Megan Corbett, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, OCN ‘25G, has already built a successful career in nursing, but her thirst for additional knowledge led her to UNH’s online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
The online program's flexibility allows her to balance her studies with her professional and personal life. Her dedication and expertise were recently recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Marilyn Rinker Scholarship Award from the Organization of Nurse Leaders (ONL).
The Path to the UNH DNP Program
As a nurse clinical specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Corbett focuses on nursing education, the implementation of evidenced based best practices, and professional development. Her work spans two regional campuses in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
With over a decade of experience since earning her master's degree in nursing education, Corbett felt the time was right to return to school.
"I've always wanted to pursue the DNP because it focuses on evidenced-based practice, quality improvement, and patient outcomes rather than research,” Corbett says. “It was important for me to gain confidence and experience as an established leader before returning to school for my DNP.”
Why UNH was the Right Fit
Living in southern New Hampshire, Corbett said UNH was her top choice from the start.
“The courses are remote, but I actually feel connected to my instructors and classmates,” Corbett says. “We’re all on the journey together, so I'm seeing a lot of familiar faces as I move from class to class.”
Corbett also appreciates the program’s structured curriculum, which is delivered in manageable modules over eight-week courses. Additionally, the expertise of the faculty and the interactive discussion boards that promote peer learning and support are significant benefits.
"I've grown professionally and learned a lot, not only from the curriculum but truly from my classmates sharing their personal examples or professional challenges," Corbett says.
Earning the Marilyn Rinker Scholarship Award
Being a member of the ONL, Corbett jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Rinker Scholarship. This competitive scholarship supports nurse leaders committed to advancing nursing practice and education.
In applying for the scholarship, Corbett wrote an essay about her work in hypersensitivity reaction management, which involves treating and preventing severe allergic responses to chemotherapy or immunotherapy in cancer care.
“Together with my team, we have made significant progress in improving hypersensitivity reaction management,” Corbett says. “I co-authored a publication for the Oncology Nursing Society, which allowed me to contribute to nursing practice on a national level.”
Looking Ahead
Corbett notes that the DNP is the terminal degree – the highest awarded – in nursing, and earning it will be a proud professional and personal accomplishment.
“I am just really motivated to advance my professional knowledge and career,” she says. “I want to stay clinically focused, and the DNP helps support that and opens a variety of opportunities.”
Her advice for aspiring DNP students is to find a mentor to guide them through the process and to take advantage of the many scholarship opportunities available.
