The amount of awards Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) alumna Mimi Secor, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, has deservingly received is quite impressive. The list spans from alumni and student-service awards at RMU to being recognized as one of the top 10 nurse practitioners in the U.S. by the Point of Care Network.
But the accolades pale in comparison to the number of lives the former RMU Board of Trustees member has improved as a nurse practitioner (NP), healthcare leader, educator, author, radio host, and advocate.
For the wide impact she’s had on so many, Dr. Secor was the recipient of another prestigious award at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ national convention San Diego, California.
At the annual event in June, Dr. Secor received the 2025 AANP Sharp Cutting Edge Award — an honor that recognizes leadership shown through innovative services, technologies, or advocacy activities that have advanced NP practice and patient care on a national level.
“I never envisioned receiving such a prestigious award,” Dr. Secor said. “I’m honored, humbled, and very excited to be receiving this national award.”
Dr. Secor, an Onset, Massachusetts resident who earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at RMU in 2015, has specialized in women’s health for nearly 50 years as a nurse practitioner. She served as CEO and President of the Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education, founded the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, authored best-selling books, delivered hundreds of healthcare presentations around the world, and started the first NP-owned practice in her home state.
“Secor’s well-established relationships and partnerships with elected officials, business and community leaders, national and professional associations enhance the understanding of NP practice,” noted an AANP press release.
“She was a key leader in establishing prescriptive authority and reimbursement for NPs in Massachusetts as an early adopter. Secor has authored and co-authored numerous textbooks and publications and has provided her expert commentary on the NP role across peer-reviewed articles and media outlets, such as the Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America and others.”
Graciously, Dr. Secor participated in an insightful Q&A interview with RMU, including wonderful news about her progress following cancer treatment, a bit about her nursing background, and advice for aspiring nurse practitioners.
What inspired you to pursue a career in advanced practice nursing?
In 1977, I’d been an RN for 2 years and wanted to learn more nursing and medicine, including how to diagnose and treat patients. I was accepted into a Family Nurse Practitioner program and received a full scholarship, so it was a no brainer for me to pursue this opportunity. Academic nursing did not approve of the NP role and accused us of abandoning nursing and becoming junior doctors. My, how times have changed.
What impact has your work had on patients, your community, or the healthcare system?
I’d like to think my work has had a positive impact on both my patients, the community, and the healthcare system. Having my own independent clinical practice allowed me to create an optimal system for providing care to patients and for supporting clinicians. It was a win-win model for happy patients and happy clinicians.
How has your leadership role influenced your perspective on nursing education and healthcare delivery?
Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in teaching nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students. Through this experience, I’ve had the opportunity to understand the educational needs of the NP, the NP community, and the challenges of the healthcare system.
How do you see the role of nurse practitioners evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I think more states will pass full practice authority (27 states currently), allowing more NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and training. This is a great evolution. Unfortunately, the trend toward “for profit” healthcare systems will likely continue, and that is a big problem. Under these systems, the clinicians are pressured to see patients quickly and are often rewarded for this practice. Such pressure can lead to rushed visits, compromised care, and burned-out clinicians. We are not machines. We need time to think about our patient’s problem, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and plan of care, including patient education. Complex patients cannot be seen adequately in 15 minutes.
What advice would you give to nurses considering a graduate program?
Do your homework. Look for a program that supports both students and the faculty/staff. The culture of the program is important. RMU supports its faculty and students. That was apparent to me as a student. I’m observant and notice system dysfunction. It was the opposite at RMU. Faculty, staff and students were upbeat, helpful, and appeared satisfied with their roles/experience at the University. I loved being on campus during our onsite classes. I also prefer a hybrid program. This type of program combines online classes with in-person courses. This, I believe, offers the best of both worlds. Learning in-person is a rich, one-of-a-kind experience.
Why did you choose RMU for your graduate nursing education?
I knew RMU had an excellent reputation in the NP community. In addition, I knew the director at the time, Dr. Marie-Eileen Onieal, and trusted her. I knew her reputation as an exceptional leader and expert clinician.
How did your experience at RMU shape you as a clinician and leader?
My experience at RMU strengthened my leadership skills and confidence and also helped me expand my clinical skills.
You also served on RMU’s Board of Trustees — what motivated you to give back in that way?
I’ve felt a deep connection to RMU since earning my doctorate in nursing there. I had such a positive experience that I have felt the need to give back. This included serving on the Board of Trustees. I resigned from the BOT during my recent cancer treatment, which I completed a year ago. Gratefully, I’ve been cancer free since that time. Currently, I’m serving on an advisory committee to the nursing department.
What makes RMU’s graduate nursing programs stand out in preparing future leaders?
The innovative curriculum and visionary faculty and leadership contribute to preparing future leaders. The University’s commitment to supporting both students, faculty, and staff creates an extraordinary learning/teaching environment. I’m so grateful to be a part of the community. Thank you.
