Now thankful to provide care for fellow Veterans and their families, Keiser University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduate Robert Young looks forward to joining the Naval Air Station at Jacksonville Hospital’s Expeditionary Medical Facility after his recent commission as a Naval Officer.

A Miami, Florida native, Young joined the Navy in 2015 and was recently recognized as a summa cum laude graduate at his Keiser University Flagship Campus Pinning Ceremony. Now following in his mother Andree’s footsteps as a nurse, he shared that he’s always wanted to help others and that the diverse experience he’s gained has prepared him for what’s ahead.

“In 2018, I discovered a unique opportunity that the Navy offered exceptional Sailors, to become Nurse Corps Officers via the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program. The program allows Sailors to attend school full-time year-round to complete their BSN within three years while remaining on active duty. I spent the next four years solidifying my package and was selected for commission. All that was left was to complete my degree at Keiser University,” he said.

Now embracing his role as an officer, Young said he feels well-equipped to undertake future assignments with the prospects of global deployment. “KU allowed me to obtain over 800 clinical hours at numerous hospitals and a variety of different units. This helped prepare me for what to expect after graduation and to practice skill sets that I learned during lab scenarios. The coursework also helped provide me with a solid foundation of knowledge to apply in hospitals.”

Young shared his appreciation to family members and Keiser University faculty and staff members who helped make the goal a reality, especially his wife, Rachelie, the mother of their three children and an Internet Technology Systems Administrator. “Although she wears no uniform, she is the hero that solidifies the foundation of our home,” he said.

Young also sends appreciation to Keiser University Professor Alida Bowman and the nursing faculty team as well as staff members Heather Gray and Heather Bishara for their encouragement and ongoing enrollment and advising assistance.

As his role as a Naval Officer begins, he also looks forward to serving as part of the Navy’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations. Grateful for the opportunity to serve his country and for the many benefits that Veterans receive, he advises fellow learners to not let the fear of uncertainties prevent them from enlisting. “It’s ok not to know what you want to do. Sometimes it takes life experiences to figure it out. It’s important to just keep moving forward and eventually you’ll get it,” he said.

The U.S. Navy’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations involve the Navy coordinating with international militaries to establish field hospitals, airlift critical supplies, provide humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, rescues at sea, emergency medical deployments, refugee assistance, nation building activities, and more.

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Reports (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.