Society of Trauma Nurses

What Society of Trauma Nurses does

The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association founded in 1989 and headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky, whose stated mission is to promote optimal and equitable trauma care through prevention, education, and collaboration with other healthcare disciplines. STN's primary constituents are registered nurses working in trauma care, including trauma program managers, clinical leaders, educators, researchers, and frontline clinicians, with secondary segments spanning associate (non-RN) members, nursing students, international trauma professionals, and ultimately trauma patients served by STN-funded prevention programs.

STN's product surface is anchored by five specialty courses: ATCN (Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses, taught concurrently with the ACS ATLS program for 25+ years and delivered across 17+ countries), TOPIC and Rural TOPIC (Trauma Outcomes and Performance Improvement Course), PTACC (Pediatric Trauma Across the Care Continuum), OPTIMAL (Optimal Trauma Center Organization & Management), and ATPM (Advanced Trauma Program Management). Adjacent educational products include TCRN preparatory materials (two-volume Study Guide and online course), the E-Library of Trauma Lectures, Trauma Orientation Modules, the Nurse Leadership Institute, and a Business Proposal Writing Course. STN also publishes the Journal of Trauma Nursing, the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated to trauma nursing, and runs the annual TraumaCon conference, a Mentor/Mentee Program, archived and live webinars, and the SLIP injury prevention program for older adults. STN awards research grants up to $25,000 and partners with BCEN on scholarships; its continuing education programs are accredited by the ANCC Commission on Accreditation and co-provided with the University of Kentucky HealthCare CECentral for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

STN generates revenue through tiered membership dues (Regular, Associate, International, Student, Try Before You Buy, and trial categories with World Bank country-income-adjusted international pricing), course registration fees ($200-$700 per seat differentiated by member status and including bundled 1-year memberships for non-members in some courses), educational product sales (TCRN Study Guide $95, Trauma Orientation Modules $199, E-Library $525, bundle $625), journal subscriptions, and TraumaCon conference fees (registration plus sponsor/exhibitor revenue). Distribution occurs via the STN website/member portal, in-person course delivery at partner hospitals, virtual Zoom-based courses, the annual conference, and on-demand webinar access. The organization is governed by an elected Board of Directors with term-based succession and operates with 11-50 staff, maintaining partnerships with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, BCEN, ANCC, the American Trauma Society, TCAA, NQS, the University of Kentucky, and the Michigan Trauma Nurse Council.

Name

Society of Trauma Nurses

Legal name

Society of Trauma Nurses

Website

https://traumanurses.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Society of Trauma Nurses is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association that delivers specialty courses (ATCN, TOPIC, PTACC, OPTIMAL, ATPM), continuing education, the Journal of Trauma Nursing, scholarships, and the annual TraumaCon conference to trauma nurses and trauma program leaders in the US and internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trauma Nursing Professional Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

EMS Education, Training & Simulation Centers (HLAFANAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Emergency Medical Services (EMT/Paramedic) Training (EDAOAMAC)

Keywords

• Trauma nursing education
• Continuing nursing education
• Trauma certification preparation
• Healthcare professional development
• Nursing leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfort

