Northeast College of Health Sciences has established an expanded partnership with Crouse Health and Clear Path for Veterans as it continues to grow its Compassion in Action: Massage for Veterans program.
The initiative reflects the College’s longstanding commitment to supporting the US veteran community and promoting the wellness of veterans, their families and caregivers.
The Compassion in Action program operates as a pro bono clinic, providing compassionate, evidence-informed care while giving massage therapy students and chiropractic student clerks hands-on clinical experience. Northeast massage therapy students first began providing care through the program in May 2025, and the College’s chiropractic student clerks joined in November 2025. Working directly with veterans and their families helps students sharpen their skills, deepen their understanding of therapeutic care and strengthen their commitment to community wellness.
Since its first students enrolled in fall 2025, Northeast’s massage therapy program has grown steadily and earned national recognition; it is now ranked number one in the Northeast and number six in the US by massage-colleges.com.
“The Massage for Veterans program has been transformative for our students,” said Nicole Miller, director of the massage therapy program at Northeast College. “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.”
A commitment to veterans
Northeast College has a longstanding dedication to serving veterans, including a partnership with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In 2012, prompted by the National Defense Authorization Act, the College launched the first-ever VA chiropractic residency program, providing students opportunities to train alongside VA providers in a variety of healthcare fields. Northeast College serves as the academic affiliate for both the Finger Lakes VA and the Western New York VA Healthcare System.
“On Veterans Day and throughout the year, Northeast College and its health centers thank our nation’s veterans for their service,” said College President Michael Mestan, DC, EdD. “We remain dedicated to enhancing healthcare opportunities for veterans while training students and future healthcare professionals to provide care with compassion and dignity.”
Anne Killen, provost and vice president of academic affairs, added, “Northeast College has a proud history of supporting veterans through education, clinical care and innovative partnerships. We are eager to continue expanding these programs, ensuring our students gain meaningful hands-on experiences while serving those who have served our country.”
This partnership between Northeast, Crouse Health and Clear Path promotes physical and emotional wellness in the veteran community while offering students invaluable clinical experience that enhances their education and professional readiness. Northeast College remains committed to fostering innovative educational experiences that strengthen both student learning and community wellness.
About Northeast College of Health Sciences
For more than a century, Northeast College of Health Sciences has trained healthcare’s future leaders. Health and wellness are at the center of everything the College does. Its graduate and undergraduate programs in chiropractic, planned physician assistant studies, nutrition, human anatomy instruction, massage therapy and the imaging sciences are rooted in a mission of academic excellence, leadership and professional best practices. From its 286-acre main campus in the Finger Lakes region and its state-of-the-art Long Island branch campus to its renowned faculty of expert practitioners, Northeast College provides a transformative educational experience fully dedicated to the health sciences.
About Clear Path for Veterans
Clear Path for Veterans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering US veterans, service members and military-connected families to thrive. Known for its comprehensive and collaborative approach, Clear Path fosters physical, emotional and mental wellness through programs that promote healing, connection and purpose. By building trusted relationships and creating a welcoming community where veterans and civilians come together in mutual respect and understanding, Clear Path helps each individual find a clear, hopeful path toward a fulfilling future.
