Next Class Start, Feb 9 & 16 Apply Now
Concorde
1-800-693-7010 Request info

Success Spotlights

Serving with Purpose: Arnold’s Journey from the Military to a Nursing Career

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

Share:
Updated January 22, 2026. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Arnold Septimo wearing blue Concorde scrubs and smiling for the camera

Arnold S. brings compassion and dedication to his role as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Willamette Springs Memory Care in Corvallis, OR. Before stepping into healthcare, he served in the U.S. Navy—an experience that shaped his deep commitment to service, selflessness, and making a meaningful impact. 

A proud graduate of Concorde Portland’s Practical Nursing program, Arnold naturally transitioned from military service to nursing, channeling the discipline and values he gained in uniform into a career centered on healing and care.

“The Navy instilled in me a strong sense of service by putting others before myself, which perfectly aligns with the core values of nursing.” 

Finding His Passion Beyond the Military

Originally from the Philippines, Arnold came to the United States in 2008 and, within a few months, made the life-changing decision to enlist in the Navy. 

During his service, he worked as a culinary specialist, preparing meals for officers and senior enlisted leaders—an experience he described as a true honor. His time in the Navy also opened the door to global travel, taking him to places like Scotland, Seychelles, and Israel.

After leaving the military in November 2012, Arnold continued working in the culinary field. But over time, he felt a growing pull toward something deeper—a career where he could serve others in a more personal and powerful way. Inspired by his wife, a dedicated nurse, Arnold knew the new path he wanted to pursue.

“She showed me how meaningful and impactful it is to care for others. Watching her dedication inspired me to pursue a path where I could make a difference in people's lives,” Arnold said. “That's when I decided to transition into healthcare, and ever since then, I never looked back.” 

Answering a New Call to Serve

While researching practical nursing programs in his area, Concorde’s Portland campus stood out to Arnold for its emphasis on hands-on training and real-world preparation. From the start, his enrollment process felt personal and welcoming. Arnold sensed he was joining more than just a school—he was entering a community united by a shared purpose: to serve others.

“I wanted a school that focuses not just on theory, but on clinical experience and professional readiness,” Arnold said. “From the moment that I spoke with Concorde’s admissions team, I felt a genuine sense of support. I knew it was the right place for me to grow both as a student and as a future nurse.”

Arnold’s passion for service only deepened as he progressed through the PN program. Balancing the demands of full-time nursing school with his responsibilities as a husband and father wasn’t easy, but the unwavering support of his family kept him focused and motivated.

His clinical rotations were a turning point, giving Arnold the chance to make an impact while preparing him for the realities of nursing. “Clinicals allowed me to apply my skills in real patient settings and learn the importance of compassion, teamwork, and critical thinking,” Arnold says. 

His military background created a natural bridge into nursing, and now he encourages other veterans to take that same leap—to embrace a new chapter, no matter where they are in life.

“Age doesn't matter. What matters is our willingness to serve again, this time in a different way,” Arnold says. “If we have the heart to help others, the healthcare field will give us a purpose and fulfillment unlike any other.” 

Skills That Make Nursing a Natural Fit for Veterans

For veterans like Arnold, the transition from military service to healthcare isn’t just a career change—it’s a continuation of their mission to serve. These transferable skills developed in the armed forces align well with the demands and purpose of nursing: 

  1. Teamwork: Military service builds collaboration and leadership, which is key to coordinating patient care across healthcare teams.
  2. Composure: Veterans are trained to stay calm and make quick decisions under pressure, a vital skill in emergency and acute care settings.
  3. Reliability: A strong sense of duty and accountability makes veterans dependable professionals who follow protocols and deliver consistent care.
  4. Problem-Solving: Military training fosters adaptability, which is essential for responding to rapidly changing patient needs.
  5. Mission-Driven Mindset: Veterans are motivated by service and purpose, aligning perfectly with nursing’s focus on healing, advocacy, and community care.

“The skills and values that we all gain in the military, especially discipline, teamwork and resilience, are exactly what makes great nurses in the healthcare field,” Arnold says. 

Compassion in Action

Now, Arnold works as a nurse at Willamette Springs Memory Care, where he brings empathy and purpose to every shift. Working alongside a dedicated healthcare team, he provides personalized care to patients living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

His daily responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, assisting with hygiene and mobility, administering medications, and offering emotional support to both residents and their families. But for Arnold, each task is more than a routine; it’s a chance to improve and make a meaningful connection.

“Every shift is a new learning opportunity for me to grow as a compassionate and capable nurse,” Arnold reflects.

In addition to his education and training, the values Arnold learned in the Navy continue to guide him and shape his perspective on patient care and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.

“I approach each patient with respect, empathy, and precision,” Arnold explains. “Just like in the military, I believe that every member of the healthcare team has a vital role and when we work together effectively, our patients receive the best care possible.”

Looking ahead, Arnold remains committed to growth—both professionally and personally. He sees nursing as a lifelong journey of learning and hopes to expand his skills, explore new specialties, and possibly go back to school to become a registered nurse (RN). Above all, he’s driven by the desire to set a powerful example for his family.

“I'm excited to continue providing compassionate care to my patients and be a role model for my daughters, showing them that it's never too late to start something meaningful,” Arnold says.

A Service-Driven Journey

Arnold’s journey from the Navy to nursing reflects a lasting dedication to service and putting others first. Guided by his values and driven by compassion, he continues to grow, serve, and inspire—proving that it’s never too late to pursue a new career path and make a lasting impact.

Picturing yourself in a career like Arnold’s where you can serve others and make an impact? Consider taking the next step by exploring our nursing programs at Concorde, where you'll learn from experienced faculty and gain hands-on career training.

Contact our admissions team or schedule a tour to learn more and begin your journey.

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Practical / Vocational Nursing program?

We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.

  7. Virtual externships are a virtual learning experience offered through Concorde’s learning management system. Concorde does not guarantee placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.