LAS VEGAS — It’s long been known that many individuals who serve in the military are taught specialized skills in various disciplines.
But at the same time, when these veterans return to civilian life and apply for jobs or enroll for college within their skill sets, they are often not given credit for the talent and knowledge they acquired in the service.
Nevada has developed several programs that seek to resolve such divisive conditions.
One such program recently saw three Nevada students graduate as licensed practical nurses without having to start their educational process from the beginning. The medical experience they all have from their time in the military compensated for the novice classes they would have been required to take.
The process was aided by a financial grant from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, which assisted the College of Southern Nevada in revising its LPN educational platform to accommodate veterans who experienced military Medic or Corpsman training and hands-on work in the field.
“Because of our grant, the support of the Nevada State Board of Nursing, and the College of Southern Nevada’s commitment to veterans and the military, the school now offers a 15-credit, one-semester program that bridges the gaps between a veteran’s military education and experience,” said Kat Miller, NDVS director. “The topics of instruction include didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences in practical nursing, and includes concepts and theories related to patient care. It’s a real honor and pleasure to know that our state is able to help veterans in this manner. I look forward to many more graduates in the future.”
Two of the graduates serve in the Air Force Reserve: Senior Airman Charlina Linam, a member of the Air Force since 2007, and Tech. Sgt. Shari-Apryll Tauro, who has served since 2003.