Welcome to the next installment of our "Faculty & Staff Spotlight" series on the Trailblazers blog! 

Dr. Joanna Simpson, the Program Director of Teacher Credentialing at USU's College of Education, has swiftly made a significant impact here at USU. Starting as a Credential Analyst, Dr. Simpson's journey reflects a deep commitment to education, shaped by a decade of teaching in challenging urban environments and extensive experience in higher education. Her path from classroom to academia highlights her dedication to fostering future educators.

To explore more about Dr. Simpson's insights, experiences, and the impactful projects she’s worked on here at USU, dive into the full Q&A below.

What is your current role at USU? Would you like to share how long you've been here?

 I'm the Program Director over Teacher Credentialing in the College of Education. I've been here for 2 years and started as a Credential Analyst in the Office of Educational Placements and Partnerships.

Can you share a little about your professional background?

I taught English in inner-city Phoenix and Atlanta for 10 years before entering higher education. I've worked as a tenure track faculty member at a Research 1 institution, directed million-dollar grants, and have worked extensively in curriculum for pre-service and in-service teachers. I've been in higher education for about 15 years now and absolutely love helping students become teachers!

What is your favorite aspect of your role at USU?

Hands down my favorite thing to do is credential students. The process itself is a bit tedious but I love the reactions when I send them the "credentialed" email.

Can you tell us about a project, course, or initiative at USU that you're particularly proud of?

There are several. I'm located in AZ so getting approval for AZ teacher education programs was awesome. I also spearheaded the WASC submission for our EdD and EDS programs and getting that approved was a great feeling.

 How has your area of expertise or field changed since you first started working in it?

 We are a small team here in the College of Education so we all wear many hats. I started working in our Office of Educational Placements & Partnerships and now they report to me so that has been some fun growth.

What advice would you give to students in your field?

You started this journey because you love working with students. Don't forget that. Keep it in the forefront of your mind when you encounter apathy in the students, misunderstandings with the adults, and paperwork. You love those kids.

Is there a common misconception about your field that you'd like to clear up?

If you can't do, you teach. <----- Actually, if you DO anything it is because you were taught. Teachers create all other professions.

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues and students may not know?

 What's one hobby or pastime you enjoy outside of your work?

 That's a difficult question to answer because I'm a multipotentialite so I have a TON of hobbies. I think my most time consuming hobby are my plants. I have 28 plants inside my house and an entire greenhouse outside. Also, I live in the desert but all of my plants are tropical. It's an addiction.

What book, movie, or music piece has significantly impacted you and why?

 This is tough because I'm a reader and a writer. I'd have to say the Throne of Glass series as a whole changed me because of the strong female lead. I aspire to be as strong as Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius. I actually told Sarah Maas (the author) that at a convention we attended together and she said she felt the same way.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received and who was it from?

The advice was from my mom, who passed in November of 2022. She was my best friend. She told me to build communities that are so strong nobody really knows who the leader is. I love that advice and still use it. I value every person equally because of her advice and look for community builders when I hire new folks to work with us in COE.


Q: What's an accomplishment or event you're most proud of outside of your professional career?

 Raising my daughters. They are incredible - Jules is 15 and she is an actress, a model, and an athlete. Sage is almost 13 and she is a gamer, guitarist, and a video editor. They are incredible kids doing incredible things and I love being along for the ride.

Q: If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be and why?

 You know, I don't think I would. I knit, take care of tons of plants and animals, read, write and publish books, and work on puzzles and mini book nooks. I do not need any other skills at the moment. Well, maybe a Jedi mind trick that would let me calm down people in an instant. That would be cool.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like the USU community to know about you?


Interested in the College of Education? 

Meet Dr. Joanna Simpson

Welcome to the first installment of our "Faculty & Staff Spotlight" series on the Trailblazers blog! 


As we start to pull back the curtain on the diverse team of professionals that work tirelessly to support the United States University (USU) community, today, we're thrilled to introduce a team member who plays a vital role in our students' journey from learners to working professionals. Meet Logann Dolan, our energetic and inspiring Career & Alumni Services Specialist.