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Professional Membership Dues: STN generates revenue from membership fees across multiple categories: Regular Membership for licensed RNs in trauma care, Associate Membership for non-RN supporters, International Membership for non-US nurses, Student Membership, and Try Before You Buy options. Members receive access to educational resources, the online community, the Journal of Trauma Nursing, webinars for CE credit, and discounted conference and course registration.
2. Course Registration Fees: STN charges registration fees for educational courses including TOPIC, Rural TOPIC, PTACC, OPTIMAL, ATPM, Leadership Development Courses, Nurse Leadership Institute, Business Proposal Writing Course, and TraumaCon. Pricing varies by membership status (member vs. non-member) and course format. TOPIC courses award 8.25 ANCC contact hours.
3. Educational Products Sales: STN sells educational resources including the E-Library of Trauma Lectures (5th Edition, $525), STN E-Library & Orientation Modules Bundle ($625), Trauma Orientation Modules ($199), and TCRN Study Guide ($95). These products support trauma nursing education and orientation programs.
4. Journal of Trauma Nursing: STN publishes the Journal of Trauma Nursing, the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated to trauma nursing. International members receive full digital access; domestic members may receive print subscriptions.
5. TraumaCon Annual Conference: TraumaCon is STN's premier annual conference for healthcare providers. Revenue is generated through attendee registration fees, sponsor/exhibitor fees, and related conference activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Society of Trauma Nurses is a professional nonprofit membership organization that sells continuing education, specialty certification preparation, and professional development services to trauma nurses and trauma program managers. Its paid offerings include tiered individual memberships, multi-format educational courses (ATCN, TOPIC, PTACC, OPTIMAL, ATPM, Nurse Leadership Institute, Business Proposal Writing Course), digital educational products (E-Library, Trauma Orientation Modules, TCRN Study Guide), the Journal of Trauma Nursing, the TraumaCon annual conference, a Research Grant Program, and BCEN/STN Scholarships.

Product overview

The Society of Trauma Nurses operates a multi-faceted educational and professional development platform primarily serving trauma nursing professionals. The core offerings include five major certification-oriented courses: ATCN (Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses), TOPIC (Trauma Outcomes and Performance Improvement Course), PTACC (Pediatric Trauma Across the Care Continuum), OPTIMAL (Optimal Trauma Center Organization & Management Course), and ATPM (Advanced Trauma Program Management). Supporting educational products include TCRN Preparatory materials, the E-Library of Trauma Lectures, Trauma Orientation Slides and Modules, the Nurse Leadership Institute, and Business Proposal Writing Course. The organization also administers a Research Grant Program (up to $25,000 funding) and BCEN/STN Scholarships for member education advancement. Additional member resources include the Journal of Trauma Nursing (peer-reviewed publication), TraumaCon annual conference, STN Online Community platform, SLIP injury prevention program, Mentor/Mentee Program, and archived/ongoing webinar series. Position papers provide professional guidance on trauma care issues.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STN Professional Membership Tiered annual memberships (Regular RN, Associate, International, Student, Try Before You Buy, ATCN Trial, PTACC Trial) granting access to the Journal of Trauma Nursing, archived and live webinars for CE credit, the online community, position papers, scholarship and grant opportunities, and discounted course and conference pricing. International dues are scaled using World Bank country income classifications for equitable access.
• Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) Comprehensive advanced trauma educational program for registered nurses designed to be taught concurrently with the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program. Aimed at nurses seeking to enhance their expertise in managing patients with multiple traumatic injuries.
• Trauma Outcomes and Performance Improvement Course (TOPIC) One-day interactive course (virtual or in-person) covering trauma performance improvement processes, including pre-course modules, case studies, and practical tools applicable to all trauma center levels. Awarding 8.25 ANCC contact hours; available with a specialized Rural TOPIC variant for Level 3 and 4 trauma centers at $300 for the virtual edition.
