the vibrant student life and cherished traditions at this university. He joins us from the Pierce Autism Center where students can complete their rotations. Take it away, James.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a first generation Asian American college student from California, Touro University of Nevada has become my home away from home, and that’s because of our student life and campus traditions. I’m currently pursuing my occupational therapy doctorate and I have a passion for making a meaningful impact on people’s lives, but when it’s time to put the books down, student life makes all the difference. We’ve got the big game where bragging rights are on the line. This is our intense annual basketball game between Touro Nevada and our California campus. Winner takes all and has an entire year to celebrate. For gamers, we have our own video gaming lounge where we can hang out, have fun and unwind, which is easy to do in the massage chairs. And speaking of relaxing, there’s no better way to relieve stress and put a smile on your face than to chill with some furry friends. Taking advantage of a low pet therapy is a must. There’s also our annual student gala, which is our night to get together off campus and enjoy a great evening out. At Touro Nevada, I have endless opportunities to support my campus community. I love being able to make connections between my academic interests and my social life. I’ve served as the treasurer for the Student Occupational Therapy Association and Touro Nevada’s Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity. I’m inspired to become a doctor of occupational therapy and the campus here provides endless opportunities for the experiences I’m looking for. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– James, what an insightful glimpse into the life at Touro University Nevada. Your dedication to occupational therapy and campus engagement truly shines through. Your journey serves as an inspiration to us all. We wish you continued success as you pursue your dreams, and thanks again for sharing that amazing story with us. Take care.
Let’s meet Jaxon, a physical therapy student who hails from right here in Henderson, Nevada, which was ranked as the second safest large city in the US by MoneyGeek. Jaxon loves what this city has to offer, including its proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, home to some of the biggest concerts and professional sporting events in the world. You’re up, Jaxon.
– Thank you, Alex. You’re the best. Welcome to my beautiful hometown, Henderson, Nevada. I came back for graduate school because I mean, look at this, it’s beautiful. I love it here. The glimmering lights of the iconic Las Vegas Strip are far enough away so that the charm of Henderson is what shines out here. Our physical therapy program is great. It’s all about getting people back to doing the things they love. It’s been said doctors save lives and physical therapists make your life worth living. For me, that also means hitting the hiking trails. We are surrounded by miles of fantastic trails that are just minutes away from campus. Some of the trails here lead you to some of the most spectacular stargazing spots in the city. It’s like you’re in a whole different world. I know whether it’s hiking or biking these trails, snowboarding and skiing are also nearby at Lake Canyon or just hanging out at Lake Mead. Living an active lifestyle brings with it bumps and bruises and even breaks, but helping people get back out here after an injury is truly what inspires me. One of the best parts about Touro Nevada’s location is you can live almost anywhere in Henderson and still be about 15 minutes away from campus. Traffic is pretty light, which makes getting to the international airport a quick trip. Once the wheels to down, you can be back on campus before you know it. I don’t know if I found Touro or Touro found me. Either way, I’m home and I’m happy. You can never truly experience great things without first learning about them and now you know all about Touro University Nevada. How’s that sound, Alex? Back to you.
– Jaxon, thank you for showing us some of those amazing views just outside the doorstep of campus. Touro Nevada truly offers students unforgettable experiences while living in the tranquility of Henderson. Thanks again for sharing your story.
