Two Texas Christian University programs that work hand in hand to prepare students for a bright future are Army ROTC and Nursing. Having commissioned about 60 nurses since 2011, TCU’s Army ROTC program is one of the top producers of nurses for the U.S. Army, and the innovative and dedicated education students receive prepares them for a career in both fields.
Nicholas Galvan is a senior undergraduate nursing student in the Army ROTC program and, with a family of an extensive nursing background, has for years wanted to work in the health care field. When he was still in high school, he was introduced to the idea of joining the Army ROTC at TCU.
“Coming in as a freshman, I was even sure I wanted to do active-duty nursing, but that has changed and developed over the years because I fell in love with the atmosphere of the Army and military overall, and being able to care for our soldiers who get wounded in battle,” Galvan said.
Learning how to balance his schedule between clinicals and simulations for nursing and the time commitment that comes with ROTC was his biggest learning curve, Galvan said. But he added that the resources and mentorship from the two programs are incredibly helpful.
His advice to those considering ROTC or nursing, or both: “Be prepared for a lot of change and a lot of responsibility. But it’s honestly one of the most rewarding things that I’ve done.”
Nursing is Like a Family, ROTC is Like a Family
Claire Troshynski is a junior undergraduate nursing student in the Army ROTC program, alongside Galvan. She applied to TCU as a nursing major and joined the ROTC program her sophomore year, and she said he’s always been interested in the military because family members served in the Army and the U.S. Air Force.
Troshynski said the ROTC program's built-in support system is a key factor in her success as a nursing student.
“I think that I’ve had an amazing experience at TCU, and it was my dream school, so I didn’t really need to be talked into it,” Troshynski said. “TCU is like a family. Nursing is like a family, and ROTC is like a family.”
Announced during this year’s 75th Anniversary Military Ball, Troshynski was unanimously selected as the next ROTC Battalion Commander – representing TCU Nursing in a leadership role.
“TCU Nursing and ROTC have a 75-year history together that has resulted in more than clinical competence for those students who are part of it. Year over year, we have seen that it cultivates disciplined, values-driven leaders that have a deep commitment to service, all of which directly enhance academic performance and prepare graduates to excel in high-stakes healthcare environments."
- Suzy Lockwood, associate dean for nursing and nurse anesthesia
