She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1977 and her Master of Arts in Health Services Management in 1983. Her nursing experience includes work in medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, recovery room, and pain management nursing and she was a nursing instructor at the Community College level. Joan earned her certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator by the Academy of Clinical Research Professionals in 2005. Starting in 2001, Joan worked in a variety of areas as a clinical research coordinator: including cardiology, hepatology, and vaccine research.