Meet Charlene Coates, South University RN-MSN FNP Graduate
Charlene Shante Coates earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) online at South University in 2024. Today, she is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Altea Healthcare in Georgia.The Path from CNA to FNP
Charlene worked in healthcare since 2012, when she started her career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). This role gave her foundational patient care experience and confirmed her desire to work in the field. In 2014, Charlene earned the certification and clinical skills to advance to a licensed practice nurse. After six more years in the field, she took another big step forward, earning her associate degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse (RN) in 2020. Charlene has always been proud to work as a nurse, and she has two siblings who also work in the field. Becoming a registered nurse was a big milestone and very rewarding. Still, Charlene knew she had the potential to do more. In fact, she had set a goal for herself to become a nurse practitioner by age 35. To achieve that goal, Charlene decided to enroll at South University, where the online program would give her the flexibility she needed as a busy nurse.
The path, of course, was not easy. She admits that there were sleepless nights and times she felt like giving up. However, the people at South University and many others around her cheered her on and offered support as she worked toward her dream. Her hard work and dedication paid off. When Charlene passed her FNP boards in 2025, she was 34, having achieved her goal one year early!
“Earning my Master of Science solidified my leadership and advanced practice expertise,” she shares. “Throughout my career, I progressed from a CNA to LPN, RN, and family nurse practitioner, while getting diverse clinical experience, earning a nurse excellence award, graduating with honors, and being recognized for compassionate patient care and leadership.”
FNP Job Duties and Community Engagement
As a family nurse practitioner and primary care provider, Charlene’s work encompasses a wide range of activities every day. She conducts comprehensive patient assessments, diagnoses, and manages acute and chronic conditions, prescribes medications, provides preventive care, educates patients on health management, and coordinates with other providers and specialists.She engages in professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) to stay current with evidence-based practices. Charlene also participates in conferences and mentors her peers. Additionally, she is actively involved in and passionate about community health initiatives, and she regularly provides education, health screenings, and support to underserved populations.
“My future goals as a family nurse practitioner include improving access to quality health care for underserved populations by addressing health disparities, enhancing patient education, and advocating for equitable resources,” Charlene shares. “I furthermore plan to open my own private practice.”
Inspired by this graduate success story?
You, too, may turn your goals into a reality. Request information to speak with our Admissions team and find out if our nursing programs are right for you.We want to hear from more South University graduates!
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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.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person , practicum, or externship. 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.
