Little Medical School: Sparking Young Minds in Healthcare Education

Little Medical School is an innovative franchise that introduces children ages 4 to 14 to the world of healthcare through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Established in 2010 by Dr. Mary Mason in St. Louis, Missouri—where its main office still resides—the brand began franchising to broaden its educational outreach.

This franchise features a STEM.org accredited curriculum covering a wide array of medical topics, such as veterinary science, forensic investigations, and marine biology. Its programs are offered via after-school clubs, preschool classes, summer camps, birthday parties, and other events, allowing kids to use authentic medical tools and engage in role-playing scenarios that bring the material to life.

What sets Little Medical School apart is its blend of education and entertainment, turning complex healthcare topics into fun, accessible lessons for young participants. Thanks to this distinctive model, the franchise has grown internationally, with locations in Canada, China, Ireland, and numerous major cities across the United States.

Training

Little Medical School franchise offers a structured training program to equip franchisees with the necessary skills for operation. Here’s a detailed explanation of the training provided by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training Program: The Managing Owner and one manager are required to complete an initial training program within 30 days of the business commencement date. This program includes both classroom and on-the-job instruction, which may be conducted in-person or remotely via online conferencing.
2. Refresher and System-Wide Training: Franchisees and their managers must attend periodic refresher courses and system-wide training sessions as designated by the franchisor. These sessions aim to keep the franchisee up to date with operational standards and new developments, with franchisees responsible for related expenses.
3. Supplemental Training: The franchisor may require or approve additional training if the franchisee hires a new Operating Manager or is not meeting brand standards. This supplemental training can be held at the franchise location or remotely, with fees applicable for the training and related expenses.
4. Continuing Education: The franchisor also offers ongoing education opportunities, which may include conferences and seminars. Franchisees must ensure participation by designated personnel, covering all associated costs, to maintain compliance with franchise standards.

Territory Protection

Little Medical School franchise assigns each franchisee a designated territory where they are authorized to offer and sell approved services and products. Franchisees must focus their business operations within this territory, and while they are expected to avoid actively marketing outside of it, incidental overlap through certain media may occur.

The franchisor retains the right to require the franchisee to adjust any marketing that inadvertently extends beyond the designated territory. Despite the assigned territory, the franchisor maintains the right to distribute services and products, including online offerings, both within and outside of a franchisee’s area.

Additionally, the franchisor can service corporate accounts, like schools and universities, across any territory, including the franchisee’s. Therefore, while a defined territory is granted, full exclusivity is not provided, and franchisees may experience overlap from national accounts or other franchisor activities.