Nurse Practitioners Bridge Growing Health Gaps
Cedarville University graduates Ayana Kleckner and Dr. Marcia Williams are addressing America’s primary care shortage. Through frontline service and graduate education, they exemplify how nurse practitioners are expanding access to compassionate, Christ-centered health care.
As National Nurse Practitioner Week approaches, two Cedarville University graduates are highlighting how nurse practitioners (NPs) are meeting the nation’s growing need for compassionate, accessible health care.
National Week Underscores Primary Care Crisis
National Nurse Practitioner Week, which falls on November 9-15, 2025, offers a chance for Americans to celebrate the dedication, expertise and compassion of the frontline health care professionals who are transforming patient care one community at a time.
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, there were 279,194 primary care physicians and 270,660 nurse practitioners providing primary care in 2022. The agency predicts a of approximately 87,150 full-time equivalent primary care physicians by 2037, citing persistent “shortages and maldistribution of primary care providers (PCPs).”
These shortages especially affect , including rural, inner-city and low-income communities.
While the physician workforce faces a decline, the number of nurse practitioners is expected to grow significantly. A report from the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a in the nurse practitioner workforce between 2024 and 2034, positioning NPs as essential to expanding health care access nationwide.
Cedarville Graduates Fill Critical Roles
Two Cedarville University graduates are helping address this critical need in distinct but complementary ways.
Ayana Kleckner, a 2016 BSN and 2019 Cedarville graduate, recognized the rising demand for nurse practitioners during her undergraduate and graduate studies and felt called to serve where the need was greatest. Today, she works as a nurse practitioner with Crossroad Health Center, a network of clinics providing holistic health care for individuals and families of all ages and income levels. Kleckner works in Harrison, Ohio, serving patients in rural and economically challenged communities where access to primary care remains limited.
“My goal has always been to work in an underserved community,” she said. “At Crossroad, we focus on caring for the whole person — physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus. That’s part of what drew me to this work.”
Preparing Tomorrow’s Nurse Leaders
“The role of in both primary and acute care settings bridges access gaps and provides excellent care where health care shortages exist,” Williams said. “One-third of Americans do not have a primary care provider, including vulnerable populations such as children.”
Williams emphasized that nurse practitioners combine advanced clinical expertise with a deep sense of service. “As health care grows more complex, nurse practitioners stand ready to lead with faith, wisdom and a commitment to bringing Christ’s love into every patient encounter,” she said.
Christ-Centered, Patient-Focused Education
Both Kleckner and Williams agree that the distinctiveness of nurse practitioners lies in their patient-centered approach.
“The care that nurse practitioners provide is what makes us stand out,” said Kleckner. “We have a way of showing up — of doing things that others may overlook — that patients truly notice and appreciate.”
Through her teaching and mentorship, Williams has helped shape countless nurse practitioners. “Whether it’s family practice, pediatrics or acute care, our graduates enter the field equipped to lead with skill and humility,” she said. “They deliver evidence-based care while embodying the love of Christ to patients and families with vulnerable health care situations.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University’s combines rigorous clinical training with a biblical worldview, preparing nurse practitioners to serve in rural, urban and global contexts. Students complete advanced clinical rotations in primary and acute care settings, gaining hands-on experience that equips them to respond to real-world health care challenges. Through this Christ-centered approach, Cedarville emphasizes not only clinical excellence but also compassion, cultural awareness and ethical leadership in every patient interaction.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. &Բ;