LT Drew Hingtgen
Allen College Class of 2011

LT Drew Hingtgen, 2011 BSN graduate of Allen College, currently serves in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) as an Instructional Officer with the Commissioned Officer Training Academy. His primary job responsibility is to provide education and guidance to transform public health professionals (e.g. RN, MD, DDS, NP) into USPHS officers. He began his career with the US Army working as a medical/surgical nurse in El Paso, TX for one year before transferring to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO where he was an ICU nurse for three years. Following that, LT Hingtgen transferred into the US Public Health Service and has held many roles there including a correctional staff nurse within the Department of Homeland Security, nurse manager, and a Special Operations Officer. He has traveled all over the world and has been the lead medical provider for detainees during high risk international flights.

What led you to pursue your education at Allen College?

I pursed my BSN at Allen College because of the response I received from the staff. I applied to many nursing schools and none were as helpful and friendly as the staff at Allen. Nothing makes it easier than a school that makes you feel like they care and want you to attend. I also felt Allen didn’t put up any unnecessary walls or challenges when it came to applying.

How did Allen College help prepare you for where you are now?

Allen helped prepare me for where I am now by pushing me outside my comfort zone on many occasions. I never had any interest in correctional nursing and passed up the opportunity to experience it while at Allen. When the opportunity came up later down the road I still had no interest but figured I would just go for it. The risk paid off and I ended up loving it.

Please share any accomplishments, awards, proud moments, published articles, etc.

In 2016 was awarded the Hazardous Duty Award by holding a position for greater than six months within a detention center with significant risk to my health and life. I was also appointed as a Special Operations Officer allowing me to travel to many foreign locations.
In 2018 I was selected for a position at the USPHS Headquarters as an Instructional officer allowing me to influence and guide the new officers to USPHS.

What piece of advice would you give to current Allen students?

My biggest piece of advice would be to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Additional advice: network, network, network. Be open to geographical moves for what you want. Always take care of your physical and mental health. If you’re not healthy, you won't be able to care for others.

Please share any hobbies or interests

My hobbies include walks with my family, weekend hikes, endurance events, obstacle course racing, and long runs. I have also gotten big into retro video game collecting and repair.