USC has launched a master’s program specifically to train social workers to serve the military, according to this article in the San Diego Union Tribune. The article claims the program is the first of its kind in the nation.

USC San Diego Academic Center even features “Lt. Rocco,” a virtual-reality hologramlike patient to help train students to treat post traumatic stress disorder, the article said.

“Someone needed to step forward and develop a social-work program to address the needs of military personnel, vets and their families,” said Jose Coll, the center’s director. “Why not us?”

To learn more about how social workers help the military and veterans vist the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Veterans Affairs Web page by clicking here.