Looking to uplevel your nursing career and make a real impact on patient outcomes?
The nurse coach certification process is your answer to becoming one of the fastest growing healthcare specialties. With health coaching set to reach $25.95 billion by 2030, now is the perfect time to get certified.
Here’s the problem:
Many nurses are confused about where to start in the certification process. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different requirements, training programs, and credential options.
But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Demystifying Nurse Coach Certification Requirements
- Choosing the Right Certification Program
- Meeting Education and Experience Prerequisites
- Preparing for the Board Certification Exam
- Taking the Next Steps in Your New Career
Demystifying Nurse Coach Certification Requirements
Here’s what most people don’t know…
There are actually two primary types of nurse coach certifications, and understanding the difference can save you months of confusion.
The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) offers two main certifications:
- NC-BC (Nurse Coach – Board Certified)
- HWNC-BC (Health and Wellness Nurse Coach – Board Certified)
The NC-BC is the standard certification for registered nurses, while the HWNC-BC is a step above and requires you to be a certified holistic nurse first.
For most nurses just getting started, NC-BC is the right path.
But here’s the thing…
Board-certified RN nurse health coaches can earn upwards of $91K per year (compared to $41K average for non-certified nurse coaches). That’s more than double the earning potential.
The basic requirements for NC-BC include:
- Active, unrestricted RN license in the US
- Minimum ADN or higher nursing degree from an accredited institution
- Satisfy work experience requirements (varies based on degree level)
- 60 continuing nursing education (CNE) hours over the past 3 years
- 60 hours of mentorship/supervision by an already certified nurse coach
- Completion of a recognized nurse coach training program
Pretty straightforward, right?
Choosing the Right Certification Program
This is where things get interesting.
Not all nurse coach certification programs are created equal. Some adequately prepare you for the board certification, while others leave you scrambling to find CNEs and meeting prerequisites.
Here’s what you need to look for:
The program you choose must provide the full 60 CNE hours required by the AHNCC. It should also include the 60 supervised hours you’ll need to become eligible for certification.
But here’s the kicker…
The best programs go beyond just providing minimum hours. They give you real skills in advanced communication, behavior change theory, and holistic health practices that work in practice.
When evaluating the best way to become a board certified nurse coach, look for programs that offer comprehensive training in:
- Motivational interviewing
- Patient-centered communication
- Evidence-based coaching practices
Some of the top-rated programs include:
- National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC)
- Integrative Nurse Coach Academy
- The Nurse Coach Collective
- Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy
Key is finding a program that matches your learning style and career goals.
Meeting Education and Experience Prerequisites
Want to know the requirements that trip up most nurses?
The work experience portion varies significantly based on your highest nursing degree. If you get this wrong, you’re looking at months or even years delay in your application.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) minimum of 2 years full-time or part-time over past 5 years for a total of 4,000 hours
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) minimum of 4 years full-time or part-time over past 7 years for a total of 8,000 hours
- International Nursing Degrees – AHNCC will review for equivalency to a US degree
But here’s what most people miss…
Your CNE hours can’t just be any old continuing education credits. They need to be specifically related to Nurse Coach Core Values and Nurse Coach Competencies.
Random nursing CEUs won’t cut it.
And another important detail – if you are taking academic credit instead of CNEs, you need at least a “C” grade (or “pass” for pass/fail).
Preparing for the Board Certification Exam
This is where the rubber meets the road.
The AHNCC certification exam is comprehensive, but completely passable with the right preparation.
The exam covers knowledge across multiple domains of nurse coaching practice, including:
- Nurse coaching core values and competencies
- Communication and coaching skills
- Holistic health principles
- Professional development and practice management
To maximize your chances of success:
- Study the AHNCC Nurse Coach Core Competencies document in depth. This is the blueprint for what you will be tested on.
- More importantly, understand the distinction between traditional nursing care and nurse coaching. Coaching is a collaborative approach where you partner with clients rather than directing their care.
Taking the Next Steps in Your New Career
Congratulations, you’ve passed your certification exam and you are ready to get out there and start coaching!
The RN employment growth rate is expected to be 6% from 2023-2033, with nearly 195,000 RN openings each year predicted. There will be plenty of opportunities for certified nurse coaches.
So where can you work as a nurse coach?
- Private practice (own or join an existing practice)
- Hospitals and health systems
- Telehealth services
- Corporate wellness programs
- Insurance companies
- Rehabilitative centers
- Home healthcare agencies
The beauty of nurse coaching is the flexibility in where you work. Many nurse coaches work part-time as a side hustle to traditional nursing roles, while others make the full transition to coaching practice.
Key thing to know about starting a practice:
Building your own nurse coaching business typically requires obtaining a business license and developing your own client base. That means some marketing, networking, and potentially learning new business skills not taught in nursing school.
The good news? The coaching industry is booming, with 60% growth since 2019. Demand for qualified nurse coaches is growing every year.
Maintaining Your Certification
Becoming certified is just the beginning of your journey.
Like most healthcare certifications, your nurse coach credentials will require maintenance. The AHNCC has requirements for continuing education and periodic recertification to keep you up-to-date with new coaching techniques and healthcare developments.
Special Considerations and Tips
Here’s something most certification guides won’t tell you…
It’s highly recommended personal coaching experience as part of your nurse coach exam preparation. If you have not been coached before, you have no idea what a good coach does. No test or training can fully teach that.
Other tips that will help you along the way:
- Network and build connections with other nurse coaches during your training. These can be lifelong relationships for referrals and support.
- Consider becoming a specialist in one or more niche areas, such as chronic disease management or wellness coaching. Specialists usually charge higher rates and face less competition.
Wrapping Things Up
Navigating the nurse coach certification process doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know the right steps to take.
Let’s review the essential takeaways:
- Choose an AHNCC-approved program that provides both CNE hours and supervision
- Verify you meet the work experience requirements for your nursing degree level
- Target your continuing education to the nurse coach competencies and core values
- Prepare thoroughly for the board certification exam
The nurse coaching field is rapidly growing with great earning potential and flexibility. Properly prepared and with the right certification program, you can confidently make the career transition.
The bottom line? Nurse coach certification is an investment that pays for itself in the form of higher earnings, greater job satisfaction, and the ability to make a deeper impact on patient wellness.
Now is the perfect time to take that next step in your nursing career.
