Your Future as a Family Nurse Practitioner

At South College, nursing education is more than a degree—it’s a calling. Few stories embody that spirit better than alumnus Amy Stevenson, a 2012 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and 2020 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate. Today, Amy serves as an Emergency Department nurse at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, and her journey demonstrates the unique advantages of choosing South College for nursing education.

Choosing South College: Speed, Quality, and Confidence
When Amy first set her sights on nursing, she was determined to find a program that combined speed with academic rigor. South College stood out immediately for its quarter system, which allowed her to move faster than traditional programs and complete her BSN in less time than many peers pursuing associate degrees.
Equally important was South College’s reputation for excellence. With a first-time NCLEX pass rate nearing 99%, Amy felt confident that her investment in time and effort would pay off. “If I can pass the program, then I’m 99% to pass this really hard test the first time,” she explained. That combination of pace and preparation made South College the clear choice.

Adapting to a Changing Profession
Nursing has evolved dramatically since Ms. Stevens’s graduation in 2012. From the rise of online learning options to the integration of advanced technologies in patient care, South College has remained at the forefront of innovation. Amy returned to South College in 2020 for her MSN, drawn to the convenience and quality of the fully online format.
“I was already familiar with the platform, with Canvas, and I knew the quality of education I’d receive,” she said. “It set me up for success—and I have absolutely zero regrets.”

A Career that Inspires
Ms. Stevens’s professional path has been nothing short of extraordinary. From 911 dispatcher and EMT to flight nurse and now an emergency department leader and adjunct faculty member, she has lived through some of the most challenging and rewarding roles in healthcare. Her experience as a flight nurse—helping patients in life-or-death situations while airborne—was a “full-circle moment,” recalling her early days watching helicopters swoop in to save lives.
Today, Amy channels that same passion into teaching and mentoring. “I enjoy seeing these students, inspiring them, and realizing they’re giving back to me as much as I’m hopefully giving to them,” she reflected.

Advice for Future Nurses
When asked what advice she’d give to students preparing for the NCLEX, Amy emphasizes two essentials:
1. Trust your program. “If you’ve gotten this far, South College has given you the tools you need.”
2. Build mental stamina. She encourages students to practice sitting through long exams to strengthen focus and resilience.
For those considering advanced practice degrees, Amy’s perspective has evolved. While conventional wisdom once held that nurses should gain years of bedside experience before pursuing an MSN, she now advises: “Go whenever you are ready to go.” Each student’s path is unique, and South College provides the flexibility to meet those goals on your terms.

More Than a Degree—A Direction
Amy’s story underscores what sets South College apart: a commitment to student success, flexibility to meet diverse needs, and a proven track record of preparing graduates for impactful careers. With over 17,000 alumni, many of them nurses, South College continues to expand its reach with new campuses—including its second Atlanta location opening in Marietta in 2025—while maintaining the supportive, personalized approach that students like Amy count on.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working nurse considering your next step, South College offers a pathway designed for you. As Amy’s journey shows, the right education doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it empowers you to save lives, mentor others, and inspire the future of healthcare.

South College Nursing: Where your dreams find direction.