Touro University Nevada’s College of Health & Human Services graduates 119 healthcare professionals during 2024 winter commencement ceremony

LAS VEGAS, NEV (November 6, 2024) --- On November 4, 119 students from Touro University Nevada’s College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) walked across the stage to accept their degrees as a final celebration upon completion of 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 Robert Askey, Dean of College of Health and Human Services, Touro University Nevada. “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 that allows them to advance further in their careers. Dr. Tonya Creque completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree while working as a director of nursing for nursing program in Virgina. She chose to continue her education to enhance what she offers to her own students and to open doors for other institutions of higher learning. She shared that having more flexibility in the choices she makes in her future was a major motivating factor.

Many students at Touro University Nevada find their professional calling after working and exploring their options in the medical field. Michelle Benda was shadowing in an orthopedic office who 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 not in the medical industry can help open doors in a variety of potential fields. Her schooling journey began with Touro University Nevada obtaining her teacher credentials, administration credential, 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.

Touro Nevada is proud to support these graduates as they channel their diverse backgrounds into impactful careers that enhance the health and well-being of those they serve.

ABOUT TOURO UNIVERSITY NEVADA

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and Health and Human Services (Touro College of Medicine) has the most medical school graduates in Nevada. Touro’s medical school is fully accredited, and a private, non-profit, Jewish-sponsored institution. Opened in 2004, Touro was established to help address critical needs in health care and education and as a resource for community service throughout the state. Its mission is to provide quality education programs in the fields of healthcare and education in concert with the Judaic commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity. Touro University Nevada is home to more than 1,500 students in a wide variety of degree programs including osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, education, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and medical health sciences. The University’s Henderson campus houses the Engelstad Research Complex for Biomedical and Human Performance Research that is committed to serving humanity and contributing to intellectual progress through insightful scientific research. The campus also includes a multi-specialty health center for the public that accepts all health insurance and the Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. For more information on Touro University Nevada, visit www.tun.touro.edu or call 702-777-8687.