Master of Science in Nursing Students Transition to Family Nurse Practitioners

The hybrid post-master's program is designed for advanced practice registered nurses. It is 90% online coursework and 10% on-campus intensives for procedures and care. Clinical opportunities cover a wide range of focus areas, including adult, pediatric, geriatric, women's health, and behavioral health, among others. The program emphasizes a social justice framework and incorporates technology for improved healthcare outcomes.

We caught up with both Benitez and Robertson to learn more about what motivated them to pursue the FNP-C.

Czarina Benitez

My grandfather is a doctor in the Philippines whose passion is to help the underserved people in the rural areas where health literacy is low, and people do not have access to proper healthcare. He inspired me to become a healthcare professional. I chose to go to nursing because my love for healthcare grew at a young age because of my father and I've always admired nurses for their patience and dedication.

I just finished my master’s degree in nursing from Touro and I was grateful for the support that I received from my professors and clinical advisor. As a practicing nurse for 5 years now, I sometimes wish I could do more for my patients or have autonomy in my care and that is why I chose to get my Family Nurse Practitioner certificate. I want to be able to care for my patients in a holistic manner that every individual deserves.

I see myself practicing as a provider in underserved communities. I believe these are the people that need my help the most. To be a nurse practitioner is more than just a job or profession, it comes with a purpose and is a calling. I am committed to a lifetime of learning and serving my community.

Jessica Robertson

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to become a pediatrician. I love kids. But life steered me into nursing. My mother was diagnosed with kidney disease and during my sophomore year of college, I decided to transfer back to a university close to my family. During this time, I drove my mom back and forth from dialysis, organized her medications, just providing support day in and day out and especially on days that weren’t the best. When my mother was hospitalized, I saw how the nurses took great care of her until she transitioned to Heaven. I thought to myself, I want to be that nurse for my patient and their family. A nurse that advocates for their patient; compassionate, supportive, detailed and provides information for the patient’s family that they could understand. So, after I graduated from UC Davis, I decided that nursing was the career for me.

My experience at Touro helped me become a better leader. I enrolled in their MSN program after I graduated from the Solano Community College ADN program and graduated this May 2023 from Touro’s MSN program. Touro showed me so many avenues to care for underrepresented populations. I chose the FNP certification partly because of the wonderful teachers I had during the MSN program, and I knew that I would continue to grow as a provider through Touro.

I see myself practicing as an FNP and helping my community. I am interested in women’s health and pediatrics and diabetes management.