Today, we’re sharing Christa Cleveland’s story. Christa has a passion for education and used Aspen’s MSN Nursing Education and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees to springboard her into the next phase of her career. Let’s jump in.
“To say I knew my path upon graduating high school would be a lie. I knew I wanted to explore and becoming part of the U.S. Army was the route I chose. I entered the military at 17 and spent four years in the Army as a medic, setting up my future. Turns out, I liked the medical field. When I was discharged, I initially wanted to become a teacher and I received my first associate of science degree about a year after leaving the military. I realized I missed the medical part of my Army job. I decided I wanted to go into nursing and thought I would always come back to teaching. After about two years of being a nurse, I started on my educational journey which led to a terminal degree, my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
I found Aspen online and did some research. Every other school was moving away from the Nurse educator track, and this was the program I wanted. The information I found about Aspen was great and they offered a military discount. My last two degrees were obtained through Aspen University, my Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in nursing education, and my Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Aspen made each class easy to navigate because everything was standardized; there were no surprises. The financial aid department was responsive and helped every time I called. The faculty answered emails and when I was at the DNP project point, I could not have asked for a better chair than Dr. Yvette Lowery. My DNP project began about eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic. I was unsure if the project would even be able to be completed. I was given support and guidance by my faculty. She helped me get through the project and create a magnificent project manuscript.
Aspen is an excellent school. When comparing educational paths with other DNPs, I can honestly say that I was prepared and educated well beyond those in other programs. My MSN degree path showed me exactly how and what to teach. I was able to jump directly into the classroom. This is why the nurse educator track is so important! We need nurses, but we must first create faculty that have the tools to effectively teach students. This is my passion and Aspen University helped me elevate it to the next level.
Currently, I have leveraged my education to be able to help others. I am an Associate Dean of Faculty at a college of nursing. I now have the honor to help shape the path of future nurses. I had some big dreams and Aspen University helped me achieve them beyond what I imagined! Truly the sky is the limit when you are given the tools to soar!”
Christa’s story is one of service and accomplishments. Christa is now using her MSN & DNP education to further educate the next generation of nurses. If you are ready to take the next steps in your nursing journey, check out Aspen University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences page.