Doctoral nursing student earns full scholarship from Air Force

University of Louisville doctoral nursing student Andrew Aschbacher was one of a handful of students nationwide to receive the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship, which will pay for his three-year graduate program.

He was officially commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Air Force Nurse Corps by his former instructor Maj. Angela Washington, a School of Nursing faculty member who also serves as a flight nurse in the Air Force Reserve. 

"Andrew offers the Air Force a tremendous package," Washington said. "The Air Force lauds integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do. I believe, without a doubt, that Andrew will live those core values throughout his military career."

Aschbacher is in his first year of the doctor of nursing practice program. He was drawn to the Air Force because of the opportunities to advance his career and the opportunity to see the world while providing medical care. 

Aschbacher will enter active duty once he graduates, and will work as a nurse practitioner at an Air Force active duty hospital where he will manage the primary care of service members, their families and veterans. 

"Nursing has endless opportunities and I would absolutely recommend this field to anyone interested in impacting the lives of others," Aschbacher said. "What is not mentioned enough is the fact that as a nurse, you will feel that the lives of your patients have a huge impact on you, which I believe is one of the best rewards of the field."