Logann brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, not only serving as a critical resource for students and alumni but also as a reminder of what it means to find a career you genuinely love. Her story, advice, and approach to her work truly encapsulate the spirit of USU - one of support, growth, and pursuit of one's passion.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and your role at USU?

 I am a proud first-generation college graduate and received my MBA specializing in Leadership, Consulting, and Business Analytics and my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing from Binghamton University. I am a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), and also a Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner.

I am the Career & Alumni Services Specialist here at United States University. I provide career-related support to our current students and alumni to help them pursue meaningful careers that they'll love and enjoy.

What do you enjoy most about your role at USU?

I love supporting our diverse population of students through career preparation and seeing them move into the next stage of their careers post-graduation becoming successful alumni!

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day for Career Services, but my day-to-day activities tend to include having virtual appointments with students and alumni, reviewing student/alumni resumes or portfolios and helping them through the job search process, sharing new job and career fair updates on the D2L page and via email, and regularly hosting virtual professional development workshops tailored to each college.  Each day is different as each student/alumni has different needs!

What advice would you give to students related to your role?

I have two pieces of advice I would give students:


1. Start your career preparation early - don't wait until your last class. Start networking with faculty, other students in your cohort, and professionals early on to build connections in your field. Continuously update your resume with new activities, internships, clinical experiences, etc. Connect with career services several times throughout your program to ensure you are on track and feel prepared upon completion of your program.


2. You belong here - USU is home to so many supporting faculty and staff members (including myself) who truly care about you and want to see you succeed! We are here for you and happy to support you in reaching your goals.

 How do you see your role evolving in the next few years?

 As USU Career Services evolves, I strive to provide more opportunities for our students and alumni communities -- whether that be through hosting more virtual workshops, virtual career fairs or employer info sessions, further building relationships with employers to provide a pathway to employment post-graduation, and/or bringing new career-related resources to the university.

I am an avid crafter and owner of a small business called Lettered by Logann, where I make stickers, cards, and digital artwork, and have my own happy mail subscription! Check it out on Etsy!

Disclaimer: The mention of Logann Dolan's personal business, Lettered by Logann, is for illustrative purposes only, aimed at providing a comprehensive picture of her multifaceted personality and interests. United States University does not endorse or receive any form of compensation from this or any other non-affiliated business mentioned on our website or blog.

What's one hobby or pastime you enjoy outside of your work?

I love to go on walks and visit new parks around the state of Michigan with my 1.5-year-old Cavalier-Cocker Spaniel Mix puppy named Ollie and soon-to-be husband. We love going on new adventures and exploring.

I know it's a little silly, but as a kid/teenager, I loved the "Bee Movie". The main character, Barry B. Benson, tests out new 'jobs' around his hive to find the right one and determines that choosing one job to do for the rest of his life (as all the other bees do) is not for him and that there are so many opportunities outside the hive for him to explore. This is the mindset I like to instill in the students I meet with. It is very uncommon for individuals stay in the same job at the same place for their entire lives and I also encourage "going outside the hive" and pursuing other options!

 What's the best piece of advice you've ever received and who was it from?

 A mentor of mine from when I was in college used to remind me that "life is too short to do things you don't enjoy"... and I have engrained this into my daily life. There is a world of possibilities and opportunities out there waiting for you to enjoy them!

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be and why?

 I would love to learn new languages! I used to be fluent in French (I'm conversational at best now) and was always fascinated with language and phonetics. It would be amazing to learn more languages and learn more about the linguistics and culture behind them.

Is there anything else you'd like the USU community to know about you?

Students, staff, and faculty are welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn at 

For students interested in connecting with Career Services, you can visit the webpage (

https://www.usuniversity.edu/current-students/career-resources

) to schedule an appointment and view our available resources.

