Certification in Holistic Nursing

Certification in Holistic Nursing is obtained through the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC). AHNCC is the only national credentialing corporation for Holistic Nursing. AHNCC works with the AHNA as both organizations support and facilitate the understanding and growth of holistic nursing.

For your convenience AHNA has provided a brief synopsis of AHNCC certification.

To learn more about holistic nursing certification, please visit the AHNCC web site at www.ahncc.org or call Margaret Erickson at (877) 284-0998

The holistic nursing certification process involves completion of an application, a written component, and the examination.

The Certification Exam

AHNCC offers 2 examinations:

• the Basic HN-BC exam
• the Advanced AHN-BC exam

The examinations are multiple choice exams and based on 9 major concepts. Preparation for the examinations is by self-study. The computer based, multiple choice exams are offered in March and October and allow people to sit at 700 different locations throughout the country.

Criteria for Certification

1. An unrestricted U.S. RN license
2. A Baccalaureate degree in any field (does not have to be in nursing) for the basic HN-BC examination and a masters degree in nursing for the advanced AHN-BC examination
3. One year full-time practice in holistic nursing or 2000 hours in the last 5 years
4. 48 contact hours in holistic nursing theory, practice, research or ethics within the last 2 years

All AHNA provided and approved program contact hours may be applied toward the contact hour requirement for Certification in Holistic Nursing.

Please direct all questions about holistic nursing certification or the testing/ application process to AHNCC.

Start the Certification Process
Send $5.00 for the handbook/application packet to:
AHNCC
811 Linden Loop,
Cedar Park, TX 78613

The AHNA is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

AHNA is additionally Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing,
Provider number 10442.

Contact hours earned through the AHNA are valid in all 50 states & can also be used toward the contact hour requirement for holistic nurse certification through the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation.