From Microbiology Researcher to Nursing Leader
Yvette Chapman began her career as a microbiologist, studying chromosomes and their role in medical genetics. Her time in research provided her with valuable analytical skills. However, she soon realized her passion lay in direct patient care, and she returned to school to become a registered nurse. As a nurse, she was able to combine her scientific background with her clinical skills by working in organ donation and transplantation. Now, Yvette is a Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator with 20 years of experience in the field. She has held numerous vice president and other leadership roles in organ procurement organizations and transplant programs. She has improved patient outcomes, hospital partnerships, and transplant processes. Since earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nursing Administration online at South University in 2025, she’s growing her career even more.
Expanding Her Leadership Skills
Yvette decided to earn her MSN degree because she had seen firsthand the importance of strong leadership in healthcare. She had often observed a gap between the clinical and executive teams. She knew bridging that gap would lead to meaningful change.At South University, Yvette’s instructors provided valuable insights and highlighted real-world applications. They also offered mentorship that challenged her to think critically and go beyond her comfort zone. “Their support, guidance, and encouragement made a significant impact on my learning experience,” she says. “Knowing I had a professor who believed in my abilities and supported my growth made all the difference.”
Today, Yvette is the Interim Director of Transplant for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. She has also founded PulsePoint Strategies, a consulting company that helps transplant programs across the US grow and achieve excellence. In her MSN program, she gained a deeper understanding of healthcare systems, financial management, quality improvement, leadership, and regulatory compliance. She uses this knowledge every day.
“Education has given me a voice at the decision-making table, the ability to advocate for patients on a larger scale, and the tools to transform healthcare systems,” she says. “This advanced degree has provided me with the strategic, financial, and operational expertise to lead large-scale transplant initiatives. It also gave me the confidence and knowledge to launch my own transplant consulting firm.”
A Nurse Administrator on A Mission
As a healthcare and nursing leader, Yvette is doing everything she can to save lives and advance the field of transplantation. She works hard to optimize healthcare systems and transplant programs, mentor future transplant leaders, and ensure every patient has the best chance at life-saving care. As a consultant, she advises companies on best practices, leadership strategies, regulatory requirements, quality improvement measures, and healthcare disparities. She’s even helping them use innovative technology to become more efficient. Recently, she helped a clinic call center use AI to streamline scheduling and access to care.“Every patient waiting for an organ represents a life full of possibilities, and every transplant team has the power to make miracles happen,” she says. “My mission is to ensure that every hospital, every transplant center, and every professional in this field is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and leadership to make that difference.”
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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.
