Metropolitan State University FNP DNP Program

08/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4G5gkr7d/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Nurse Practitioner isn’t just a good job — it’s one of the smartest career moves right now.

NPs are ranked the #1 best job for 2025, driven by a projected 46% employment growth between 2023–2033 — the fastest growth rate in healthcare. Demand is rising as the U.S. faces provider shortages, an aging population, and expanded access to primary and mental health care.

With strong salaries, flexibility across specialties, and increasing autonomy, nurse practitioners are stepping into roles once reserved for physicians — especially in underserved communities. This isn’t a trend. It’s a structural shift in healthcare.

Sources:
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
• U.S. News & World Report – Best Jobs Rankings

07/31/2026

Suturing and Casting Workshop 2026 Metro State University 💕

07/04/2026

Faculty Introduction Series:
Dr Gretchen A. Moen, DNP APRN CPNP-PC
Community Faculty - pediatric content
2 years as regular faculty, 30 years as guest faculty

I love sharing my expertise and teaching others about pediatric health care. I am passionate about patient-centered, collaborative care, and encourage all students to listen to parents/caregivers and children when approaching care. I have been a part of nursing education for over 30 years and especially love Metro State for its diverse population and community-focused programming. Students really are the focus at Metro.

06/20/2026

Faculty Introduction Series:

Dr. Kristina Bohm, DNP, APRN, FNP
Community Faculty and DNP Clinical Coordinator
9 years at Metro State, 14 years as a FNP
"I enjoy having the balance of practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in a Primary Care Clinic in the metro area as well as being able to teach students, coordinate clinical rotations with students and even precept students. It is very rewarding to give back to the profession! My favorite thing in clinical practice is to meet my patients where they are. We collaborate and coordinate their care together because I want them to be an active participant in their health."

06/17/2026

Faculty Introduction Series:
Dr. Mara Glantz, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Adjunct/Community Faculty

1 year at Metro State, 20 years as a clinician.
"Teaching the next generation of nurses is what I have worked toward my entire career. I came to Metro State with over 20 years of clinical experience as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and a conviction that nurses—at every level—can transform health care when equipped, empowered, and supported to practice at the full scope of their license. I am passionate about quality improvement, strategic leadership, and equitable patient care, as well as advancing the nursing and advanced practice nursing profession through public policy and advocacy. I believe the classroom is one of the most powerful places to shape that future, and I am proud to be here doing exactly that."

06/17/2026

Faculty Introduction Series:

Dr. Marissa Drake, DNP, APRN, CNP, FNP
Adjunct Faculty
3 years at metro state, 12 years working in family practice
I am fortunate to be working with Metro State to help shape the future of primary care in our country. I believe the primary care provider plays a critical role in our healthcare system. I am passionate about empowering our future nurse practitioners to embrace their essential roles as patient advocates, complex care coordinators, and stewards of healthcare resources. I embrace both the role of teaching and clinical practice which help to inform each other. I spend time with my family including my 2 children and love to be active (bike, walk, yoga, snowboard, hike).

06/12/2026

Faculty Introduction Series:
Dr. Naomi Koenig DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, NREMTP, SANE
Tillman Scholar
Assistant Professor
3 years at Metro State, 16 years as a nurse educator, 20 years as an EMS educator

“I love teaching at Metro State. I appreciate the students we have, working adults going back to school is no easy task and the students I have the privilege of teaching are experts in their fields. I am thankful to be able to use my years of experience as a primary care, mental health provider as well as an APRN clinic owner to help guide the next generation of APRNs."

06/12/2026

Faculty Introduction Series:

Dr. Ikenna O. Odii Ph.D., MSN, RN, ACRN
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Years at Metro:
One

My journey into teaching in Metro's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program was driven by a passion for advancing nursing education, mentoring the next generation of clinicians, and translating research into practice. I have always believed that empowering students is one of the most meaningful ways to improve healthcare outcomes.

As a health outcomes researcher, I have published 23 peer-reviewed Journal research articles focused on HIV/AIDS, social determinants of health, adverse childhood experiences, and presented at multiple national conferences. I enjoy crafting evidence-based research article titles, analyzing data, writing, reviewing Journal manuscripts, and disseminating research findings. My goal is to improve health outcomes and empower my students by adapting evidence-based findings in my course instruction.