Meet MSN FNP Graduate Tonya Martin
As a mother of six children and a grandmother, Tonya Martin has always been driven by a deep desire to provide the best possible care and support for her family and community. That has long been her mission as a registered nurse. It is also what motivated her to take the next step and pursue her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at South University’s online programs. Building on Her Experience as an ER Charge Nurse
Tonya is an ER Charge Nurse at Ascension St. John in Oklahoma. She helps the ER run smoothly, making sure that each patient gets timely and appropriate care. She coordinates staffing, supports bedside nurses, and assists with complex situations. Additionally, she is the main point of contact between physicians, support staff, and administration, communicating important updates and addressing any issues that arise. She also ensures safety protocols are followed, manages resources, and provides leadership during shift changes to maintain a high standard of care in the fast-paced ER.Outside of the ER, Tonya is active in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She participates in conferences, continuing education, and networking opportunities to stay current with the latest advancements in healthcare. She also volunteers with outreach programs around health education, preventive care, and access to services for underserved populations.
“These activities not only allow me to give back but also help me grow as a practitioner,” she says. “Being involved in these organizations and community service activities continually inspires me to improve myself and the care I deliver.”
Hard Work and Growth in Nursing at South University
For her MSN program, Tonya was focused on building both her clinical skills and confidence for serving as an FNP. “South University’s FNP program stood out to me because of its reputation for hands-on learning and its flexible schedule, which allowed me to balance my family life while pursuing my dreams,” explains Tonya.During her MSN program, Tonya’s clinical rotations gave her the chance to apply her clinical knowledge and decision-making skills in diverse real-world scenarios. “One of the most rewarding moments was receiving positive feedback from preceptors and patients,” she says. “I am making a tangible difference in people's lives through the knowledge and skills I’ve gained.”
Earning her degree has been a chance to be a role model for her children and demonstrate to them the importance of dedication and perseverance. The program also helped build her knowledge of the business of healthcare. This knowledge will come in handy as Tonya pursues her long-term goals of opening her own practice. “My hard work will help me create a stable and independent future for my family,” she says.
Advice for MSN Students
Tonya’s advice for MSN students is to stay focused on your purpose or your why. When times are hard or you’re struggling to balance family and school, thinking about the reason you enrolled can help you keep it all in perspective. She also suggests leaning on your support system and turning to the people around you in school. Finally, she adds, it’s also about believing in yourself and knowing that you will eventually achieve what you’ve set out to do. “Your dedication and perseverance will pay off!” she says. “Your hard work now will lay the foundation for a lifetime of fulfilling service.”What’s Next After South University
Since completing her MSN FNP program in 2026, Tonya has started working in a local clinic in Tulsa, gaining valuable experience providing holistic care to diverse patient populations. “Earning my FNP degree has opened doors to new opportunities,” she says. “It has empowered me to take control of my career path and work towards owning my own practice. I believe that with hard work and faith in myself, I can achieve my dream of providing accessible healthcare and making a lasting impact in Tulsa.”Learn more about our nursing programs 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.
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 2026.