• Pediatric Trauma Across the Care Continuum (PTACC) Educational program for nurses caring for pediatric trauma patients covering trauma assessment, shock, abdominal trauma, head and spine trauma, musculoskeletal injuries, thoracic trauma, burns, and physical abuse recognition, with hands-on rotating skill stations. Hosted at children's hospitals including Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Phoenix Children's, Children's Nebraska, Children's Hospital Colorado, Texas Children's, Mayo Clinic Children's Center, and UF Health Shands.
• Optimal Trauma Center Organization & Management Course (OPTIMAL) Physician-and-nurse-led program for trauma center organizational development covering structure, resource allocation, quality improvement, and integration of evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Advanced Trauma Program Management (ATPM) Advanced scenario-based course designed by and for Trauma Program Managers covering the Six Performance Domains: continuum of trauma care, professional issues, human resources, management of physical/financial/medical resources, public relations, and project management.
• TCRN Preparatory Products Bundle including the two-volume TCRN Study Guide (more than 225 multiple-choice study questions with detailed rationales, $95) and an online TCRN Preparatory Course featuring recorded presentations with interactive study questions, supporting preparation for the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse specialty credential.
• E-Library of Trauma Lectures Electronic Library of Trauma Lectures (5th Edition, $525) providing comprehensive trauma nursing education materials for advance trauma nursing education, with a bundle option pairing the E-Library with Trauma Orientation Modules at $625.
• Trauma Orientation Slides Customizable PowerPoint presentation designed to support educators, trauma program managers, and trauma centers in providing comprehensive trauma orientation, with highlighted sections for facility- and state-specific customization.
• Trauma Orientation Modules Customizable trauma orientation modules developed by the STN Clinical Committee ($199 individual or $625 when bundled with the E-Library) to enhance trauma care practices across diverse facilities.
• Nurse Leadership Institute 12-week web-based course equipping trauma leaders with tools to lead from the bedside to the boardroom, covering communication, relationship management, leadership, professionalism, knowledge of the healthcare environment, and business skills ($300 members / $425 non-members). Delivers 36.5 ANCC contact hours of continuing nursing education.
• Business Proposal Writing Course 6-week course ($200 members / $325 non-members) assisting trauma leaders in creating business proposals through components of a business plan, identification of problems, and proposal writing, delivering 20.0 contact hours of continuing nursing education.
• STN Research Grant Program Funding program for nurses conducting trauma nursing and evidence-based practice research, with grants up to $25,000 per award. Community-based participatory research addressing health inequities is prioritized; proposals are due April 30, 2026.
• BCEN/STN Scholarships Scholarships supported by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing to support STN members pursuing formal nursing education, including Undergraduate ($2,500), Graduate, Doctoral, and Paramedic scholarship categories. All require TCRN credential and STN membership in good standing.
• Journal of Trauma Nursing The only peer-reviewed journal dedicated to trauma nursing, providing evidence-based research and clinical practice insights. International members receive full digital access; domestic members may receive print subscriptions.
• TraumaCon Annual Conference STN's flagship annual conference for trauma healthcare providers featuring trauma-focused education, networking opportunities, and professional development, including sponsor and exhibitor engagement. Recent iterations include TraumaCon 2021 through TraumaCon 2026.
• STN Online Community Online member platform featuring discussion forums, an integrated document library, blogs with expert insights, and networking features for professional collaboration within the trauma nursing community. Members automatically join the Open Forum Community.
• Senior Lifestyle & Injury Prevention Program (SLIP) Injury prevention program for older adults developed by the Michigan Trauma Nurse Council and adopted by STN, consisting of six PowerPoint presentations covering fall prevention, home safety, motor-vehicle safety, and pedestrian safety, with instructor notes, tests, and customizable brochures.

