Amanda Ball, RN, BSN ’18, MSN ’21

Meet Amanda Ball, RN, BSN '18, MSN ’21, a senior professional staff nurse at UPMC Presbyterian. Ms. Ball also is part of the adjunct nursing faculty at La Roche and Community College of Allegheny County.

Describe your experience with the MSN faculty.

They are truly invested in the success and well-being of their students. Even as the ELMSN program grows, the faculty have never lost sight of each student as an individual. This is so important, especially with how many nursing programs there are out there.

When you are a student at La Roche, you are not simply a number. You are an investment to the profession of nursing. Dr. Terri Liberto and Stephanie Illig have been true mentors to me, and I credit them with my success to this day.

What was your favorite aspect of the MSN program? 

The intimacy. Faculty are readily available to answer any and all questions, and they know you personally. It makes such a difference while furthering your education.

What are your plans now that you graduated?

I am continuing my education in the Ph.D. in Nursing program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). I also am so excited that I will teach as a clinical instructor this summer. It has always been my dream to teach at La Roche because I love it here so much. I see myself continuing as a nurse educator for years to come.

What would you say to students who are considering entering the MSN program?

Getting your MSN opens up so many opportunities in the field of nursing, whether it be education, management, etc. I have many friends and colleagues in similar MSN programs. The amount of support La Roche provides is unparalleled to other programs in our area.

Why did you choose La Roche? 

I earned my associate and bachelor's degrees from La Roche. I originally chose La Roche because everyone was so welcoming and kind. In the past six years, La Roche really became my home away from home.