As a result of their experiences in college degree programs, single mothers Eileen Richardson and Miki Magnino have announced plans to open a nursing school that caters to student-parents, the Herald-News reports.

The two women, who live in suburban Chicago, earned college degrees while raising children on their own. In turn, they hope to use their education and expertise to help other single parents enhance their qualifications and enter the nursing sector.

“We have a passion for single mothers,” Richardson told the news source.

The women’s new school will aim to help nontraditional students launch second careers in the healthcare industry. They plan to use their experiences in the social work and nursing fields to bring a holistic approach to education that will include the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of patient care.

Students will be able to earn a licensed practical nursing degree through a one-year program that will cater to working adults and parents.

Other nursing programs that cater to single parents and other nontraditional students are online nursing degrees.  Online education is great for these type of students because studying time is flexible and can be worked around the already busy day of a single parent.

Also, individuals who take advantage of single mother grant programs to pursue a degree in nursing could increase their job prospects, as employment experts expect this field will experience shortages in the coming years.