September 12, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted
Fueled by her desire to care for animals large and small, recent Barton Community College at Fort Riley student Brittani Nelson knew that getting her associate degree while on active duty was the best way to save time and money in pursuing her dream job as a veterinarian.
“I have a deep passion for animals,” she said. “My goal is to contribute to their well-being and ensure they live long, healthy lives. I find immense joy in the daily interactions I have with the animals I work with, and I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to encounter exotic animals that are not easily accessible to the general public unless one works in this field.”
While stationed at Fort Riley, Nelson earned her associate in science degree, in large part due to Barton’s willingness to be flexible with active-duty military members.
“Barton made it easy for me to take classes online and on my time,” she said. “Barton is military-friendly because they work well with us to come up with the perfect schedule to go with our daily duties.”
With small class sizes and ample opportunities for one-on-one interactions with her teachers, Nelson was able to thrive as a student and a soldier.
“My experience with Barton was a great one,” she said. “With the exceptional staff members being readily available for us whenever we needed them, as military members, they answered all of our questions and offered class options that work with our schedules.”
Nelson is no longer on active duty, and she plans to get her bachelor’s degree in animal science while doing vet work at a local clinic back in her home state of Texas. Her ultimate goal is to eventually get her doctorate in veterinary medicine and open her own clinic.
I really want to open my own clinic so I can help all sorts of animals from domestic to equine and even exotic,” she said. “I encourage everyone in the military to continue their education. It’s possible to be in the military and still work towards setting up your future if you decide to get out.”
The foundation of Barton’s offerings at Fort Riley is built around its popular LSEC program, which is available for active-duty soldiers, their dependents, veterans, and Department of Defense employees at no cost. Various class offerings and methods of delivery exist, including online and hybrid courses.
Visit FR.bartonccc.edu for more information about Barton's many programs and services to the public and Soldiers at its Fort Riley campus.