Olivia Chapman brings years of patient care to Dordt's graduate nursing program

After years of caring for patients across Northwest Iowa, Olivia Chapman is helping prepare the next generation of family nurse practitioners.

Chapman recently joined Dordt University as co-director of its recently launched Master of Science in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner program, bringing years of clinical experience and a passion for patient education.

Chapman's path into healthcare began early. At age 14, she started volunteering in a nursing home, an experience that sparked a lifelong calling to care for others. She later became a certified nursing assistant before earning her undergraduate nursing degree at Dordt University. After serving in a variety of nursing roles, she became a family nurse practitioner and has spent the past decade caring for patients at Orange City Area Health System while specializing in diabetes care and education.

"I wasn't looking for something new," Chapman says. "I loved caring for patients, but every reason I had to stay in family practice seemed to be met with another door God was opening at Dordt. It became clear He was calling me to help prepare the next generation of nurse practitioners."

Although Chapman now leads Dordt's graduate nursing program, she continues to care for patients one morning each week, helping individuals manage insulin pumps and complex diabetes care.

"I've always loved the patient education side of nursing," she says. "I enjoy helping people understand what's happening with their health and giving them the confidence to care for themselves."

That passion for education grew through years of working with patients and later expanded into teaching future healthcare providers. Chapman has taught diabetes education previously and says she discovered she loved helping adult learners connect classroom concepts with real-world patient care.

As co-director of Dordt's Master of Science in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner program, Chapman hopes to prepare graduates who are ready to serve patients with competence, compassion, and confidence.

"My biggest goal is to create nurse practitioners that people want to hire," she says. "How do we take an online program and make sure students leave ready to practice, ready to care for patients, and ready to serve their communities? That's what excites me."

Chapman says returning to Dordt has reminded her of what first drew her to the university as a student.

"My instructors were intentional about getting to know me as a person," she says. "Now, as a faculty member, I've been so impressed by how everyone here wants you to continue growing—not only professionally, but spiritually. You can walk down the hall and learn from people in so many different disciplines. That's a special community."

In addition to her work in healthcare and higher education, Chapman serves on the Orange City Council and remains actively involved in her community.

Dordt's Master of Science in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice through online coursework and supervised clinical experiences rooted in a Christian perspective. To learn more about the program, visit the MSN-FNP page. 

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation’s leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.