West Coast University alumna Nune Stepanyan is a three-time WCU graduate who dedicated herself to her education to achieve her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur in the healthcare field.
Dr. Stepanyan graduated from WCU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016, a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2019, and Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2021. She is currently the owner of The Stepanyan Clinic in Los Angeles, California and is a nursing instructor at WCU.
Learn more about Dr. Stepanyan’s journey in this Q&A.
WCU: How has WCU helped you get to where you are today in your career?
Dr. Stepanyan: When I started my journey with WCU in 2014, my cohort consisted of a large majority of adult learners in their mid-to-late 20s. Most of us were on our second or even third career paths, feeling lost, apprehensive, and doubtful. WCU restored my faith in myself. WCU gave me the tools and network I needed to succeed not only in nursing but all aspects of the healthcare industry, which I exuberantly explored over the past seven years since completing my first program with WCU.
WCU: What path did you take to attain your career as a female business owner?
Dr. Stepanyan: It may be old-fashioned and cliché, but my parents always told me that education is one thing no one can take away from you and that always stuck with me. Education has always been a big part of my life ever since I can remember. From tutoring students to [being a] college professor, clinical educator in the ER, to finally international aesthetic injector/trainer.
I chose the path to obtain multiple advanced degrees to get me to where I am today. WCU is where I obtained my bachelor’s, master’s, FNP, and doctoral degrees, and without the backing of this solid education I received, I’m not sure I would be the successful female entrepreneur I am today.
WCU: Tell me more about your business.
Dr. Stepanyan: The Stepanyan Clinic is a place where EVERYONE is welcome to experience the luxuries of aesthetic medicine. We build customized treatment plans for every individual and believe in restoring confidence and empowering our patients to be the best versions of themselves. We specialize in neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport, Juveau, and Daxxify, as well as dermal fillers for the natural enhancement of facial volume loss.
We also curate skin laser procedures, along with radiofrequency technology, to aid in what I call “pro-aging treatments.” Above all, we are a clinic comprised of a team of professionals who care, empathize, and value our patient’s goals and needs.
WCU: What has been the coolest part about your job so far?
Dr. Stepanyan: The coolest part of my job has been and will always be the impact I have on my patients’ day-to-day lives. The uplifting empowerment and confidence I can give women (and men) on a daily basis will never cease to amaze me.
WCU: Why is it important to you to hire WCU graduates?
Dr. Stepanyan: As a WCU alumnus, I know exactly what type of person it takes to complete this program. Our alumni are strong, intelligent, and resilient. These are the types of nurses and overall human beings we need in the healthcare industry, regardless of the specialty.
WCU: How does your job connect back to your coursework at WCU?
Dr. Stepanyan: WCU prepared me to be ready for the unexpected. In the ER, you never know what is going to walk through those doors. There were times when I didn’t think I was going to be able to complete the program, but I found myself pushing through, and that is exactly the type of grit it takes to make it in the healthcare industry both as a clinical practitioner and a business owner.
WCU: Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?
Dr. Stepanyan: I believe Dr. Khan, who would refer to us nursing students as “angels,” is himself a walking angel on Earth. Instead of belittling and using his power and authority to scare students about what awaited us in the real world, Dr. Khan empowered us with his wealth of knowledge and gave us the confidence to become intelligent critical thinkers.
WCU: What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your path?
Dr. Stepanyan: Never, ever give up! Good things in life don’t come easy, and easy things aren’t always good. There will be times when you will take financial losses or personal losses, but when you are living/chasing your dreams, those losses won’t hold you back, and the wins will taste exponentially better.
WCU: Tell us about your experience as an instructor for WCU.
Dr. Stepanyan: This was one of my favorite jobs I ever had. My students have a special place in my heart because I got to witness firsthand people from all walks of life, ages, and experiences completing a program together. We went from the hospital setting to virtual learning, and let me tell you, the students really pulled it together during one of the toughest times the world has ever seen. It was truly inspiring.
WCU: Tell us about your involvement with the Alumni Association.
Dr. Stepanyan: The Alumni Association has expanded my network in a plethora of ways. I will never forget the very first event. It was pouring rain the night before my NCLEX exam, and we met at Arnie Morton’s in Burbank. That night, I met fellow alumni I have built lifelong relationships with. Every subsequent event has been better than the next. It is so important to celebrate our alumni’s accomplishments, provide scholarships for current and future alumni, and build a network as powerful as other top private institutions in the nation!
Visit our Alumni page to learn about the WCU Alumni Association and opportunities for connecting with other WCU graduates.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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