Alumni Spotlight: Shelley Cahalan, DNP, “Earning my DNP has opened many doors.”

Aspen is pleased to introduce Dr. Shelley Cahalan, who completed the DNP program in March 2024 after moving to a new state without a support system. Shelley shares her educational experience with Aspen and how it has helped her forge connections during the COVID pandemic.

From a very early age, I knew that I wanted a career in healthcare and dreamed of one day achieving a doctoral degree.  As an adult, my desire for a healthcare career was realized when I became a nurse.  While most of my life and career was spent in the Midwest, I decided to make a life change and move halfway across the country to Virginia.  It was very difficult to leave friends and family behind to experience a new part of the country, a new culture, and a new nursing role.  Shortly after I made the transition, the coronavirus came into play.  I had very little time to make friends and connections in Virginia before everything shut down.  Social opportunities became virtually non-existent.

I turned my attention towards furthering my education and finally achieving the terminal degree in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).  When I explored options, Aspen University stood out due to the flexibility in scheduling, curriculum, and financial options.  Aspen proved to be the logical option for me.

In addition to furthering my knowledge and broadening my horizons for my career going forward, returning to school for my DNP provided a community and camaraderie that I otherwise would not have experienced during the throes of the coronavirus.  The advisors and instructors were always available when I had a question or needed assistance.  Perhaps even more significant were the relationships I developed with fellow students that were sustained over the 30+ months of my educational journey.

Since graduating with my DNP, I have been exploring career opportunities and additional options for utilizing the knowledge I have gained.  Already, many prospects have been presented and considered.  Although I have not decided how to move forward yet, I do know that earning my DNP has opened many doors that were previously closed.

It’s inspiring how Dr. Cahalan transformed a difficult situation into an opportunity by furthering her education. We’re excited to see what she chooses to do next! If you’d like to find out which doors a doctoral degree could open for you, have a look at Aspen’s programs and apply here.