From Military Leadership to Nursing Care: William Crawford’s Journey to Becoming an NP

September 9, 2024

William Crawford’s journey to nursing is anything but conventional. From his roots in a small town outside San Angelo, Texas, to his current pursuit of a nursing degree at Georgia Southern University, his path has been marked by determination, adaptability and a deep-seated desire to serve others. Today, Crawford is on track to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), driven by a passion for rural health care and a commitment to making a difference in underserved communities.

Crawford’s journey toward the medical field began in 2010 when he enrolled at the United States Military Academy with dreams of becoming a doctor. However, the rigors of West Point, combined with the demands of pre-med courses, led to a pivotal moment—failing an Organic Chemistry course.

“Failing that class made me rethink my path,” Crawford recalls. “I switched my major to Interdisciplinary Science to graduate on time and told myself I’d continue pursuing medical school through a nontraditional pathway.”

After graduating from West Point in 2014, Crawford was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Stationed in Vilseck, Germany, he worked closely with military medical assets, sparking a renewed interest in health care. “Working alongside different medical teams during various exercises allowed me to learn about cultural differences in medicine and emergency management,” he says.

Crawford’s military career took him back to the U.S., where he pursued a master’s degree in biomedical science while managing a demanding military schedule. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overseeing isolation facilities for military units in Europe, that Crawford’s passion for health care deepened.

“I was happy to be working with medical teams again, even though the hours were grueling,” he shares. A conversation with a doctor in his unit reignited his interest in pursuing a medical career.

In 2021, after relocating to Fort Moore, Georgia, Crawford juggled his military duties with online courses, all while preparing for the MCAT. But life had other plans. His wife received a job offer at Fort Stewart, leading to a brief geographic separation as Crawford completed his military service and prerequisites for medical school. Despite his best efforts to gain shadowing experience, opportunities were scarce, and Crawford found himself at a crossroads.

As Crawford explored his options, he stumbled upon the idea of nursing—a field he had not previously considered.

“One evening in the spring of 2023, my wife asked if I had thought about nursing,” he recalls. After researching accelerated programs, Crawford discovered Georgia Southern University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.

“I reached out in June 2023, and before I knew it, I was enrolled to start that August,” he says, still amazed at how quickly everything fell into place.

Crawford’s transition into nursing felt like the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

“Those initial clinical days and labs cemented my desire to be in medicine,” he says. “I had finally reached a point where I could interact with and care for patients, and it was everything I had hoped for.”

 The hands-on experience and close mentorship from faculty at Georgia Southern have made Crawford feel like he’s found his true calling.

“I love the amount of patient interaction and the support from faculty. It feels like I’ve finally found where I belong.”

Crawford’s goals extend beyond his current studies. Encouraged by Kari Mau, DNP, graduate program director and associate professor in the School of Nursing, he decided to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). His ultimate goal is to work as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in rural areas, where access to health care is often limited.

“Rural health care is near and dear to my heart,” Crawford explains. “Growing up in a small town, I understand the challenges these communities face in accessing medical care.”

Crawford is also considering additional certification in Women’s Health, inspired by his exposure to Labor & Delivery during a course at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

“I wouldn’t have even considered this specialty without that experience,” he says. “It opened my eyes to the unique needs in this area, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to it.”

Crawford’s path to nursing has been shaped by his commitment to service, whether in the military or now in health care. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability and the importance of compassionate care. As he continues his education and moves closer to his goal of becoming an NP, Crawford remains dedicated to making a difference, particularly in rural communities that need it most.

“I’ve always wanted to serve others, and nursing allows me to do that in a very tangible way,” Crawford reflects. “I’m excited about the future and the opportunities ahead to impact lives in a meaningful way.”

From a small town in Texas to the clinical floors of Georgia Southern University, Crawford’s journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of purpose and how sometimes the road less traveled can lead to the most fulfilling destinations.