Online Holistic Nursing Programs
December 7, 2021 , Modified on May 6, 2022 · 4 Min Read
Holistic nurses treat the whole patient — physical and emotional. Learn requirements, benefits, and educational options to online holistic nursing programs.
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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.
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.
Admission Materials
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
GPA Requirement
- Undergraduate program: minimum GPA between 2.5-3.0
- Graduate program: minimum GPA of 3.0
Other Requirements
- 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:
- Nursing scholarships and grants
- Loans for nurses from the federal government, private funding, or public source
- Federally funded work-study programs that allow you to work part time
Online Holistic Nurse Practitioner Programs 2022
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.
Related Holistic Nursing Resources
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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