If you are seeking additional income streams, developing and selling continuing education (CE) materials presents a valuable opportunity.
With an ongoing demand for licensure renewal CE credits across health professions, DCs can use their unique expertise to contribute to the professional development of others while building passive income. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to creating CE materials, getting them accredited and choosing the best ways to market and sell your courses.
Opportunities to develop and sell CE courses
One possible opportunity is to offer continuing education courses for conventional medical practitioners and holistic health practitioners and get your materials accredited by a CE accrediting body. Examples of conventional medical practitioners include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists and physiotherapists. Examples of holistic health practitioners include naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, nutritionists and therapists.
Here are some paths you can take:
Offer continuing education courses through online CE companies
Many online CE platforms cater to various healthcare professions. By partnering with these companies, you can earn either a percentage of revenue or a flat fee for each CE course purchased. This option simplifies the process, as the CE company typically handles accreditation and promotion.
Directly offer CE courses
There are two primary ways to offer CE credits directly:
- Accredited CE for professional credit. Apply for and receive CE accreditation through a CE accrediting body for the profession you are creating the CE for. Certify your course so healthcare professionals can use it for license renewal.
- Specialized training without CE credit. Offer paid training that, while not eligible for CE credit, provides valuable insights for professionals in need of specialized knowledge.
How to get started if you would like to get your CE accredited
If you’re interested in developing an accredited CE course, here’s a structured approach:
Step 1. Identify your niche topic
Choose a topic that addresses a common clinical challenge or health issue you’ve encountered in practice. This focus will increase the course’s relevance and appeal.
Step 2. Develop an outline
Create a comprehensive outline detailing objectives, key learning points and supporting materials.
Step 3. Apply for accreditation or partner with a CE company
Option 1. Apply directly to a CE accrediting body for the profession you’re targeting. This option provides full control over the CE course but may require a fee for accreditation.
Option 2. Approach an online CE company interested in hosting your course. The company typically handles the accreditation process, but they may own the rights to distribute the course exclusively.
Step 4. Set payment terms
Review the payment structure and negotiate terms if needed. Some companies offer a flat fee, while others may offer a revenue-sharing model.
Step 5. Create CE courses
Develop your content in video format, including a quiz to assess participants’ learning. Online CE companies often require quizzes to ensure participants engage with the content and meet educational requirements.
How to create and sell an automated online course yourself
If you prefer the autonomy of offering an accredited or non-accredited course on your own, here are the key steps:
Steps 1-2. Select a relevant topic and create an outline, as outlined above.
Step 3. Choose a platform
Use an online platform such as Teachable or Thinkific to host your course. These sites offer user-friendly features for adding content, creating sales pages and marketing your course with minimal technical experience. Most platforms have a tiered pricing structure that includes a free version, ideal for new users.
Step 4. Record your course content
Create high-quality video content that delivers the course material. Add a quiz if you plan to make the course available as an accredited CE offering.
Step 5. Market your course
Promote your course through various channels. You can create short free CEs or webinars to attract interest in your main course. Building an audience and providing valuable information will establish trust, encouraging ongoing purchases as professionals seek CE credits for future license renewals.
Final thoughts
Creating and selling CE courses is a strategic way for you to diversify income, expand your professional influence and contribute to the advancement of your field. By following the outlined steps, you can create high-quality, impactful courses that help healthcare professionals stay current in their practice while meeting licensure requirements.
Whether you partner with an online CE company or take a more independent route, the opportunity to educate and support fellow practitioners can be both rewarding and profitable. This approach not only strengthens your reputation as a thought leader but also provides a lasting source of passive income for years to come.
CHEN YEN is a practice makeover mentor, speaker and founder of Introverted Visionary, which helps introverted visionary holistic health practitioners accelerate growth to fulfilling six to seven figure practices, without having to do it the exhausting extroverted way. Clients include a past president of the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council, a recent president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a board member of the American Society of Acupuncturists. Yen’s mission is to wake up the planet and make holistic options mainstream and the first line of care. She can be reached at mentor@fillmyholisticpractice.com or introvertedvisionary.com.
