<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3nzwT3_1GzFO8FB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3nzwT3_1GzFO8FB00" width="1280" height="720" ></figure>A new program at UPMC’s School of Nursing aims to help military medics and paramedics transition into nursing careers by giving them credit for skills and experience they already gained on the job.The UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot recently launched an advanced placement option for eligible military medics and licensed paramedics. The pathway allows qualified applicants to bypass the program’s first-semester nursing course, a 12-credit requirement, after successfully completing competency examinations.School leaders say the program was created after recognizing that military medical training often does not translate into equivalent civilian academic credit despite the significant clinical experience many service members already possess.“We recognize the education, the experience and the skills that military medics bring to their military service,” said Karen Morahan, director of the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot. “It’s a great cost savings. It’s a great recognition of what they have done. And it’s acknowledging what they know and what they can bring to the healthcare profession.”Eligible service members who are within five years of an honorable discharge, along with licensed paramedics, may apply for advanced standing. Students who qualify remain with their cohort and receive supplemental refresher training to help ensure a successful transition into the nursing program.Morahan said conversations with military medics already enrolled in the nursing school helped shape the initiative.“We really wanted to respond to all of that and to provide them a pathway to make their journey to registered nursing just a little bit easier,” she said.Morahan also brings a personal connection to the effort. A veteran herself, she served as an Air Force nurse for 20 years and worked alongside military medics throughout her military career.“I have a personal investment in this program because I myself am a veteran,” Morahan said. “I worked alongside military medics and can vouch for their experience and skills.”Among those students is Marcus Gregg, a former Army National Guard combat medic who is currently enrolled in UPMC’s 16-month accelerated nursing program.Gregg said his interest in helping others began as a teenager after witnessing a medical emergency at a public event.“I saw a man who had fallen on the ground, and he started to seize,” Gregg said. “I watched my father and one of his best friends jump into action, and at that moment I kind of decided that I wanted to help others.”In 2020, Gregg enlisted in the Army National Guard as a combat medic. During his six years of service, he deployed to Kenya for nine months, where he provided patient care, wellness visits, vaccinations and medical support to fellow service members.While overseas, Gregg said he realized health care was the career path he wanted to pursue long-term.“Deployment pushed me towards wanting to pursue a lifelong career in medicine and health care,” he said.After returning home, Gregg enrolled in UPMC’s accelerated nursing program. Although he was already a student before the new advanced placement option launched, he said his military background helped prepare him for the rigorous pace of nursing school.“The director of the program is also a veteran, so she was able to give us a good insight,” Gregg said. “It’s nice having someone on the inside that kind of understands what you’ve been through and where you’re going.”Gregg expects to graduate on Dec. 18 and has already accepted a position as an emergency room nurse at UPMC. He currently works as a patient care technician in the department.For veterans considering nursing school, Gregg offered simple advice.“My main advice would be just go for it,” he said. “If you’ve been in the military, you’ve been through many things much worse.”Applications for the military medic and paramedic track are currently being accepted. The deadline for the next application cycle is Feb. 1. Students can learn more through the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot.</div></body>

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A new program at UPMC’s School of Nursing aims to help military medics and paramedics transition into nursing careers by giving them credit for skills and experience they already gained on the job. The UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot recently launched an advanced placement option for...

New UPMC Nursing Program Honors Veterans’ Experience

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A new program at UPMC’s School of Nursing aims to help military medics and paramedics transition into nursing careers by giving them credit for skills and 

New UPMC Nursing Program Honors Veterans’ Experience

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