The right fit

Anna Allen '23 FNP-DNP found everything she was looking for in an FNP-DNP degree at Mount Mercy University.

“It was truly the perfect program I had been looking for.”

As a former nursing instructor, Anna took the curriculum and layout of Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees very seriously. Anna found that Mount Mercy’s FNP-DNP program checked all her boxes: a dual FNP-DNP track, recognition of her completed MSN coursework, in-person courses, and a program that could be completed in two years.

“It was truly the perfect program I had been looking for,” shared Anna.

Curriculum was a key factor in Anna’s decision to attend Mount Mercy. At Mount Mercy, students complete the bulk of their DNP classroom work in the first half of their program. Then students begin their science courses as they prepare to transition to clinicals.

“I believe having Pathophysiology and Pharmacology leading into our second year gave us great review on some information we already knew as nurses, gave us additional information we need to know as future Nurse Practitioners, and helped get us into the clinical mindset right before they began,” shared Anna.

Meeting face-to-face was another important factor for Anna when choosing an FNP-DNP program. This was so important to her that she drives from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids for her classes—a decision she feels is worth it to complete her degree in two-years.

“Live instruction has the benefit of being able to ask additional questions, seek further clarification, and keep the authenticity of advanced healthcare always in mind,” said Anna. 

Anna has been able to build deeper connections with her professors thanks to their face-to-face interactions each week.

“I have really enjoyed the relationships I have been able to make with my professors,” said Anna. “There is a mutual respect, and I feel the genuineness in their desire to help us learn and become proficient DNP-prepared nurse practitioners.”

Anna’s FNP-DNP courses have already helped her excel in her role as an Urgent Care Nurse at The Iowa Clinic in Des Moines. Earning her degree will allow her to achieve her goal to practice at the next level in her career.

“I am excited to be able to care for patients and their families in the role of a Nurse Practitioner having gained higher level assessment skills, procedural skills, and the ability to formulate and carry out treatment plans as learned in my time in Mount Mercy’s program,” said Anna.