PHOTO: Matthew Hickling

Matthew Hickling


Recipient of the Edith M. Pritchard Fund, Matt obtained his undergraduate baccalaureate nursing degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY in 2012. Matt always knew he wanted to continue on for an advanced practice degree in the nursing field after graduation, but felt he needed experience before returning. During the summer of 2015, Matt enrolled in SUNY Stony Brook University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program. He is anticipated to graduate in August 2018.

Prior to starting his nursing career, Matt graduated from Castleton State College in Castleton, VT in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration. Nursing was a second career after working in professional sports. A shadowing opportunity at a local hospital ignited a passion for nursing and the next day he began his journey of lifelong learning. He started his career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where after 2 years, he moved to the Melodies Center, an outpatient pediatric clinic for childhood cancer and blood disorders in Albany, NY. Beginning in June of 2016, Matt will begin working in Albany Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department.

When he is not working, studying or volunteering to coach in local CrossFit gyms as a certified trainer, Matt is organizing local fundraising events throughout his hometown with numerous childhood cancer charities and organizations. Matt also serves on the committee of the Nightingale Gala, which is hosted by the Foundation for New York State Nurses Center for Learning. He is a current member of the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Association of New York, Association for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses and the Assembly for American Men in Nursing.

Once Matt graduates from the PNP program, he hopes to pursue his dream of working in a pediatric sports medicine clinic with a special interest on educating athletes, parents and coaches about sports injury prevention and safety. Matt’s long term goals are to one day be a CNO of a hospital and to help develop a major marketing campaign to encourage high school students to choose nursing as a first career.

Donate Today


Support a Graduate Nurse’s Education

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is the largest, single, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing.

NEF’s Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from nursing, education, technology, and business communities. Members donate their time and talent to the advancement of the nursing profession. NEF operates with exceptionally low overhead. NEF employs only one individual who serves in several capacities. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status; thus, your contributions are fully tax-deductible.