Finding Balance While Pursuing Professional Goals
When Amanda Wilburn wanted an education that would increase her versatility in the nursing field, she chose the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at South University. “FNP allows me to care for all age ranges of patients in different environments,” she says. “I chose South University due to the streamlined and easy application process and recommendations of other students.”
Amanda also appreciated that she could work full-time while she earned her MSN FNP degree online. She completed the program in 2024. “If [the idea of] schooling while working is holding you back, don't let it,” she advises. “I have already recommended South University to many friends and colleagues.”
A Wealth of Nursing Experience
Before becoming an FNP, Amanda spent 20 years as a registered nurse. Her focus has been emergency and critical care, and she holds various certifications related to this work. Amada has served in trauma ICUs, ERs, pediatric, and mixed healthcare settings. She is an active member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She has worked in four states as an ER travel nurse and done medical mission trips to Peru and Costa Rica.
Amanda’s experience includes nursing leadership and management. She has been a charge nurse, managed staffing schedules, formed and led committees, assisted with staff communications, run an influenza clinic, and helped her employer prepare for accreditation. She has taught staff about new healthcare technologies and been a preceptor for students. Today, Amanda proudly uses her MSN FNP degree along with her extensive emergency and critical care background to work as a family nurse practitioner at Kidcare Pediatric Urgent Care and McLeod Occupational Health.
“South University was a huge help in finding locations for clinicals. The classes focused on need-to-know [information], and doing the pre-exams and predictors were instrumental in identifying areas that needed work. The clinical rotations helped in deciding where I wanted to work when school was completed,” Amdanda shares. “I finished school with a place to advance as an FNP with my employer prior to school and a job offer from a clinical rotation.”
A Support System for Success
For Amanda, the people around her have been a big part of her accomplishments. The love and support from her family, friends, employers, and clinical preceptors were all instrumental. Likewise, she was grateful for the South University faculty and staff who were friendly and always there to offer a hand. It’s one of the reasons she recommends the school and its nursing programs to others. “Don't be afraid to talk with teachers, classmates, or your advisors if you need help or encouragement,” she says. “They were helpful in classes, with finances, and with clinicals. The advisors were top-notch, easy to reach, and quick to help. You got this.”
Find out if South University is right for you! Explore our nursing programs, or request information today.
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Clinical/Medical programs have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