Quantifiable outcome

• BCEN/STN scholarships provide $2,500 awards for undergraduate nursing education, supporting career advancement in trauma nursing.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 March 2025BCEN and STN partner to offer BCEN/STN Scholarships supporting STN members pursuing formal nursing education. Scholarships include Undergraduate ($2,500), Graduate, Doctoral, and Paramedic categories. All require TCRN credential and STN membership in good standing. Application deadline April 30, 2026.
• American Trauma Society (ATS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTN and ATS co-develop the annual National Trauma Awareness Month campaign and associated toolkits. Both organizations collaborate on the Trauma Education Advancement & Management Scholarship (TEAMS) program alongside TCAA and NQS. STN is a member of the Trauma Prevention Coalition led by ATS.
• Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTN partners with TCAA on the Trauma Education Advancement & Management Scholarship (TEAMS) program and is a member of the Trauma Prevention Coalition. TCAA represents trauma centers and supports trauma program management education.
• Trauma Prevention Coalition MemberscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTN is a member of the Trauma Prevention Coalition alongside: American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Pediatric Trauma Society, Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Safe States Alliance, ThinkFirst, and The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention. The coalition promotes collaborative injury and violence prevention efforts.
• American Burn Association (ABA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABA collaborated with BCEN (not STN directly) on the development of the Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) burn nursing specialty certification. STN's relationship with ABA is indirect through the broader trauma care community and shared professional standards.
• American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on TraumacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTN's ATCN program has maintained a longstanding collaborative relationship with the ACS Committee on Trauma and its State Chapters for over 25 years. ATCN courses are taught concurrently with ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) developed by ACS, ensuring coordinated trauma education.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Commission on AccreditationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTN is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by ANCC's Commission on Accreditation. This accreditation validates STN's educational programs for ANCC contact hours, which are essential for nursing professional development and certification maintenance.
• University of Kentucky HealthCare CECentralminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK HealthCare CECentral is jointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC to co-provide continuing education for healthcare teams. STN partners with UK HealthCare CECentral on TOPIC and other courses, enabling AMA PRA Category 1 Credits alongside ANCC contact hours.
• NQSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNQS partnered with ATS, TCAA, and STN to create the Trauma Education Advancement & Management Scholarship (TEAMS) program, providing full tuition coverage for essential trauma leadership courses, professional memberships, certificates of completion, and networking opportunities.
• Michigan Trauma Nurse CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Michigan Trauma Nurse Council originally developed the Senior Lifestyle & Injury Prevention (SLIP) program. STN adopted SLIP as part of its national injury prevention strategy, making it available to members and trauma centers nationwide.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Emergency Nurses Association: ENA is the leading professional association for emergency nursing, directly comparable to STN as a nursing specialty society with membership dues, accredited CE courses, an annual conference, peer-reviewed journal (Journal of Emergency Nursing), and certification prep products. ENA serves the adjacent emergency nursing specialty with a similar nonprofit association model.
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: AACN is one of the largest specialty nursing organizations, with a comparable operating model: membership dues, accredited CE, CCRN certification prep, an annual National Teaching Institute conference, and a peer-reviewed journal (American Journal of Critical-Care). It serves the adjacent critical-care nursing specialty that overlaps with trauma nursing.

Regional players

• Society for Academic Emergency Medicine: SAEM is an academic emergency medicine society with overlapping trauma education themes but is physician-led rather than nurse-focused. Its educational mission and annual meeting are comparable in structure to STN's TraumaCon, though serving a different (physician/academic) audience.
• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians: NAEMT provides EMS continuing education (PHTLS, AMLS, etc.) to pre-hospital providers and is comparable to STN's trauma education programs in scope and delivery model, though serving EMTs/paramedics rather than hospital-based trauma nurses - an adjacent professional society with similar education and certification support functions.

Emerging players

• Pediatric Trauma Society: PTS is a Trauma Prevention Coalition member that serves the pediatric trauma specialty with overlapping but broader (multidisciplinary) scope than STN's PTACC course. It represents an adjacent specialty society with some curriculum overlap in pediatric trauma education.
• American Burn Association: ABA collaborated with BCEN (not STN directly) on the CBRN burn nursing certification. It is an adjacent specialty society focused on burns - a subspecialty within trauma nursing - making it a partially overlapping emerging peer.

Others

• American Trauma Society: ATS is STN's core partner in the National Trauma Awareness Month campaign and Trauma Prevention Coalition. ATS focuses on trauma patients, trauma centers, and the broader public, while STN focuses on trauma nurses - complementary but distinct missions, making ATS a close ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor.
• Trauma Center Association of America: TCAA represents trauma centers and partners with STN on the TEAMS scholarship. It is an institutional trade association focused on trauma center operations rather than nursing education, making it a complementary ecosystem partner.
• Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: BCEN administers the TCRN credential that STN's preparatory products support, and partners on scholarships. BCEN is a certification body (not a membership org) and serves as both STN's credentialing partner and a gatekeeper of the trauma nursing specialty, making it a key ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma: ACS COT develops the physician-side ATLS program alongside which STN's ATCN is taught. ACS COT sets trauma center verification standards and is the dominant authority in trauma care broadly, making it a broader incumbent that influences but does not directly compete with STN's nurse-specific offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SocietyOfTraumaNurses
• Xx.com/SocTraumaNurses

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Society of Trauma Nurses