Online NP Schools in North Carolina

Dr. Benjamin Smallheer joined the Duke University School of Nursing faculty in 2016. He served as the director of the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (acute care) major within the MSN program, and is now the assistant dean of the master of science in nursing program. His scholarly work is focused on improving the educational experience of nursing students. He is internationally recognized for his use of simulation and alternative teaching strategies that create learning environments that allow students to transition from the role of a bedside nurse to one of an advanced practice provider.

Dr. Smallheer came to Duke from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, where he had been a faculty member since 2006 and an assistant professor since 2011. At Vanderbilt, he worked with both pre-licensure and AGNP-AC students. He was also involved in faculty mentoring in both clinical and academic environments, receiving recognition for his work in incorporating innovative teaching methods and using technology in the learning environment. 

As a nurse practitioner, Dr. Smallheer has practiced in a variety of clinical settings, including the emergency department, high acuity medical-surgical intensive care, long-term acute care, and has been the lead responder on a nurse practitioner-based rapid response and code team. He currently practices as an acute care clinician in the critical care unit at both Duke Raleigh Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital, within the Critical Care Medicine teams. 

NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in North Carolina?

Dr. Smallheer: The emergence of online nurse practitioner programs began in the early 2000s. These programs offer students the opportunity to apply and attend schools that they would have had to uproot themselves and their families to attend previously. 

Online programs are still held to the same national accreditation standards as traditional on-campus programs and provide in-person clinical opportunities for students. Here in North Carolina, we have robust clinical opportunities for students across the state, which makes this region of the country an excellent opportunity for training the next generation of nurse practitioners. 

At Duke University School of Nursing, we have a dedicated clinical placement team that works with the students to secure their precepted clinical experiences, whether the learner is here within the state or across the country at another community/clinical partner.

NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?

Dr. Smallheer: Taking the step to transition into the world of an advanced practice nurse is an important decision. Part of that decision is identifying the right program to apply to. When evaluating schools, be sure there is expertise you are looking for to support your professional development. Part of this can be gleaned by reading the mission and values of the school and university. These will give you an underpinning of what the institution stands for. 

Secondly, give yourself some time to consider what kind of advanced practice nurse you would like to be. Are you interested in being a nurse practitioner, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a certified nurse midwife, or a certified nurse specialist? 

For instance, at Duke, we offer eight nurse practitioner programs. So, whether your interest is, for instance, neonatology, pediatric acute care, women’s health, or psych-mental health, we have the faculty and expertise to meet your future professional goals and aspirations.