Nursing graduates specializing in holistic health practice treating the whole patient, not just their physical condition. This approach to nursing means treating the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Online holistic nursing program tracks are more affordable than on-campus options. Additionally, they offer schedule flexibility and allow students to work while attending classes virtually.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online holistic nursing programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Keep reading to learn more about online holistic nursing programs, or go straight to our list of the top online holistic nursing programs.
Featured Online MSN Programs
What Can You Do as a Holistic Nurse?
Holistic nursing acknowledges that our health involves more than our physical condition. The American Holistic Nurses Association defines holistic nursing as "all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal."
This approach manages a patient's physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It also considers environmental influences.
In addition to medical treatment, therapy may include massage, hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Holistic nurses also guide patients with stress management techniques and offer wellness coaching.
There are many factors that affect salary, including work location, and holistic nurses can treat patients in different healthcare settings. Workplaces include acute care hospitals, hospice/home care, outpatient facilities, physicians' offices, and colleges and universities.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report on nursing specialties, the BLS cites the median base salary for registered nurses (RNs) as $75,330. The mean annual wage is $114,510 for nurse practitioners (NPs).
What to Look For in an Online Holistic Nursing Program
Before enrolling in an online holistic nursing program, prospective students should research schools to identify programs that align with their goals.
Pay attention to the following key factors.
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Admission Requirements
Admission requirements can help applicants know if they qualify for an online nursing program. Preparing application materials ahead of time offers students the best possible chance of acceptance.
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Program Curriculum
The core curriculum can drive students' decision-making in choosing a nursing school. It establishes the standards and goals for nursing students. Quality nursing programs prepare students for career success.
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Clinical Experience
Online holistic nursing programs include supervised clinical components for online nursing students that allow learners to gain valuable hands-on experience. Some online programs encourage students to choose their clinical site but help with placement.
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Accreditation
Nursing accreditation ensures that online programs and schools comply with national standards of excellence.
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Program Length
Online program length for holistic nurses varies by degree. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes two years to complete, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes four years, and a master of science in nursing takes 6-8 years.
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School NCLEX Pass Rate
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate can prove a school's success in preparing online students for nursing. A first-time NCLEX-pass rate of 90% or higher indicates a highly valued program
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School Graduation Rate
This factor allows you to assess the quality of the online program by showing the percentage of students who graduate on time.
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Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online holistic nursing formats can offer diverse courses that fit in with your goals, career path, and schedule.
Applying to an Online Holistic Nursing Program
Admission requirements for online holistic nursing programs ensure students meet applicant criteria. Qualifications and prerequisites vary by undergraduate and graduate program.
Specific prerequisites for online holistic nursing programs include the following.
Undergraduate program:
- Completed application
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Prerequisites courses in chemistry, biology, and math
- SAT or Test of Essential Academic Skills
Graduate program:
- Completed application
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Active, current RN license
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification
- Current resume
- Personal statement
- 2-3 recommendation letters
- Nursing experience
- Undergraduate program: minimum GPA between 2.5-3.0
- Graduate program: minimum GPA of 3.0
- Background check
- Immunization verification
- Proof of health insurance
Why Is Online Holistic Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Choosing an accredited online curriculum for holistic nursing is beneficial for many reasons.
- Accreditation ensures that programs have a common quality standard.
- Attending an unaccredited institution can disqualify you from receiving federal financial aid.
- Unaccredited undergraduate degrees may not be valid to graduate programs.
- A degree from an accredited school can lead to better job prospects.
- Some state boards of nursing only grant licensure to graduates from accredited institutions.
- Accredited schools likely offer more current nursing theory and practice courses.
- Employers typically want to confirm the validity of holistic nursing online programs and prefer nurses from accredited programs.
Paying for Online Holistic Nursing Programs
When paying for your education, consider program length, in-state versus out-of-state tuition, and whether you can continue to work while in school.
For online holistic nursing programs, you can weigh financial assistance options in paying for your nursing degree. There are financial aid resources for nurses, such as:
Online Holistic Nurse Practitioner Programs 2022
#1 Online Holistic Nursing Programs
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
Florida Atlantic University's advanced holistic nursing certification program is available as an MSN or a post-graduate program. It prepares nurses to provide mind-body integrative care and includes courses in assessment, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, nursing theory, and holistic modalities. Each student's background is evaluated to determine curriculum and clinical needs for the holistic nursing program.
Details:
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing or post-graduate program - advanced holistic nursing
- Campus: Boca Raton, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $370 per credit for in-state residents; $1,030 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: BSN, 3.0 GPA for final 60 hours (or GRE or MAT scores), basic statistics college course, bachelor's-level nursing research credits, RN license. Accepted students must pass a criminal background check.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,060 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Holistic Nursing Programs
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
Duquesne integrates holistic nursing into all of its programs, not just the holistic nursing certification program. Programs include the theory and practice of holistic nursing and specific modalities. Available holistic nursing programs include adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, executive nurse leadership and healthcare management, family care nurse practitioner, forensic nursing, nurse education, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Details:
- Program(s): BSN, MSN, post-master's certificate, DNP, Ph.D.
- Campus: Pittsburgh, PA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,568 per credit for online graduate certificate programs
- Admission Requirements: BSN or MSN, current and unencumbered RN license, undergraduate statistics program with a 2.0 GPA or a graduate course with a 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months for nurse practitioner certificate programs
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5%
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Holistic Nursing Programs
What can you do as a holistic nurse?
Holistic nurses perform therapies beyond medical care. These include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, breathing techniques, and meditation. Other treatments might include hydrotherapy, hypnosis, balneotherapy, Eastern healing practices, and stress-management and wellness coaching.
Holistic NPs have increased responsibility and a greater scope of practice than those with a BSN or an ADN.
What do you need to be a holistic nurse?
Holistic nurses must hold an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing. Other prerequisites include an active RN licensure and bedside nursing experience.
Earning a certification from the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation can offer better job opportunities. The levels of certification include holistic nurse board certified, holistic nurse baccalaureate board certified, advanced holistic nurse board certified, or advanced practice holistic nurse board certified.
Are holistic nurses in demand?
With a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine, there is an increased demand for holistic nursing. Patients value the unique approach that goes beyond physical treatment as they experience care that encompasses their body, mind, and spirit.
What is an example of holistic care?
Holistic care can present itself in any circumstance with a patient. An example of holistic care may be when a nurse performs massage therapy with a patient undergoing chemotherapy to help them cope with the stressful situation.
