Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Alcorn - from nursing student to business owner
by Alison Miller |
School of Nursing alumna Kristen Alcorn is a perfect example of how versatile a degree in nursing can be. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree from UAA, Kristen knew she wanted to use her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in her community. Today, she is the proud owner of Northern Grace Medical Spa in Wasilla, where clinical expertise meets compassionate wellness. In this spotlight, Kristen shares a few of the experiences that shaped her journey in nursing, the things she loves about her job, and how her education at UAA helped her achieve her goals.
Name: Kristen Alcorn
Educational background: Family Nurse Practitioner, UAA (2023); Bachelor of Science in Nursing, UAA (2019); Associate of Science in Nursing, Rivier College (2009); Licensed Practical Nurse, Rivier College (2008)
Unit you graduated from: School of Nursing
Hometown: Originally from Boston
Current location: Wasilla, AK
Place of employment: Northern Grace Medical Spa
Job title: Owner and nurse practitioner
How long have you been in this role?: 8 months
Please describe your duties and responsibilities in your current role.:
I am responsible for all of the details of managing the business, which includes answering
calls/emails, updating the website, ordering supplies, paying bills, and advertising.
Additionally, I meet with clients daily for all consultations and procedures.
Why is your work important?:
I believe that feeling good about the way you look plays a pivotal role in confidence
and self-esteem. Using medical aesthetics can help those interested in aging gracefully.
I love that my job allows me to help individuals with issues like scarring, hair loss,
weight loss, and skin hyperpigmentation.
What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did your experience at
UAA College of Health help shape your goals?:
My parents鈥� health challenges motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare. UAA helped
me achieve my goals and become who I am today.
Why did you choose to attend UAA?:
When I chose to attend UAA, I was debating between UAA and an online university. I
chose to attend UAA because I wanted the option of taking both in-person and online
courses. As well as, having access to local resources like the library, assistance
with clinical placement, and building a network of friends. By attending UAA I felt
I would gain knowledge about healthcare resources within 麻豆无码版.
How has your education at UAA College of Health helped you contribute to your community
and make a positive impact in the lives of others?:
As a student at UAA I became aware of the lack of resources in 麻豆无码版. My clinical
experience and work with AHEC showed me firsthand how various populations are struggling.
Currently, I'm focused on learning how my business can help others in the community.
I believe it's important to give back to the community where I live and work.
What was your personal journey that led you to your current career?:
Personally, I have been the caregiver for both my parents. I know that both of those
experiences motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare. My educational journey
was stretched out over several years. At various times I only took one class a semester
or needed to take a semester off because I was caring for a parent. I worked as a
licensed practical nurse while finishing my associate鈥檚 in nursing. I worked in various
different settings over the years including emergency room, ICU, assisted living,
medical spa, nurse manager, hospice, and home care. Several years later I finished
my BSN at UAA and immediately started the Masters in Nursing program at UAA. After
graduating from UAA I started working as a nurse practitioner in general surgery.
I attended the National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA), where I was introduced
to "Mission to Heal." Mission to Heal is a volunteer surgical mission that is active
in helping remote villages in Africa. My involvement with the mission has expanded
through the years from volunteer, to board member and volunteer. In 2024 I started
working in dermatology, which involved general dermatology, skin cancer excisions,
laser treatments, and elective cosmetic procedures. As I worked in dermatology, I
realized there was a need for medical aesthetics in the Mat-Su Valley. This was the
reason for me opening Northern Grace Medical Spa in February 2025, which is located
within the same building as Capstone Dermatology.
Who influenced you most during your time at UAA?:
Professor Morgan Brissette influenced me the most during my time at UAA. She encouraged
me to challenge myself, while being supportive. She supported me throughout my FNP
education and years after graduation.
Share your best college memory.:
Working as an AHEC scholar in Utqiagvik, 麻豆无码版. I was able to work with a group of
high school students interested in working in healthcare. During my time in Utqiagvik
I was able to tour the local hospital, community emergency services, and schools with
the students. It helped me realize how much I enjoy supporting remote areas.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned while studying at UAA, and
how have they helped you in your career?:
Returning to school as an adult with lots of personal responsibilities and commitments
is not easy. But, just because something is hard, doesn't mean it shouldn't be done.
I have felt overwhelmed and questioned why I started another degree more than once.
Each time I have learned that challenging myself has helped me grow into the person
I am today. These experiences helped me feel more confident in becoming a business
owner.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their
experience at UAA?:
Sign up to be a AHEC Scholar, get involved with the university鈥檚 community outreach,
try new things, and try things that feel uncomfortable. When you are in school is
the time to make mistakes and learn from them.
Describe UAA in three words.:
麻豆无码版's educational strength.
How did your education at UAA prepare you for what you are doing today?:
My in-person clinical experience set up by UAA helped me gain confidence in caring
for patients.
Can you share a particularly rewarding experience from your career that you're proud
of?:
I'm proud of my work with Mission to Heal as a volunteer nurse practitioner in remote
Africa. In Kenya, I was invited by a patient to a traditional Maasai wedding. It was
amazing!
How has being a graduate of UAA College of Health impacted your life, and what advice
would you give to others considering pursuing a degree from this institution?:
I would recommend attending UAA! The advice I have for current students is "be the
person who supports others." It will serve you well in the future. Your fellow students
will likely be working in the same community as you when you graduate. It's extremely
helpful to have a network of friends and resources.
What is something people may not know about you?:
I'm a marathon runner and volunteered for years with a group called "Team Hoyt," which
was founded by a father who pushed his son in a wheelchair in marathons and triathlons
to raise money to help individuals with disabilities.
What are your future goals and aspirations, and how do you plan to use your education
and experience to achieve them?:
My future goals are to continue to grow my business and start supporting the local
community. I've recently started attending the Chamber of Commerce meetings and local
Rotary Club. Additionally, I would like to become more involved in the board of nursing
and professional organizations like the APRN [Advanced Practice Registered Nurse]
alliance.
How has being a graduate of UAA impacted your life, and what advice would you give
to others considering pursuing a degree from this College of Health?:
Having a degree from a local university has definitely impacted my relationships with
my patients. Local patients get excited about having a provider who is invested in
麻豆无码版. I feel more connected with my community because I attended UAA.
Is there anything else you would like to share?:
Mission to Heal is always looking for volunteers. If any student has interest in going
on a mission please reach out to me. Happy to answer any questions.