NDSU student Natalie Carriveau sees a bright and exciting future ahead.
As a student in NDSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, she is seeking a degree that will put her on a path to be a family nurse practitioner, one of the “Top growth jobs of 2021” as reported by Flexjobs.com.
NDSU’s outstanding program is among the first four DNP programs established in the country, and it is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
“NDSU’s commitment to in-person and hands-on educating of nurse practitioners results in DNPs who are exceptionally well-prepared to deliver patient care,” said Dean Gross, program director and assistant professor of practice.
The program’s 11 faculty members emphasize evidenced-based approaches to healthcare using strategic problem-solving skills – a method Carriveau prefers.
“As nurses we are always learning, but I was ready to apply that in a different way,” said Carriveau, a nurse in Sanford Fargo’s Day Unit/Admissions Recovery Unit.
Carriveau earned her bachelor’s degree from NDSU in exercise science in 2011 and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from South Dakota State University in 2013. Now, she’s preparing for the next step in her career.
“NDSU has a well-respected program with very successful student outcomes and good relationships with local healthcare systems, so I knew it was the program I wanted to apply to,” she said. “I found NDSU’s hybrid program particularly appealing (meeting weekly with our instructors for in-person lectures) because that gave me an opportunity to learn personally from my instructors and receive interactive feedback on coursework and hands-on learning. I also formed close relationships with our instructors who are practicing nurse practitioners.”
Carriveau praises the caring and supportive faculty at NDSU. She said their passion for the profession and education is helping her move forward toward a successful and rewarding career.
“I am very excited about my future,” said Carriveau, who lives in West Fargo with her husband. “I know it’s going to be a challenge and an adjustment from my current role as a nurse, but I am really looking forward to being able to provide care as a nurse practitioner with an NDSU education as my foundation. The opportunities for NPs are just exploding right now, and I’m really excited to see where I am in five or 10 years.”
Start your NDSU experience. Apply by Jan. 31 for fall admission to the NDSU DNP program, offered in Fargo and Bismarck.
