HWNC-BC (AHNCC) - Health and Wellness Nurse Coach Board Certified (certified by the AHNCC)

The Health and Wellness Nurse Coach Board Certified (HWNC-BC) certification, offered by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), is designed for registered nurses who specialize in health and wellness coaching. This certification validates the nurse's expertise in coaching patients towards improved health and wellness, integrating holistic nursing principles and wellness coaching techniques.

Completion Time: 4 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A current, active RN license.

• A baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing.

• A minimum of 2,000 hours of experience in health and wellness nursing within the last five years.

• Completion of a nurse coach training program endorsed by the AHNCC or meets the criteria set by the AHNCC.

• 60 hours of Nurse Coach continuing education in the last 5 years.

• The HWNC-BC exam is the same exam as the NC-BC. Applicants must hold the AHNCC Holistic Certification to qualify.

• Pass the HWNC-BC certification examination.

Exam Format

C-NET testing centers offer the computer-based exam.

The examination includes multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge and skills in health and wellness coaching, holistic nursing theory, health promotion, lifestyle behavior change, and wellness coaching ethics.

Certification Process

Gain relevant experience in health and wellness nursing.

Complete an AHNCC-endorsed nurse coach training program or one that meets AHNCC criteria.

Fulfill the continuing education requirements in health and wellness coaching.

Apply for the HWNC-BC certification through the AHNCC.

Successfully pass the HWNC-BC certification examination.

HWNC-BC certification requires renewal every 5 years. Certificants may maintain their credential via one of two pathways:

Continuing Competency Pathway

• Requirements:

  • An active, unrestricted RN license

  • Professional practice in holistic nursing or nurse coaching

  • Completion of 100 contact hours of continuing education or professional development related to nurse coaching during the 5-year cycle.

• Recertification fee: $350 for regular candidates; $325 for members of sponsoring organizations (e.g., AHNA, NOVA, FBCN).

Re-examination Pathway

• Candidates may instead retake and pass the HWNC-BC exam as an alternative to submitting CE credits.

• Re-examination fee: $425 for regular candidates and $375 for sponsoring organization members.

Continuing education for HWNC-BC certified nurses may include advancements in health coaching methodologies, holistic and integrative health practices, motivational interviewing, and wellness strategies.

For specific information regarding Health and Wellness Nurse Coach Board Certified certification by the AHNCC, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). The AHNCC provides comprehensive standards, resources, and support for nurses specializing in health and wellness coaching.

Career Opportunities

HWNC-BC certified nurses work in diverse settings such as hospitals, wellness centers, private practices, community health organizations, and corporate wellness programs.

They focus on coaching individuals and groups toward achieving health goals, lifestyle modifications, and holistic wellbeing.

The AHNCC also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified (AHN-BC)

• Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certified (APHN-BC)

• Holistic Nurse-Board Certified (HN-BC)

• Holistic Nurse Baccalaureate - Board Certified (HNB-BC)

• Nurse Coach Board Certified (NC-BC)