Nurses are critical members of a working healthcare system. According to the World Health Statistics Report, there are approximately 29 million nurses worldwide. In the United States alone, there are already 3.9 million nurses. Despite the seemingly significant number of nurses globally and locally, there is still the need for more nurses.
In the US, the nationwide nursing shortage is nothing new. The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimated an 11 percent growth rate for this occupation through 2022. On the other hand, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there will be more than 170,000 positions for registered nurses annually through 2029.
With COVID-19 increasing the need for more nurses, now is the perfect time to consider opening a nursing program. After all, the nursing shortage isn’t just referring to practicing nurses. There is also a shortage of nurse educators.
If you wish to assist in the shortage and earn long-term investments while you’re at it, consider opening a nursing school.
Before You Open Up: A Note
Nurses are responsible for healthcare-related jobs assigned by the doctors they are working with. Such tasks include giving injections, administering drugs, bathing newborns, helping doctors obtain all the information and materials needed to treat the patient, and more.
To be a nurse, interested applicants must have taken courses in accredited nursing schools or community colleges that offer nursing classes. Once they earn their high school degree, they apply to a nursing school.
If you are interested in educating tomorrow’s nurses, proper planning is key to establishing your nursing school. You can also be rest assured that you’ll have enough students enrolling, especially if your school is close to an educational hub where health services thrive. The same concept applies if you have done market research and feasibility studies.
Starting Your Nursing School Business
Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies
Start with psychographics and demographics. These factors are a composition of people who require the services of nursing schools. Your list would include people who want to work as a registered nurses, both male, and female. They are not restricted to an age bracket as long as they are qualified.
If you want to define the demographics of your nursing school, target high school leavers, certified nursing assistants, and other people within your area who is qualified to study nursing.
Decide on the Niche You Want to Concentrate On
Every player in the nursing industry is involved in training and preparing students who wish to work in the healthcare sector. However, some nursing schools specialize in training specialized nursing occupations (e.g., general nurses, psychiatric nurses, and pediatric nurses). Some schools can combine all these areas. Your school must be in a niche area under the community college industry no matter what you choose.
Know Your Competitors
In every industry, there are always other businesses that are better regarded by the public. Some of these businesses have been in the industry for a long time, while others are known for how they conduct their business and the results they have achieved.
In the United States, some of the leading nursing schools and universities include:
- American Red Cross
- South Texas College
- Eastern Florida State College
- Akron School of Practical Nursing
- Fort Myers Institute of Technology
- Southwestern College Certified Nursing Assistant School
- San Diego Continuing Education Certified Nursing Assistant School
- John Hopkins University
- University of North Carolina
- University of Michigan
- University of Washington
- University of California
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Maryland
In general, the level of competition in the nursing school industry largely depends on your location and how big and organized your school is.
No matter the level of competition in the industry, however, if you’ve done your due diligence and promoted your services properly, you’ll always gain a competitive step in the industry. Just make sure your school has what it takes to train excellent nurses.
Get The Necessary Professional Certification
A professional certification sets one nursing school from the rest. If you want to stand out in the community college industry. Prioritize working towards acquiring all the necessary certifications in your school’s area of specialization.
It is wise to pursue professional certifications since these will prove your long-term commitment to the business. Also, a certification validates your skills and competency.
These are some certifications you can tick off your list if you want to run your nursing school:
- Degree in Public Health and Nursing Related Courses
- Certified Education/Trade Instructor
- Registered Nurse (RN)
Your business could be the key to training more nurses to meet the needs of the country or the world. By opening a nursing school, you won’t be just making a profit; you’ll be making a difference in the healthcare industry, too.
