From Keene to Surgical ICU, 2025 Graduate Ali Alzawar Launches His Nursing Career
Just months after graduating from Keene State College, Ali Alzawar is already making a difference as a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) nurse at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
And, he's working in the same unit where he completed his senior practicum, a transition he says Keene State helped make seamless.
For Ali, nursing has always been about serving others during some of life's most vulnerable moments.
"I was inspired to pursue nursing by a deep passion for helping others during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives," he said. "Nursing felt like the perfect path for me because it blends empathy and science — two things that are incredibly important to who I am."
When it came time to choose a college, Keene State immediately stood out.
"Keene State College felt like home from the moment I first stepped on campus," Ali said. "It offered a genuine 'home away from home' feeling that I didn't experience anywhere else."
The close-knit campus community, supportive faculty and coaches, small class sizes, and strong nursing program gave him everything he was looking for. The opportunity to play soccer while earning his degree made the experience even more meaningful.
A clinical model built for the transition into practice
Throughout his time at Keene State, Ali benefited from dedicated faculty mentors, rigorous coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences that prepared him for the demands of critical care nursing. Part of what makes that preparation possible: Keene State's nursing faculty not only teach in the classroom but they also teach clinical courses, so the concepts students learn in NURS lectures connect directly to what they encounter at the bedside. Small cohorts, capped at 32 students, mean that connection between faculty and student stays close all the way through senior year.
That model is designed around a simple idea; clinical placements should function as more than a requirement to check off. They're a real, working preview of the career ahead. For Ali, that preview turned out to be permanent.
"My experience at KSC prepared me exceptionally well for my career as a surgical ICU nurse," he said. "During my senior year, I completed my practicum at Dartmouth Hitchcock SICU, which is the same unit where I now work. That made the transition into my role seamless."
Ali's path reflects a pattern the program has built toward deliberately: 100% of Keene State nursing students who pass the NCLEX are employed as registered nurses, many hired before they've even graduated. For students like Ali, that's the difference between wondering where a nursing career might lead and walking into a unit you already know, alongside colleagues you've already worked beside.
Ali credits Keene State with giving him the confidence, knowledge, and experience to achieve his goal. "I'm incredibly grateful to KSC for providing me with the foundation and opportunities to become a surgical ICU nurse."
His advice for current and future nursing students is simple: stay organized, stay disciplined, and keep the bigger picture in mind.
"Create a plan at the beginning of each week for studying and completing assignments, and stick to it," he said. "Consistency is key, especially during challenging times."
He also encourages students to remember that the effort is worthwhile.
"Nursing school is demanding, but anything truly worthwhile requires hard work and perseverance. Put in the effort now, and you'll be able to enjoy the rewards later."
For Ali, the journey from Keene State student to critical care nurse happened quickly, but it was built on years of preparation, mentorship, and hands-on experience. His story is one example of how Keene State graduates leave campus ready to make an immediate impact in their communities and their professions.
Ready to start your own path in nursing? Explore Keene State's Nursing program and see how our hands-on clinical training, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty can help you build a career like Ali's.