Practicing Healthcare Abroad and in the United States
Antonia Esther Alonso Fajardo has always been driven by a deep passion for patient care. Before relocating to the United States, Antonia earned a Doctor of Medicine abroad and practiced as a physician for several years. After coming to the US, she wanted to continue contributing to the healthcare field. She earned an associate degree in nursing and obtained her RN license. As of 2025, Antonia also earned an RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree from South University’s online programs.
“My education has transformed my life by opening new professional opportunities and allowing me to serve others in a more meaningful way,” says Antonia. “It has also strengthened my sense of purpose and helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Building on a Strong Nursing Career
Antonia currently works as an RN case manager for a home health care service in Las Vegas. She assesses patient conditions, administers medication, and educates patients and families. She previously served as a team lead for a special project on improving patient education in chronic disease management. In her role, Antonia regularly collaborates with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and ensures continuity of care. When needed, she mentors new nurses, helping them transition smoothly into their roles. Antonia also participates in professional development workshops and nursing conferences to stay current with healthcare best practices.
Giving back to her community is important to Antonia as well. She volunteers at health fairs, including offering blood pressure screenings and educational materials on wellness and disease prevention. As part of a community outreach program, she has helped provide care packages and health information to underserved populations.
Studying Advanced Practice Nursing at South University
Antonia chose an RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program because she wanted to be able to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan. “I chose South University because of its strong reputation in nursing education and its flexible online format, which allowed me to balance my studies with work and personal responsibilities,” she explains. “This program aligned with my long-term goals of expanding my clinical skills and serving my community more effectively.”
Overall, Antonia appreciated the RN to MSN program structure, curriculum, and support services. “South University provided a rigorous academic foundation combined with practical clinical experience,” Antonia says. “The coursework was relevant and up-to-date with current healthcare standards, and the support from faculty helped me build the confidence and competence needed to practice as an FNP.”
Of course, balancing school, work, and family life during the FNP program proved difficult at times. Still, it helped Antonia learn discipline, time management, and resilience. “Overcoming these challenges gave me a deeper appreciation for my education and a stronger commitment to my goals,” she says. “The faculty and staff at South University were instrumental in my success. Their guidance, encouragement, and availability created a supportive learning environment. They consistently demonstrated genuine care for students’ progress, which motivated me to stay focused and excel in my studies.”
Beginning FNP Practice
Having recently earned her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree, Antonia is now focused on obtaining board certification and beginning her FNP clinical practice. “I want to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse populations, particularly underserved communities,” she says. “I am committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and eventually pursuing leadership roles or teaching opportunities to help shape future generations of nurse practitioners”.
For others with similar aspirations, Antonia has both encouragement and valuable advice to share. “Stay focused, stay organized, and never hesitate to ask for help. The journey may be challenging, but it is worth every effort. Use the resources provided by South University, connect with your instructors, and support your classmates. Most importantly, believe in yourself and remember why you started—your goal of becoming a healthcare professional is within reach.”
Learn more about how we can help you pursue your goals! Explore the nursing programs offered at South University, or request information today.
Or, if you’re a South University grad and want to share your experience and accomplishments, log in to our Alumni Site and click Share Your Story in the Alumni Success section.
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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.