It’s time now for you to meet Carlos, a first year physician assistant study student from nearby Las Vegas. Touro Nevada’s mission is to provide quality education programs in the field of healthcare in concert with the Judaic commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity. That’s why Carlos decided to come here. Tell us more, Carlos.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, everybody. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people and by the time, I graduated high school, I was committed to medicine. Opportunities like this are what brought me Touro University of Nevada. Being a gay Latino, it was very important for me that the school I picked believed in community outreach. We are serving people who are experiencing homelessness. Our mobile health unit never stops. We go out to different sites around Southern Nevada helping people who don’t have access to care. Making a difference in people’s lives is the most fulfilling experience imaginable. It’s an honor to go to clinics under the guidance of our experienced faculty alongside upperclassmen completing their rotations. Together, we are caring for people who have been human trafficked or victims of domestic violence, people who are experiencing homelessness, are part of the LGBTQ community or have a language barrier. I’m very proud of what we’re accomplishing here. I know my family’s very proud of me as well. At Touro University of Nevada, I feel like my passion for caring has found a path to make it possible. Serving the underserved isn’t just something we do or say, it’s who we are. All Touro University Nevada PA students are required to complete a community medicine rotation. We get to work with organizations like Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, Nevada Homeless Alliance and Catholic charities. Touro Nevada’s PA program is not only teaching me how to be a more knowledgeable and skillful provider, but also a mindful and empathetic one. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Carlos, great job in showing how this Jewish sponsored university walks the walk when it comes to its commitment to getting students involved in community outreach programs. Helping underserved populations is making the positive changes you are striving for. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from McKena, a student in the medical health sciences program who is building a strong foundation as she prepares for her next educational journey. Touro Nevada has an unwavering commitment to student success proven by their board scores, licensure exams, and ultimately placement rates. McKena shares how that personalized support specifically designed to help students succeed is working for her. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I chose the Master’s of Medical Health Science program at Touro Nevada because it gave me a strong background in science to get into a physician assistant program, MHS is a flexible 10 month degree that prepares students for multiple professional careers in healthcare. My background in theater and dance was about making people happy and now I will have the opportunity to make people happy by helping them be healthy. With this new challenge, I knew I was going to need extra help to excel. Luckily, Touro Nevada has a dedicated learning center, a safe space for students to meet with plenty of masters trained specialists and tutors in a welcoming environment. I’m working with education experts to identify my study schedule, establish good study habits, and achieve my goals. My learning specialist, Jasmine always makes me feel like I have someone in my corner. She pushes me to do my very best and encourages me when times are tough. Touro Nevada prioritizes resources for students and shows us how to best use them. Here, students are more than just educated, they’re inspired. Counseling services offered at the university are a testament to this. Aside from one-on-one, mental health and life counseling services, the university offers mindfulness seminars, walks, a meditation app and Koru meditation classes. They know that you cannot do your best unless you feel your best, and here, we have people we can lean on. Fulfilling my passion for people by furthering my education meant I had to pick an institution that was going to guide me and cheer me on. Like so many of my other MHS colleagues, Touro Nevada has supported me and helped me get into my program of choice knowing I have the tools and capabilities to succeed. Well, my study break is over. Back over to you, Alex.
– Wow, McKena, your dedication to your studies and utilization of those resources has paid off. Congratulations on getting into the physician assistant studies program. I’m sure you’re ready for the next step at Touro Nevada. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s meet Vineet, a second year medical student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He knows firsthand how advanced technology like these Vave handheld portable ultrasound devices are providing the innovative learning tools students need and he found it right here at Touro Nevada, home to the most medical school graduates annually in the state of Nevada.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey y’all, when applying to medical school, I knew I wanted to move to a new state where there was something for everyone, a place that would help me meet my academic goals, a place where students were passing board exams consistently and a place where medicine was growing by leaps and bounds. Touro University of Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine was my choice. Not only did I enjoy exploring the new city and making new friends, but my experience thus far at Touro Nevada has been amazing. From my white coat ceremony to working on a human cadaver in the gross anatomy lab, I knew I’d made the right choice. Seeing a heart diagram in a textbook is one thing, but actually holding the heart in your hand and exploring each valve is a totally different experience. Touro Nevada has helped me build my confidence with patient interactions. The standardized patient encounters here allow me to use what I’ve learned in the classroom to be able to diagnose patients and I’m fully prepared for my clinical rotations. These real life simulations are humbling and I can feel myself growing as a student doctor here. Our technology is incredible and our mannequins, state of the art. Our mannequin, Eve simulates the birthing process. She takes us through multiple scenarios including a breach delivery. The mixed reality glasses show you what a mom’s musculoskeletal system goes through and the strain on the baby. We even get our own handheld Vave personal ultrasound devices so we can practice our bedside diagnoses anywhere. I’m not just learning medicine at Touro I’m immersed in it. Touro Nevada truly is a pearl in the desert. Attending this medical school has been the best decision of my life. That’s all I got. Back to you, Alex.
