2020 Cohort Spotlight: Krista Aasland
Image: Krista Aasland, the flute player, front row on the right. (Photo courtesy Krista Aasland).
Krista Aasland is a professional musician with a passion in nursing. She is now enrolled in the Entry-Level MSN program to take her passion to a new level.
She shares about her journey of applying to the ELMSN program.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I am a professional musician. I teach flute and piano and perform on flute, clarinet and alto saxophone mostly in musicals.
What inspired you to join the ELMSN program at PLU?
I have 11 years of college experience and two degrees already. While looking at nursing school options, I found PLU and was intrigued by the fact that I could complete all of my education in roughly two years time as opposed to closer to four by going through more traditional routes. Being efficient with the amount of time spent in a program and staying relatively close to home (Oregon) were especially important to me.
What are you most excited to learn?
I am excited to learn about everything! I have been a CNA for a little over two years, and I’m fascinated with the field of nursing. I love learning new ways to help people become healthier and have a better quality of life!
How would you use this degree in your future career?
I hope to work with children in some capacity. I know that through my clinical experiences I will gain more insight into the specific type of nursing I enjoy the most. I also hope to teach at the university level some day.
What tips would you share with undergraduate students when considering a graduate program?
Every program has unique benefits, so make sure to find the program that best fits your needs. Do you want online courses or in-person courses? Do you want a small college or a large university? Do you want an accelerated program or a traditional program? Do you want to stay close to family or move far away? Make a list of what is important to you and find a program that fits into that.