Meet Logann Dolan: The Force Behind USU’s Career & Alumni Services

The role of family nurse practitioner (FNP) continues to gain momentum as a leader in delivering healthcare services. However, FNPs stand to absorb much of the burden from the 

, but they will play a critical part in filling the gap it creates. 

 predict a shortage of up to 48,000 physicians by 2034! Therefore, FNPs are poised to play an even larger role in the delivery of healthcare, especially in underserved or low-access areas, in the coming years.

Family Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice

The role of family nurse practitioner is usually focused on preventative care and monitoring long-term health. FNPs are able to provide direct patient care because they have a varied and comprehensive scope of practice - they can assess, diagnose, and treat patients throughout their lifespan, from infants to elder adults.

 exist in the role of family nurse practitioner, such as 

, gerontology nurse practitioner, and mental health nurse practitioner, the FNP is more of a jack of all trades. In the same way that an internal medicine physician may refer complex cases to a specialist, FNPs act as triage personnel, assessing patients and helping them formulate an appropriate plan of care or referring them to a healthcare professional with more expertise in that specific area.

 before applying. Here is a list of some basic academic prerequisites for an 

Some direct entry FNP programs do exist, however, the majority of programs will require bedside experience as an RN before you can be accepted. One to two years is a solid base, but many FNPs say that having 5-7 years of experience working at the bedside is the ideal amount of experience. Most FNP programs will expect a command of basic nursing skills, and you may struggle to keep up with your peers if you do not have some experience to draw from during your program.

You must complete an accredited program and sit for the 

 to work in a role as a family nurse practitioner. There are two - the 

. Upon passing one of those two exams, you will be certified to work as an FNP, but you will also need to become licensed by the state where you intend to practice. Most healthcare settings will also require 

 (basic life support) training, and some jobs may require additional certifications depending on the environment you will be working in.

, including both inpatient and outpatient settings. Private physician offices, hospitals, and urgent cares are currently the 

. Some acute care hospitals are moving towards requiring an acute care certification for their inpatient NPs, but this is not the rule. Depending on the location, size of the hospital, and needs, you may find this variable on a case-by-case basis.

, especially in states with a rapidly growing population and in more rural communities with less access to a myriad of healthcare services. As the number of primary care or internal medicine physicians wanes, those in the role of family nurse practitioner are expected to step in and fill that void.

States employing the largest number of FNPs are:

 in the United States is $118,040. California is the highest paying state in the U.S. for FNPs, with an average salary of $151,830.

With so much variability in the work environments for family nurse practitioners, there truly is something for everyone, and the opportunities are endless. Treating patients over the long-term and helping them towards better health makes this career extremely rewarding. Over the next ten years, FNPs will only continue to become a more valuable part of the healthcare ecosystem.

Alexandra Prabhu is a guest writer for United States University.

Alex lives in Southern California and has spent her decade-long nursing career in cardiac critical care and loves all things heart-related. She’s currently a pediatric ICU nurse in Los Angeles and has worked in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery as well as the cardiac cath lab. After getting her degree in immunology and genetics from UCLA, she studied nursing at Mount St. Mary’s University. As a mom to five in her blended family and married to her firefighter husband, her house is generally chaotic. When not at the hospital Alex loves traveling with her family, surfing and doing her kids’ laundry.

The Role of Family Nurse Practitioner in Healthcare

Have you ever had to wait months to see your doctor? Or have you noticed the primary physician you’ve been going to for years now has a team of nurse practitioners working in her practice? This is because there aren’t enough doctors in the United States. Each doctor likely takes care of 

of patients regularly. So what can be done about this? The role of the nurse practitioner is filling this gap– but why nurse practitioners?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) offer well-rounded and patient-centered care. In this article, we’ll review 

10 reasons why being a nurse practitioner is a fulfilling career option.

Nurse practitioners are high-level, medical providers that 

assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all types. 

They’re quickly becoming the primary care provider of choice for many Americans because of their role and 

 focus on disease management as well as health promotion and prevention. They’re also more open to 

holistic health and offering more education. 

These aspects offer a very different approach from a medical doctor, making nurse practitioners effective partners in healthcare, too.