– Vineet, wow, thanks for introducing us to some of the incredible technology at Touro University Nevada. The access you have to both real and simulated patients shows how much they care about your success and your development as a physician. We know you’ll be an amazing doctor for your community. Thank you.
It’s time to meet Cassidy, a senior majoring in elementary education. Students face challenges every day and, here on The Hill, unparalleled support fosters a culture of inspiration, urging students to strive for excellence. Cassidy has an inspiring story to tell. Cassidy, you’re on.
– Lovely intro. Thanks, Desi. Growing up, I was never a group thinker. I always thought outside of the box. I needed a university that fueled my passions, creativity, and Black girl joy. Moving nine hours away from family and friends wasn’t going to be easy, but I knew it was going to be an experience that changed my life. Alabama A&M University has cultivated my growth and transformation as a young Black woman. The university has provided me with opportunities to build relationships with professors that have shown a keen interest in my career and future aspirations. AAMU provided me with the safe network and community, where I’ve been able to thrive academically, socially, and mentally. A&M was that school that instilled greatness and confidence in me. During my time here, I’ve been able to make lifelong connections by joining clubs and organizations, like the incredible sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and the Student Activities Board. Getting involved on campus has allowed me to not only have an impact on the campus, but the community as well. A&M has not only thoroughly prepared me to be an educator, but has given me opportunities as well. I currently intern at the Edmonton Heights Community Center where I aid in civic engagement and I research the historic community. And most recently, I attended the White House Youth Summit, “Cultivating Possibilities”, being one of the only HBCU students. Alabama A&M has provided me connections that are going to last a lifetime. I am proud to enter any space and I make sure to let it be known that I attend the best HBCU in the land. That’s my story. Take it away, Desi.
– Cassidy, you have accomplished so much during your time at Alabama A&M. You’re a wonderful example of students inspiring students. You know what it truly means to start here, go anywhere. Thanks, Cassidy.
It’s time to meet Eric, a biology major from Long Beach, California. As a member of the track and field team, Eric knows all about being a champion in his sport and in the classroom. AAMU demonstrates its commitment to excellence for student athletes through amenities like the Academic Enhancement Center and top-notch facilities, ensuring an exceptional Bulldog experience. It’s all yours, Eric.
– Thank you, Desi, for the beautiful introduction. Coming into college, I wanted to attend an HBCU and continue progressing as a track and field athlete, and out of all the schools I researched, I feel most welcome by the coaches and athletic staff at Alabama A&M University. Being a part of this team has taught me to live by the Bulldog Creed. Our athletics program is a family that supports and respects each other. We give 100% to be the best we could be in academics, athletics, and life. It’s no secret that juggling athletics and academics can be challenging. Still, our university provides us with the facilities and faculty to ensure that we thrive in the necessary areas. As athletes, we have access to state-of-art training rooms with the essential sports medicine staff, an Academic Enhancement Center with scheduled tutors, priority class registration, housing registration, and the necessary mental health staff. The experience as an athlete here has been awesome, from meeting lifelong friends to seeing myself progress in my sport, and attending the Magic City Classic firsthand, the largest HBCU football game in the nation. At Alabama A&M, we strive for greatness beyond the field. Our university’s athletic department aims to be comprehensive and inclusive while promoting and equipping us with the tools for academic achievement and sportsmanship to prepare us for life after college. Because they understand that a student athlete, the student comes before the athlete. My choice to attend Alabama A&M University has been one of the most impactful decisions in my life. If I had not come here, I would not have the set of skills or possess the knowledge that I know today. They have taught me how to communicate, persevere, and be intentional in everything that I do. Now I have to run. Sending it back to you, Desi.
