Travis Joyce (Andover) earned a degree in public relations from another college, but a family health situation made him realize helping others was what he wanted to do for his career.
“After I graduated, I had to care for a family member. It showed me that caring for people is something I really enjoy and it is very rewarding.”
That experience led Travis to Alfred State’s dual degree nursing program where he is working to earn both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in just four years.
“Nursing school is very hands-on. We have our lecture components about three days a week, however, on about one day a week you are in the hospital hands-on with patients and then one day a week, you're in a skills lab. In the skills lab you have a manikin and you're working on the skills before doing them on a patient.”
Travis has enjoyed the clinical experiences he has had thus far. “So far, I have done my surgery assignment. I was in the operating room watching, seeing how patients reacted, how the surgeon interacts with the rest of the team, and how nurses play a part in surgery. That was interesting to me to see.”
Interacting and learning with his professors and classmates in the skills lab has been important. “It's a small class size, so we get a lot of one-on-one time with our professors, and that's really beneficial.”
Travis has built relationships with his professors, and they have helped him grow as a student. “The professors are amazing. They are available whenever you need them and they are welcoming and warm. They are very caring, it shows, and it is beneficial.”
Alfred State has given Travis the prescription to help care for others.