If you’re a nurse considering a career transition or an alternative nursing career, you probably have questions about what the Stepping Stone Nurse Academy offers and how it can help you transition from bedside nursing. We hear from nurses daily who are curious about our platform but want to understand exactly what we do, how our courses work, and whether this approach will actually help them land new careers.

We’ve compiled the most common questions we receive to give you clear, straightforward answers about our platform, courses, and support system. Whether you’re feeling burned out, seeking remote work, or simply curious about your options, this guide will help you understand how the Stepping Stone Nurse Academy can support your career transformation.

About the Platform

What is the Stepping Stone Nurse Academy?

The Stepping Stone Nurse Academy is a career transition platform built by nurses, for nurses. We offer specialized courses and mentorships designed to help nurses change nursing careers and find non-bedside nursing jobs. Our courses are created by nurses who have successfully made the transition themselves, sharing their exact roadmap and insider knowledge to help you avoid the trial-and-error process they experienced. Each course teaches how to leave bedside nursing and transition into high-paying nursing careers that offer better work-life balance for nurses.

How is this different from traditional nursing education or getting another degree?

Unlike traditional education that can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars, our courses are practical, targeted, and designed for working professionals. Instead of broad theoretical knowledge, you get specific, actionable strategies from someone who’s actually made the career change you’re considering. Our courses typically take 1-3 hours to complete and cost under $299, making career exploration accessible without a massive time or financial commitment.

Are these courses accredited or do they provide certifications?

Our courses are not accredited in the traditional sense and don’t provide formal certifications. Instead, they provide practical knowledge, real-world strategies, and often mentorship opportunities with professionals working in your target field. The value comes from learning the “how” of career transitions from people who’ve successfully made them, rather than earning credentials.

Who creates the courses and what are their qualifications?

All our courses are created by healthcare professionals who have successfully transitioned into the careers they teach about. For example, our Medical Writing course is taught by Kate Karlsson, who transitioned from bedside nursing to running her own healthcare PR and consulting business. Our Patient Advocacy course is taught by Lori Schellenberg, our founder, who operates her own advocacy practice. Each instructor brings real-world experience and proven success in their respective fields.

Courses vs. Mentorships

What’s the difference between courses and mentorships?

Courses are self-paced online learning programs that provide foundational knowledge about a specific career path. They’re typically an hour to three hours long and cover everything from role definitions to job search strategies. Mentorships, however, are one-on-one coaching sessions with the course instructor, offering personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation and goals. Think of courses as the roadmap, and mentorships as having a personal guide walk the path with you.

Do I have to take a course before a mentorship?

Not necessarily. While most people take the course first to understand the basics, some mentorships can be accessed independently if you already have foundational knowledge in that area. For example, if you’re already familiar with patient advocacy basics, you might skip directly to the mentorship component. This varies by instructor and specialty.

How long do courses take to complete?

Most courses take 1-3 hours to complete and are designed to be finished in one sitting or spread across a few days. They’re built for busy nurses who want to explore career options without a massive time commitment. You can pause and resume at any time, making them perfect for fitting around work schedules.

Are courses self-paced or do they have set schedules?

All courses are completely self-paced. Once you purchase a course, you have lifetime access and can complete it on your own timeline. There are no deadlines, scheduled sessions, or time limits. This flexibility allows you to learn around your work schedule, family commitments, and personal preferences.

Practical Questions

How much do courses and mentorships cost?

Courses typically range from $99-$299, depending on the specialty and depth of content. Mentorships vary by instructor and program length, generally ranging from $300-$750 for multi-week programs. We intentionally keep prices accessible because we believe career exploration shouldn’t require a massive financial investment. Many nurses fund their transitions by starting with one affordable course.

What if I’m not tech-savvy—can I still do online courses?

Absolutely! Our platform is designed to be user-friendly, and you don’t need advanced technical skills. If you can use email and browse the internet, you can navigate our courses. The content is delivered through simple video lessons and downloadable materials. If you encounter any technical issues, our support team is available to help.

Career Transition Concerns

Do I need additional schooling or degrees for these career changes?

All of the careers we teach about don’t require additional degrees. Your nursing license and experience provide the foundation, and our courses teach you how to leverage those skills in new contexts. Some specialties might benefit from additional certifications (which we explain in the relevant courses), but the goal is to use your existing qualifications as a springboard rather than starting over with formal education.

Can I transition while still working as a nurse full-time?

Yes! Many of our most successful students made their transitions while working full-time. Our courses are designed for working professionals, and many of the career paths (like medical writing or consulting) can be started as freelance or part-time work. This allows you to build experience and income in your new field before making a complete transition.

What if I try a new career and don’t like it?

That’s exactly why we offer affordable, short courses rather than expensive degree programs. You can explore multiple career paths for a fraction of a single college course. Many of our students take several courses to explore different options before committing to one path. The skills you learn in each course (like business basics, marketing, and client communication) are transferable across multiple career paths.

Are these careers really remote/flexible?

Many of the careers we teach about offer excellent remote nursing opportunities. Over 16 of our courses prepare you for careers that can be done remotely, including medical writing, virtual nursing, digital health, nurse consulting, and patient advocacy. These non-bedside nursing jobs provide the work-life balance many nurses are seeking while escaping traditional hospital settings. We even have dedicated blogs post covering remote nursing opportunities and the secret to landing a remote job as a nurse. However, flexibility varies by role and employer, which we address honestly in each course.

Support & Next Steps

How do I know which course is right for me?

We offer a free 30-minute discovery call with our founder, Lori, to help you assess your interests and identify the best pathway for your goals. During these calls, she’ll listen to your situation, discuss your preferences, and provide personalized guidance on which courses align with your career aspirations. You can also explore our blog content and course descriptions to get a feel for different specialties.

What’s a discovery call and is it really free?

A discovery call is a 30-minute conversation with Lori, designed to help you clarify your career goals and identify the best next steps. It’s completely free with no strings attached. Lori will discuss your interests, experience, and preferences to help you understand which career paths might be a good fit. These calls are genuinely about providing value and guidance, not pressuring you into purchases. Book your call with Lori today—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Career transitions don’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. At the Stepping Stone Nurse Academy, we’ve designed our platform to make career exploration accessible, practical, and supportive. Whether you’re just starting to consider alternatives to bedside nursing or you’re ready to dive into a specific career path, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Ready to take the first step? Browse our course library to explore your options, or book a free discovery call to discuss your specific situation. Your nursing expertise is valuable in countless ways—let us help you discover how to apply it in a career that energizes and fulfills you!