Can you open your own business right after school?

[Jo Dirt]

I ask because in case I have trouble finding a job as a FNP I'd like to have a plan B. I live in a rural area and could see a small NP run operation having a fair chance at success. Maybe a cash only or cash/Medicare only deal doing DOT physicals and treating minor infections and such, and offering some home visits to the old folks who have a lot of trouble getting out of the house.

I'm wondering if I could run it on my own property to keep overhead low? Out in the county we don't have the same zoning restrictions they have in town (I'm about 6 miles out of town.) I wondered if that is too far but the school I'm going to said it gave preference to those in underserved rural areas...

Naturally, I'm not very far into the program, but the Middle Tennessee area doesn't seem to have a shortage of NPs. It's scary to take out these student loans (will total about $20K) and I'm terrified of not being able to find a job to pay them back.

[AmandaWIRN]

Check out this website:
Welcome to Nelson Family Clinic

The Nelson Clinic is a rural clinic in WI, run by an NP, sounds similar to what you're interested in doing.

[Robert F]

Well Jo, I am getting ready to begin my final year of my ACNP/FNP in TN (Vandy) and see no reason that you cannot start a clinic of your own, given that you have a certificate of fitness from the state, the proper licenses, and the proper facility. MTSU, TN Tech, UT, ETSU, TSU, and Vandy all provide students with the proper apps for getting your COF before you graduate.

[Jo Dirt]

Yesterday, I sent in an application for the Tennessee Rural Health Loan Forgiveness Program, that will pay up to $12,000 a year for each year you work in a federally recognized unerserved area. That should cover me.

I sure hope they will take me.