Inside the Program
Get a week-by-week look at the topics, tools, and training that will prepare you to launch and grow your patient advocacy business.
The Landscape and Values of Professional Patient Advocacy
Start with a foundational overview of the patient advocacy field—who’s shaping it, where it’s headed, and why it’s growing fast. You’ll explore whether advocacy is the right path for you, examine how your values align with the profession, and begin shaping the culture and personal brand that will define your advocacy business.
Starting Your Company – Steps to Legal Incorporation
This module walks you through the essential first steps to legally and strategically launch your advocacy business. You’ll learn how to choose a name, secure your domain, incorporate properly, reduce startup costs, and avoid common pitfalls—plus begin crafting a simple, focused business plan to guide your growth.
Networking and Sales
Learn how to confidently talk about your work without feeling “salesy” and build a referral network that supports your advocacy business. This module helps you define your core values, identify ideal referral partners, and make the most of community and business networking opportunities—all while learning what to look for in those first one-on-one meetings.
Communicating Value and Defining Your Ideal Client
This module helps you confidently communicate the value of your services to potential referral partners and clients. You’ll define your ideal client, craft a compelling elevator pitch, and learn how to talk about pricing with ease—plus discover the power of storytelling to connect and build trust.
The Intake Process
Explore the essential first steps in client engagement—from building trust to gathering critical information. You’ll learn the purpose of a strong intake process, how environment and family dynamics impact client safety, and what to include in your signature “golden egg” medical profile that sets your advocacy apart.
Forms, Contracts, and First Impressions
In this module, you’ll receive essential form templates and learn how to customize them for your brand. You’ll also gain clarity on the key legal documents needed for client contracts, the early steps of client acquisition, and why clear communication and confident leadership are vital to starting strong.
Getting Seniors to Accept Help
This module tackles one of the biggest challenges in advocacy: helping seniors accept support. You’ll learn how to approach sensitive conversations with empathy, apply principles of motivational interviewing, and understand how financial concerns influence long-term care decisions—all while keeping family harmony and client safety at the forefront..
Long-Term Care and Insurance
Become a trusted resource for families by understanding the full landscape of long-term care options, costs, and coverage. This module equips you with the knowledge to navigate Medicare, Medicaid planning, low-income support, and public benefits—plus the importance of staying current on state-specific healthcare laws and regulations.
Hospital Advocacy Best Practices
Learn how to confidently navigate hospital settings, whether advocating in person or remotely. This module will equip you with tools to engage hospital staff collaboratively, protect patient rights, support families in end-of-life discussions, and position yourself as a respected partner—not a disruptor—in the care process.
Making the Case to Hospitals
Hospitals need partners who can support safe discharges and reduce readmissions—this is where you shine. In this module, you’ll learn how to present your value clearly to care managers and ED staff, while using strategic engagement approaches that position you as a trusted, professional ally in patient care.
Crisis Management, Patient Rights, and Medical Ethics
In this module, you’ll gain essential strategies for managing crises and navigating emotionally charged situations in healthcare. You’ll explore the foundations of medical ethics, learn how to handle conflict with professionalism, and understand how your presence as a calm, ethical advocate elevates both your business and the field.
Essential Skills for Advocacy Leadership
Wrap up the program by identifying the leadership qualities that will shape your business and your impact. You’ll reflect on your personal “why,” explore resources for continued growth, and begin laying the foundation for a strong team and values-driven company culture.
Nurse Advocate Entrepreneur
Whether you’re just getting started or ready for hands-on mentorship, our Nurse Advocate Entrepreneur (NAE) program has a path designed for your lifestyle, schedule, and goals. All three options are built around the proven framework developed by Teri Frykenberg (Dreher), who built a thriving private advocacy practice from the ground up.
One Course.
Three Ways to Learn.
Self-Paced
Learn on your own time—no travel, no deadlines.
Ideal for nurses who are juggling busy or irregular schedules but still want to move forward. This fully online, on-demand course includes 13 hours of video training and real-world startup tools like client engagement templates, legal forms, and marketing materials—saving you thousands in startup costs.
Group Coaching
Structure, support, and live coaching with peers.
This guided learning experience includes the same core training as the Self-Paced Course, with the bonus of weekly live group coaching sessions led by Teri Frykenberg (Dreher). You’ll move through the program with a supportive cohort, giving you accountability, structure, and a sense of community.
Personal Mentorship
The highest level of support—completely personalized.
This elite program is for nurses who want direct access to Teri every week, with one-on-one coaching and a fully customized learning experience. You’ll receive tailored feedback, business guidance, and the flexibility to move at your own pace—with Teri walking beside you every step of the way.
Still need help deciding what is right for you?
Schedule a free call with Teri to answer any questions you have and decide what program is the best fit.