Veterans in Central New York are getting a new kind of care — and it comes from students still in training.
Northeast College of Health Sciences has expanded its pro bono “Compassion in Action: Massage for Veterans” program through partnerships with Crouse Health and Clear Path for Veterans. The effort gives student massage therapists and chiropractic clerks hands-on clinical experience while offering free, evidence-informed care to those who’ve served.
Launched in May, the program places massage students on-site at Clear Path for Veterans — a nonprofit known for holistic support and wellness programs for military families. Chiropractic student clerks joined the initiative this November, expanding the scope of care. Students treat veterans and their families using orthopedic massage techniques and other therapies designed for long-term physical stress and injury.
“The Massage for Veterans program has been transformative for our students,” said Nicole Miller, director of the massage therapy program at Northeast. “Providing massage onsite at Clear Path immerses students in Veteran culture and gives them invaluable orthopedic massage experience while connecting with individuals whose bodies carry the weight of their service.”
Hands-on learning meets community care
Northeast’s massage program is just over a year old but has already gained national recognition — currently ranked No. 1 in the Northeast and No. 6 in the U.S. according to massage-colleges.com. The Veterans massage initiative offers a twofold benefit: Students gain real-world experience, and veterans receive consistent, specialized care.
This latest collaboration builds on Northeast’s decade-long relationship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The college launched the VA’s first chiropractic residency program back in 2012 and now serves as the academic affiliate for both the Finger Lakes VA and Western New York VA Healthcare System.
College leaders say it’s all part of a larger mission.
“On Veterans Day, and throughout the year, Northeast College and its health centers thank our nation’s veterans for their service,” said President Dr. Michael Mestan. “We remain dedicated to enhancing healthcare opportunities for veterans while training students and future healthcare professionals to provide care with compassion and dignity.”
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