How to Build an Online Course as a Nurse and Make Recurring Income: The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Expertise Through CEUs, Exam Prep, and Patient Education

Introduction: Why Nurses Should Consider Creating Online Courses

The digital education industry is exploding, and nurses are uniquely positioned to benefit. Whether you're a nurse educator, a clinical specialist, or a bedside RN with valuable experience, your knowledge can be transformed into a recurring income stream by building an online course.

This guide will walk you through every step—from identifying your niche and structuring your content to choosing the right platform and marketing your course. With the demand for CEU (continuing education units), certification prep, and patient-focused content higher than ever, now is the time to turn your insights into income.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Power of Online Nursing Courses

• The global e-learning market is projected to exceed $457 billion by 2026

• Nurses trust content created by other nurses

• Online courses allow you to earn while you sleep

• Once built, they can be automated and scaled

Recurring income means:

• Less dependency on overtime or per diem shifts

• More time with your family

• Freedom to pursue other passions

Chapter 2: Choosing a Profitable Course Topic

Start with what you know and love:

• What questions do people ask you repeatedly?

• What topics do you love teaching or mentoring on?

• What problems can you help other nurses or patients solve?

Profitable niches for nurses:

• NCLEX or certification exam prep (PALS, ACLS, CCRN, etc.)

• CEU-eligible continuing education modules

• Specialty knowledge (wound care, ICU skills, peds, OB)

• Patient education (diabetes, pregnancy, medication safety)

• Nurse career development (resume, interviews, new grad support)

Validation steps:

• Survey your audience

• Research search trends (Google Trends, Ubersuggest)

• Scan nursing forums and Facebook groups

Chapter 3: Structuring Your Course for Maximum Impact

Typical course formats:

• Video lessons (most engaging)

• Slide decks with voice-over

• Downloadable PDFs and cheat sheets

• Quizzes and assessments

Keep it digestible:

• Break lessons into 5–15 minute videos

• Organize by module or topic cluster

• End each module with a takeaway and action item

Sample structure:

1. Welcome + what to expect

2. Core module 1

3. Core module 2

4. Bonus module or case study

5. Final quiz + certificate (if applicable)

Chapter 4: Planning Your Curriculum Like a Nurse Educator

• Use a backward design: start with the outcome you want learners to achieve

• Align each lesson with measurable objectives

• Incorporate adult learning principles

Tips for engagement:

• Use real-world examples

• Include mnemonics, charts, and infographics

• Insert personal stories or case studies

• Add checklists or downloadable tools

Chapter 5: Recording and Producing Your Course Content

Equipment (budget-friendly options):

• Smartphone or webcam

• Clip-on mic (like the Boya BY-M1)

• Ring light or natural light

Software:

• Canva or PowerPoint for slides

• Loom or OBS Studio for screen recording

• iMovie, CapCut, or Camtasia for editing

Tips for clear content:

• Script or outline your videos

• Maintain eye contact (look at the lens)

• Keep audio clear and video uncluttered

Chapter 6: Choosing the Right Platform to Host Your Course

Beginner-friendly platforms:

• Teachable

• Thinkific

• Podia

• Kajabi (premium, all-in-one)

• LearnWorlds

Features to look for:

• Integrated payment processing

• Certificate generation

• Quiz tools

• Affiliate tracking

• Email marketing integration

Chapter 7: Pricing and Monetization Models

Common pricing strategies:

• Flat fee (e.g., $49, $97, $297)

• Tiered pricing (basic, plus, premium)

• Subscription model (monthly access)

• Bundle packages (course + planner + coaching)

What nurses are willing to pay for:

• CEU credits

• Exam prep with guaranteed pass tools

• Practical, immediately applicable skills

Offer early bird or founding student discounts to build momentum.

Chapter 8: Marketing Your Online Course

Pre-launch strategies:

• Build a waitlist

• Host a free webinar

• Create teaser content (blog, YouTube, Instagram reels)

Launch plan:

• 7–10 day window

• Urgency (limited-time bonus, discount)

• Testimonials (if beta testers were used)

Ongoing marketing:

• Pinterest traffic

• SEO blog posts

• Email newsletters

• Facebook/IG ads

Leverage your existing network: nursing groups, workplace bulletin boards, alumni networks

Chapter 9: Making It Recurring Income (Not Just One-Off Sales)

Automate your systems:

• Evergreen email funnel

• Autoresponders for leads

• Scheduled social media posts

Expand your offer suite:

• Create more courses

• Add coaching

• Offer membership or CEU subscription

Affiliate program:

• Let others promote your course for commission

• Great for nurse influencers or bloggers

Chapter 10: Legal, Ethical, and Quality Considerations

CEU accreditation:

• Research your state board of nursing requirements

• Partner with approved CE providers if needed

Patient privacy:

• Never share identifiable patient stories

Disclaimers:

• Include terms of use, refund policy, and medical/legal disclaimers

Chapter 11: Realistic Timeline and Expectations

Week 1–2: Choose topic, validate idea
Week 3–4: Outline modules and plan curriculum
Week 5–6: Record and edit videos
Week 7–8: Upload to platform, design sales page
Week 9–10: Build email list and pre-launch campaign
Week 11–12: Launch and start earning!

Remember: It doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be helpful.

Conclusion: From Nurse to Nursepreneur

You’ve dedicated your career to helping others. Now it’s time to scale your impact and reward your expertise. Creating an online course as a nurse isn’t just about making money—it’s about building autonomy, freedom, and a legacy.

There’s a niche of students, patients, or fellow nurses out there who need your voice. Give it to them—and get paid doing what you already love.

Call to Action: Start Today, Teach Forever

Pick your course topic this week. Write out your learning objectives. Sign up for a free course platform like Teachable or Thinkific. Commit to recording your first lesson by next Sunday. That first video could be the beginning of your most profitable and purpose-filled nursing chapter yet.