Student Spotlight: Erin T., MSN, “I Plan to Continue Learning and Growing”

Today, we’re featuring one of Aspen’s MSN alumni, Erin Torp. Erin graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nursing Education. Erin was able to use her MSN Nursing Education degree to launch a career educating future nurses. Keep reading to experience Erin’s journey.

“I grew up in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and I knew that my education was the way to be successful. I originally planned to go to medical school, however financially I was unable to do so. I worked extremely hard to be accepted into Moravian University where I completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. I was accepted into multiple honors societies. I also had multiple commitments including multiple part-time jobs, a sorority, and a Division Three field hockey team. I am a first-generation college graduate and I have always enjoyed learning. My professors gave me the courage to pursue higher degrees and eventually become an educator.

After working for a few years as a Registered Nurse in Open Heart Intensive Care in Pennsylvania, I decided to pursue my master’s degree at Aspen University. Aspen offered a program that would allow me to work full-time and to pay the degree upfront, without being burdened with more student loan debt. During my time at Aspen I moved, changed hospitals where I worked, got married, and had my first child. While all of this was happening, I was able to excel at Aspen University because of its flexibility, support, and encouragement from my professors. The last year of my MSN was also during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was challenging as an ICU nurse working overnights at two local hospitals. My daughter being born was the biggest motivator to finish my MSN degree. I graduated in May 2021 and I was offered a full-time faculty role in June of 2021. My education at Aspen University helped me to excel in the role of instructor where I taught Medical Surgical Nursing, Health Assessment, and Fundamentals. I eventually transitioned out of the instructor role and obtained a job at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey. I enjoy teaching didactic courses, labs, and clinicals for a university that is close to home with supportive colleagues. My next plan is to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and later transition into educational leadership. I never thought I would obtain a terminal degree with all the barriers I faced, but I plan to continue learning and growing and to make myself and my family proud.

I could not have finished my MSN degree without the support of my husband, colleagues, professors, and friends. I love having the opportunity to educate future nurses and make a lasting impact on them like all my professors have made on me.”