Holistic Nursing Certification: Overview and FAQ

Are you a nurse who wants to bring together your medical knowledge and passion for natural healing to create a truly rewarding career? Holistic nursing focuses on healing the whole person — body, mind, and soul — often integrating practices like mindfulness, herbal remedies, and aromatherapy alongside conventional treatments.
Earning a holistic nursing certification positions you as an expert in this unique specialty, opening doors to rewarding career opportunities, higher salaries, and the joy of supporting patients in achieving well-being in every aspect of their health journey.
Ready to take your nursing career to the next level with a holistic nurse certification? This article will explain what this credential is, outline the steps to get it and explain the value it brings to your career.
Holistic Nursing Certification: A Snapshot
- Certification types: Holistic Nurse-Board Certified (HN-BC) and Holistic Nurse Baccalaureate Board Certified (HNB-BC)
- Eligibility: You’ll need a current RN license, a year of full-time (2,000 hours) of holistic nursing experience within the past 5 years, and 48 hours of continuing education within the past 2 years.
- Preparation: Review the certification handbook, study the topics in the exam content outline, and take the practice exam.
- Application process: Create an account on the AHNCC website, submit the supporting documents, and wait for the instructions to schedule your exam.
- Exam: The test will have 170 questions.
- Cost: The application and exam fees are $495.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.
What Is a Holistic Nurse Certification?
The Holistic Nurse-Board Certified (HN-BC) certification is a professional credential that recognizes a nurse’s expertise in holistic nursing — a practice that integrates traditional medical care with holistic therapies to address patients’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. This credential is issued by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), an organization that validates nurses’ expertise in this specialized and growing field of healthcare.
Obtaining this certification typically involves meeting specific education and experience requirements and passing a specialized exam. The test focuses on these key topics:
- Philosophy, theories, and ethics
- Nurse self-reflection, self-development, and self-care
- Caring process
- Communication, therapeutic relationships, healing environments, and cultural care
- Education and research
What Can You Do With a Holistic Nurse Certification?
Holistic nurses with certification have a wide range of post-acute work settings to choose from. Here’s a list of places where you can apply your expertise:
- Community health organizations
- Health education and wellness coaching
- Holistic health clinics
- Hospices
- Home healthcare agencies
- Long-term care facilities
- Mental health clinics
- Palliative care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Wellness centers
- Workplace wellness programs
Some holistic nurses choose to launch their own businesses, pursue advanced education to become holistic nurse practitioners, or work in private clinics where they help patients reach optimal health and wellness with natural healing approaches.
Attaining Holistic Nurse Certification: 5 Steps
Earning a HN-BC certification involves several key steps to demonstrate your expertise in holistic nursing. Here’s how you can achieve this specialized credential:
1. Meet Eligibility Criteria
Depending on whether you hold a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, you’ll qualify for either the HN-BC or HNB-BC credential. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to demonstrate the required education and professional experience. This includes meeting the following eligibility criteria:
- Hold an unrestricted and current RN license in the U.S.
- Acquire a year of full-time (or 2,000 hours) of holistic nursing practice within the past 5 years.
- Complete 48 hours of continuing education in holistic nursing theory, research, practice, or related topics within the past 2 years.
Graduating from an AHNCC-endorsed program also qualifies you for certification, as long as you apply within two years of graduation or faculty work.
2. Start Preparing for the Exam
Next, dedicate time to preparing for the HN-BC exam. The AHNCC offers several resources to support your studies. Here are some of the options:
- Holistic nursing certification study guide
- HN-BC practice test
- AHNCC certification handbook
- Scope and standards of holistic nursing
- AHNCC video library
3. Submit Your Application
Next, submit your application for holistic nursing certification online, ensuring you complete all required fields and upload supporting documents like proof of education and licensure. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an electronic exam permit from C-NET. You’ll then need to schedule and take the computer-based exam within the 90-day testing window.
4. Pass the HN-BC Exam
Wondering about the exam process? Here’s a brief overview:
- You’ll have 170 questions on the exam.
- You’ll need to answer 72% of questions correctly to pass.
- You’ll know your results immediately upon completion.
5. Maintain the Certification
Your certification will need to be renewed every five years. To qualify, you must have completed 1,200 hours of practice during that time. Once eligible, you can renew by either retaking the certification exam or completing continuing competency hours.
Holistic Nurse Certification Cost
Let’s take a closer look at the costs involved in your certification journey so you can maximize your career investment. Here’s a summary of the fees to expect:
- Qualification application fee: $100
- Examination fee: $395
- Practice tests: $65
If you’re a member of AHNA, the Health Ministry Association (HMA), or the Nurses Organization of Veteran Affairs (NOVA), you can qualify for discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions: Holistic Nurse Certification
What holistic nurse certification programs can help me prepare for the exam?
If you need additional support in preparing for the exam, holistic nursing certification programs can give you an extra study boost. Here are some options for you to explore:
- Foundations in Holistic Nursing Home Study Course by American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA)
- Integrative Healing Arts Program by AHNA
- Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Health by Allegra Learning
- Holistic Nursing Certification Prep by Entourage Health
- Holistic and Integrative Health Care Specialist by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals
- Holistic Nursing Certificate Program by the University of Connecticut
What is a typical holistic nurse salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn an average salary of $94,480 annually. As a holistic nurse, you can expect to earn within this range, but your income may fluctuate based on factors such as education, experience, the facility where you work, and whether you have your own practice.
Where you work can significantly impact your salary. For higher earnings, consider applying for jobs in states that offer higher RN salaries:
Are there programs offering free holistic nursing certification?
While there are no widely recognized organizations that offer completely free professional holistic nursing certification programs, online resources are available to help you gain knowledge in holistic healing. Here are some examples:
- Becoming a Holistic Health Practitioner by Alison
- Everyday Chinese Medicine by Coursera
- Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine by Coursera
- Holistic Medicine Courses by Dr. Ameet
- Holistic Lifestyle Reset Course by Udemy
What other certifications are offered by AHNCC?
The AHNCC offers several certifications for nurses interested in holistic care. These include:
- Advanced Holistic Nurse – Board Certified (AHN-BC)
- Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse – Board Certified (APHN-NP)
- Nurse Coach – Board Certified (NC-BC)
- Health and Wellness Nurse Coach – Board Certified (HWNC-BC)
Related Certifications
Looking to level up your career with more certifications? Consider exploring these relevant credentials:
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)
- Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN)
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
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