Advanced Holistic Practice & Nurse Coach - Certificate (Post bsn)

1. Earned BSN from an accredited nursing program.
2. Minimum post -secondary GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Official transcripts from all prior institutions attended. Submit one set of official transcripts to FAU Graduate Admissions* in the GradCAS application system. https://gradcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/
4. CV/Resume Format: Sample Here
5. Current RN licensure (submit copy of license or online license verification from the department of health acceptable https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/HealthCareProviders.

Students must be licensed in the state in which they will complete practicum courses.

6. A state/federal criminal background check is required for all admitted students. If admitted to the AHN graduate certificate program the student MUST initiate the background check process as required before enrolling in courses. Costs are the responsibility of the applicant/student. All admissions are conditional based on the outcome of the admission background check. Background checks must be updated annually during the clinical portion of the program.

Advanced Holistic Practice & Nurse Coach - Certificate (Post BSN) Application Process

Step 1: Submit Initial Application via Email

• Applicant Action: Complete and submit the Initial Application Form via email to Gerardo Guzman gguzman3@health.fau.edu and Laurie Martinez lauriemartin2017@health.fau.edu 
• Email Subject Line: “Initial Application – Advanced Holistic Practice & Nurse Coach - Certificate”
• Required Attachments:
  • Completed Initial Application Form (PDF)
  • Copy of unofficial transcript(s)
  • Curriculum vitae (Required Format for CV)
  • One letter of recommendation (Recommender should upload letter directly to Online Database 
  • Philosophy of Nursing essay (Guidelines for Philosophy Essay)
  • Current RN licensure (submit a copy of the license or online license verification from the Department of Health acceptable (https://appsmqa.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/HealthCareProviders)
• Upload all required documents to the Online Database

*Students must be licensed in the state in which they will complete practicum courses.

Step 2: Application Review

• University/Program Action: The program coordinator will review the initial application upon receipt.
• Decision Notification: The applicant will receive an email notification of the admission decision.

Step 3: University Non-Degree Application

• If Accepted: The applicant will receive instructions to complete the official University Non-Degree Application 
• Applicant Action:
  • Complete the University’s online non-degree application form.
  • Pay any required application or processing fees.
  • Submit the official transcript to the Registrar’s office

Step 4: Registration Timing

• Note: As a non-degree seeking student, registration for classes opens only shortly before the semester begins.
• Applicant Action: Check the University Academic Calendar for exact registration dates and deadlines.

The 12-credit curriculum includes: two courses in the Foundations of Holistic Nursing, one course in Advanced Caring Science, and one clinical practicum course totaling 180 required hours—60 of which are dedicated specifically to Nurse Coaching.

Fall Entry

*Cost per credit and total cost are calculated using  tuition per credit  and associated fees for the current academic year. It does not include course materials, textbook expenses, and other potential expenses related to individual courses.

Hospital-Based Applications of Holistic Nursing & Nurse Coaching: Emergency, Acute, ICU, and Community Nurses

Career Paths for Holistic Nurses & Nurse Coaches: Clinical Care, Wellness & Prevention, Complementary Practices, Education & Leadership, Community Health & Advocacy, Entrepreneurship.

1. How will this certificate help me work as a Holistic Nurse or Nurse Coach?
   This graduate certificate prepares registered nurses to apply the principles of holistic nursing and nurse coaching across a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community organizations, private practice, and wellness centers. Emphasis is placed on developing a reflective, confident practice that integrates nurse coaching and an awareness of complementary modalities to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities within a global, diverse society.
   Graduates will be well-equipped to bring a whole-person approach to care—addressing body, mind, spirit, and environment—and to serve as change agents in promoting person-centered, evidence-informed healing practices. The curriculum also builds key coaching competencies such as therapeutic presence, deep listening, goal setting, and behavior change strategies that can be applied in any nursing role.
   
   
2. Does this certificate program prepare me to become a Nurse Practitioner?
   The Advanced Holistic Practice and Nurse Coach Certificate does not prepare students for Nurse Practitioner licensure or prescriptive authority. However, Nurse Practitioners and other advanced practice nurses may pursue this certificate to expand their scope of practice with holistic and nurse coaching approaches.
   
   
3. Can I complete my clinical practicum at my current place of employment?
   Yes, if appropriate, practicum hours may be completed at the student’s current place of employment, provided the site and preceptor meet program requirements and are approved by faculty. The curriculum includes 180 total practicum hours, with 60 of those dedicated specifically to Nurse Coaching practice. Every effort is made to support clinical placements that meet students’ needs and geographic location.
   
   
4. What is the difference between a Holistic Nurse and a Nurse Coach?
   While not all Holistic Nurses are Nurse Coaches, all Nurse Coaches practice within a holistic nursing framework. Both roles emphasize healing relationships and caring presence, but Nurse Coaches specialize in guiding individuals through goal setting, lifestyle change, and health promotion using evidence-informed coaching strategies. Holistic Nurses may apply a broader range of integrative and therapeutic modalities in clinical or community settings to support whole-person wellness.
   
   
5. How is a Nurse Coach different from a Health & Wellness Coach or Life Coach?
   With the emphasis on the need for healthy lifestyles, the call for health and wellness coaches is ever increasing! The difference between Nurses Coaches and other health and wellness coaches lies in the standardization of education, training, supervision, and practice.
   
   The Health & Wellness or Life Coach Industry is unregulated. That means anyone can call themselves a life or wellness coach, without any real training.
   
   Integrative Nurse Coaches must be (1) licensed, professional nurses, (2) follow a legally defined scope of nursing practice and (3) exhibit nursing competencies.
   
   The American Nurses Association has defined the scope & competencies of Nurse Coaching practice and education. In addition, the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) has established an accredited national board certification exam for Health & Wellness Nurse Coach at multiple levels.
   
   
6. Am I required to become nationally certified to use Holistic Nursing or Nurse Coaching in my practice?
   Graduates of the AHN MSN at FAU are qualified to take the National Certification in Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN-BC) and Advanced Nurse Coach (ANC-BC) exams offered through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). Currently National certification is not required to practice as a Holistic Nurse or Integrative Nurse Coach. However, we encourage all graduates to seek national certification and an indicator of their knowledge and expertise!