– Thanks, Eric, for being a great example of the Bulldog Creed. Did you know AAMU Athletics has almost 330 student athletes on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and has some of the best venues in the Southwestern Athletic Conference? Go Bulldogs and go Eric.
Alabama A&M University offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. And here to give us a look into the world of academics is Nathanael, a sophomore majoring in sociology. He’s going to tell us how his academic experience at Alabama A&M prepared him for the future. Nathanael, your time is now.
– Wow, Desi, thanks for the hype. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a pediatric dentist, but I didn’t know how to get there. I knew I wanted to go into healthcare. However, you need more than knowing you wanna be a dentist to make it to dental school. Alabama A&M is the state’s largest HBCU with four different colleges. My program, sociology, falls under the College of Business and Public Affairs. You don’t have to major in anything specific to get to dentistry. I chose sociology because I’ve always been passionate about social issues. I have a great advisor who understands my goals and helps me balance the workload so I can graduate in four years. I’ve already started taking upper level sociology courses as a sophomore because my advisor knew it’d be a good fit. The Honors program at AAMU is comprised of nothing less than the best people, because the best people come to AAMU. We challenge each other, give each other new perspectives, and encourage each other when we are down. As a mentor in this program, I helped my first year mentee with professional things like resume building, when to take certain classes, and those tidbits on college life. I’m also in the Marching Maroon and White Band. In the university band, we play hard, but study harder. If our grades aren’t performing, then we will not be performing. Being in a band requires a lot of time management and discipline, so I’m learning the skills not just for band, but for academics and my future. Coming to AAMU was the best choice I ever could have made. I’m learning so much more than sociology and chemistry. I’m learning important life skills. At Alabama A&M University, you can start here and go anywhere. That’s my story. Back to you, Desi.
– Nathanael, it seems you’re fully embracing college life by pursuing your academic aspirations while also supporting others in achieving their goals. Balancing Alabama A&M’s challenging academics with opportunities for student engagement is key to thriving in college. And as you rightly said, with time management and discipline, nothing can stand in your way. Thanks again.
Let’s meet Amaya, a communications media major all the way from Fresno, California. Her college journey did not begin at Alabama A&M. However, her time here has allowed her to take full advantage of many on-campus opportunities. Amaya, take it away.
– Thanks, Desi. Hi everyone. My college journey began at a community college where I earned my associate degree in general studies over two years. When I transferred to Alabama A&M University, academically, I was a junior. But being on a new campus felt like being a freshman all over again. But I was ready to take on any challenge that came my way. Alabama A&M totally changed me socially. When I got here, I was super shy. I didn’t know anyone and none of the teachers knew me. Plus, it was my first time away from my family. But now, I’m surprising everyone with how outgoing I’ve become. AAMU has really helped me become the person I wanna be while making movies. I love showing off my creativity without worrying about people judging me for being different. The Communications Media Department on campus offers an oppressive array of resources to students, with top-notch equipment, including cameras and editing software, this program not only supports students in pursuing their academic interests, but also provides practical training essential for our future careers in the field. Our professors treat us like adults because, well, we are adults. It’s all about taking charge for yourself. They’re paving the way for me to chase my dreams of acting, directing, and producing incredible projects with the skills that I gained through my degree. And that’s my story. Look for my name on a big screen. But for now, back to you, Desi.
– Amaya, thank you for sharing your story. You have shown us that The Hill is definitely a place students can call a home away from home. From caring professors to social activities, Alabama A&M sets the standard of helping students grow and transform into leaders and innovators. We can’t wait to see your name on the big screen, Amaya.