There are focused degree options you can specialize in, including:

There are so many opportunities for nurse practitioners, 

, clinics, specialty offices, home care, etc. This versatility, in conjunction with the increase in demand for the role, allows nurse practitioners to make career changes throughout their lives and oftentimes without extra schooling.

A nurse practitioner can also work as what’s called a 

a travel nurse but for medical providers 

and the role functions much the same way. This opportunity involves working under contract for certain periods of time for different clinics or organizations before moving on to another. These contracts can range from weeks to months, or even years.

traveling opportunities throughout the country and even the world 

with some locum tenens providers working in places like Egypt. This can be an exciting way to grow your practice, gain experience, and develop greater skills while getting to see the world!

 in the healthcare industry because their role is similar to that of medical doctors. However, they can also serve as more designated leaders. This can include positions such as:

Serving as hospital executives and medical directors

So why nurse practitioner? Because they also make intuitive preceptors for other nurses, nurse practitioners, and students. Plus, their increased experience and comprehensive education and training allow them to be more involved in things like policy change regarding healthcare legislation, than registered nurses.

 for nurse practitioners. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care has grown dramatically and is available in fields like:

Sales, including healthcare equipment sales

A lot of these positions are not possible for other healthcare workers, like registered nurses or medical assistants, who are required to be more hands-on with their patients. This is a huge benefit of becoming a nurse practitioner, especially since the virtual care world has expanded like never before.

As we mentioned above, and unlike the hospital work that most registered nurses do, 

many nurse practitioners work in settings other than a hospital.

 These settings offer more flexibility so you have more control over your schedule. This can be very beneficial for people with children and family members to care for, or for those who simply have other commitments outside of work or wish for a solid work-life balance.

Some people think you can only work in primary care or maybe in a hospital as a nurse practitioner, but that’s not true. Between 2008 and 2016, the number of 

nurse practitioners working in specialties 

. This can include ANY specialty, for example:

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have to pick a specialty early on in their education (like some medical doctors do). Therefore, they get a broad, holistic education that especially equips them to transition between specialties with ease. Plus, most clinics won’t require any extra training either.

 with a variety of patients, including newborns, the elderly, well and chronically diseased adults, pregnant people, and everything in between. Because of this training, 

nurse practitioners are prepared to work 

Other settings that nurse practitioners can work in include:

, a prominent healthcare consulting firm, found the average nurse practitioner salary increased by five percent in 2017 to $123,000 (from $ 117,000 in 2016). As of 2022, 

the average salary of a nurse practitioner has risen to almost $140,000 

The average salary in the U.S. is just $52,000, making an NP’s salary extremely competitive and therefore, a large career benefit.

, there were 320,000 nurse practitioners in the United States. “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of nurse practitioners will 

 from 2012 to 2022.” This is nearly three times the national growth average for other occupations. So, despite some growing pains and the continued high levels of stress in the healthcare field, 

experts see the role of the nurse practitioner continuing to expand in the coming years.

Are You Ready to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

You’ve discovered a little more about what makes the role of a nurse practitioner GREAT, so are you ready to take that next step and start your journey? Check out 

United States University's nurse practitioner programs

 to learn more about our unique programs.

If you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, check out 

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners

’ website for more information. There, you’ll find details about the role itself, the career outlook, the opportunities for a career in the future, and so much more information that can help you decide if becoming a nurse practitioner is the right career move for you.

Alison Shely, DNP, FNP-C, is a guest writer for Untied States University.

is a nurse practitioner, nurse coach, yoga teacher, and nurse writer who specializes in articles, blogging, and copy. She has been in nursing since 2014, working in intensive care, women’s health, and primary care as a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner. She has written for a variety of publications including Rncareers.org, Moxie Scrubs, Aspen University, and more. She is also the winner of the 2020 Shift Report writing contest for Next Level Nursing. Her specialty topics include mental health, health and wellness, yoga philosophy and practice, and community health. She also serves as a mental health coach primarily to other nurses and healthcare workers concerning healthy lifestyles and mental health.

