Michelle Higgins

Instructor

CB 118
higgins2@augsburg.edu

BIO

Dr. Michelle Higgins, Instructor of Nursing, joined the Augsburg Department of Nursing in 2016. Her primary teaching responsibility has been in the graduate nursing program in the Doctor of Nursing Practice in the Family Nurse Practitioner track.

Teaching has always been an integral part of Dr. Higgins’ career. Prior to joining Augsburg University, she gained valuable experience at Ball State University and Concordia University Wisconsin, serving as Faculty in Family Nurse Practitioner programs at these universities.  Throughout her career, Dr. Higgins has enjoyed educating students both in clinical settings and classrooms. She has mentored over 100 Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant students in the family practice clinic.

Dr. Higgins’ teaching philosophy emphasizes relationship-building from the outset of each student’s journey to understand their learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth. This approach enables her to continue mentoring Augsburg graduates now in clinical practice.

Maintaining a clinical practice in a rural family clinic, Dr. Higgins hones her clinical skills to effectively prepare the next generation of family nurse practitioners at Augsburg University. This allows her to provide students with clinically relevant case-based learning and simulations in the classroom setting.

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Transcultural Leadership, Augsburg University (2020)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Family Nurse Practitioner, Concordia University Wisconsin (2006)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Winona State University (2000)<

 

AREAS OF TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY

  • Dr. Higgins has led courses focusing on primary care management across the lifespan. She has served as faculty for Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pediatrics, Adult Health, Women’s Health, Epidemiology, and various clinical skills courses.
  • In her clinical practice in family medicine, Dr. Higgins collaborates with Augsburg University to provide students with experiential learning opportunities.
  • Dr. Higgins has also co-led immersions with other Augsburg Faculty to Guatemala and Sylvan Lake, South Dakota, facilitating unique learning experiences for students.

CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FNP-C)
  • MN Board of Nursing (APRN, RN)