Finding a Passion for Nursing
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the career that’s right for you. Chelsea Asante, for example, originally studied human resources in college. She knew she wanted to help others, but when she started in business, something was missing. Over time, she began to crave more connection and felt drawn to the health professions. After realizing her true calling, Chelsea returned to school for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Growing in the Nursing Field
Chelsea became a licensed registered nurse (RN) and gained hands-on experience across a wide range of specialties. She worked in orthopedics, urgent care, home health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, medical-surgical, and intensive care. As she explored different areas of nursing, Chelsea decided that she wanted to grow her skills by earning a master’s degree. “I ultimately chose South University because it offered the flexibility I needed to balance motherhood and my education,” she says. “I officially started my master’s program when she was five months old, determined to pursue my calling while being present for her early years.”
Chelsea enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at South University’s online programs. “I remember my admission advisor, Deborah,” recalls Chelsea. “She was very understanding and informative. She held space for my anxieties and hopes, for a new mom with a newborn baby.”
The FNP specialization was attractive to Chelsea because she enjoyed caring for patients at every stage of life. “The education I received at South University prepared me thoroughly for licensure and helped me successfully pass my board exam,” she says. “Becoming a family nurse practitioner gave me the comprehensive training I needed to provide care across the full lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics.”
After earning her MSN in 2020 and achieving FNP licensure, Chelsea worked at one of the clinics where she had completed clinical rotations. Later, she transitioned into a larger healthcare organization where she served a more diverse patient population. She also worked as a provider for a medical weight loss company.
Creating a Clinic and a Legacy of Impact
“These experiences sparked a vision: to build a healing space where patients of all ages could receive truly integrated care,” Chelsea shares. “I founded my own all-in-one wellness clinic, created not just to treat symptoms, but to guide individuals toward complete, lasting wellness.”
Today, Chelsea owns Orchid Wellness, with around 800 active patients. As a nurse practitioner, she provides comprehensive care to individuals of all ages, managing a range of needs from chronic conditions to preventive wellness. She performs clinical procedures as well as offers several aesthetic and wellness treatments. “Every patient interaction is an opportunity to ensure someone feels seen, heard, and genuinely cared for,” she says. “My life principle is to truly change my little corner of my world. In this case, my clinic is how I bring that change.”
As the clinic owner, Chelsea guides the overall vision and growth, oversees marketing and branding efforts, develops new services, and manages financial operations. She trains and supports her team, oversees regulatory and compliance standards, and strives to create a work environment that mirrors the care and excellence they offer patients. Chelsea has also developed a private-label skincare line and written a book (MySWANS™: A Graceful Return to You) about the wellness framework she created and uses with her patients.
Additionally, Chelsea founded Empower Health Partners to provide training, consulting, and business solutions for other healthcare professionals. “I currently mentor a number of individuals in business ownership and high school and college students interested in the healthcare field,” she shares.
Overcoming Adversity
While Chelsea has achieved much success in her career, it hasn’t always been easy. Not long after earning her MSN, she lost everything she owned in an apartment fire. Then, six months after opening Orchid Wellness, Chelsea went through a divorce while raising her children, ages six and two. Over the years, Chelsea has spoken about her personal and professional journey on several podcasts and at numerous events. In 2025, she was honored as a South University Alumni of the Year Honorable Mention.
“My education helped me rebuild,” Chelsea says. “It gave me the skills, knowledge, and confidence to serve others and create a space of healing. Today, I carry those lessons into every encounter. Whether I am caring for patients, guiding my team, or mentoring others, I show up with compassion and strength because I know what it means to rise.”
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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.