Why Nurse Practitioner? The Top 10 Reasons to be an NP

When considering the role of an FNP (family nurse practitioner) vs ACNP (acute care nurse practitioner), there are similarities and differences to weigh when choosing the best educational path toward a fulfilling career.

All nurse practitioners (NPs) can assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses, in addition to many other tasks. Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is a popular career path bustling with opportunity. With competitive salaries and higher than average expected job growth through 2030, many are choosing a career as an NP. 

 (BLS) reports that NPs were earning a median annual salary of $123,780 and a median hourly wage of $59.51 in 2021, with 271,900 practicing NPs in the United States.

 between 2020 and 2030 (much faster than average), and they project that at least 121,400 jobs to be added during that period.

FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are trained to provide high-quality family-focused healthcare services to patients of all ages, from newborn babies to the elderly. FNPs have a 

 that includes performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and treating injuries, diseases, or conditions that fall under primary care. Some FNPs can 

, however, that is dependent upon the state in which the FNP practices.

 will likely enroll in a degree program such as 

, which includes 48 graduate credits of master’s-level education and tuition costs only $375 per month.

Following graduation from an FNP degree program, the candidate must successfully pass the Family Nurse Practitioner 

FNPs are fortunate to have the option to 

, aside from primary care. FNPs are commonly employed in a variety of outpatient settings:

Private and public clinics and medical practices

Retail clinics like grocery stores and pharmacies

Specialty clinics (e.g.: orthopedics and oncology)

FNPs’ work schedules can vary depending on the setting. Working Monday-Friday during business hours is common, however, FNPs may be required to fulfill evening or weekend hours in some practices, as well as after-hours emergency calls.

Most NPs manage their own continuing education (CEU). They earn the required amount of CEU credits as determined by the board of nursing in the state or territory where they work. Certain employers may provide NPs with an educational budget for conferences and seminars. Other employers may have in-house learning opportunities, like in-services or seminars, that provide NPs with CEU credits.

 a median annual income of $115,600, with a range between $107,270 and $125,580.

ACNPs are NPs who work in acute care facilities. These inpatient settings are very different from the outpatient clinics and practices where FNPs often work.

To start, most ACNPs will specialize as either adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AG-ACNP) or pediatric acute care nurse practitioners (PNP-AC), which differs from the all-encompassing range of patients FNPs treat.

To clarify even further, AG-ACNPs provide care for adolescents to elderly patients in acute care hospitals. This may include patient care in trauma units and emergency departments. Patients may be complex, and the acute setting may call for the AG-ACNP to stabilize patients by performing invasive procedures like intubation. Communication, clinical skill, and critical thinking are key to this role.

Moreover, PNP-ACs provide care for pediatric patients from newborns to adolescents or young adults. This care may also involve invasive procedures and complex clinical scenarios. A career in pediatric acute care nursing requires empathy, clinical skill, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with both patients and their families.

Work hours may vary greatly for acute care NPs, including day shift, evening shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and on-call.

adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners

 earn a median annual salary of $101,733.

The common ground between FNP vs ACNP includes:

All NPs undergo a similar educational path through a master’s of science in nursing program and passing an NP licensing exam.

All NPs bear responsibility for maintaining their license through continuing education.

The BLS job outlook statistics for NPs are strong, with 45% projected job growth between 2020 and 2030.

For those interested in becoming an FNP, 

 is an excellent opportunity for moving forward in their career.

Helpful resources regarding the nurse practitioner role include:

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

Nurse Keith is a guest writer for United States University.

Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC is a nurse, 

, writer, podcaster, and keynote speaker. Keith has conducted more than 2,000 coaching sessions with nurses from all walks of life, and his podcast, 

, reaches nurses throughout the world with fascinating interviews and messages of inspiration and career strategy. He lives and works in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Meet Dr. Joanna Simpson

Meet Logann Dolan: The Force Behind USU’s Career & Alumni S...

The Role of Family Nurse Practitioner in Healthcare

Why Nurse Practitioner? The Top 10 Reasons to be an NP

FNP vs ACNP: Do You Know the Differences?

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