Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Health Coach? That’s in order! It’s a fantastic career path, and we’re here to make your journey easier! Continue reading this Nurse Coach Collective guide to know the education, certification, and employment requirements to expect. 

Here’s what it takes to become a nurse health coach:

As a Nurse [Certified Registered Nurse]

If you’re already a registered nurse, we don’t need to bombard you with details you already know. That said, as a nurse, all you need to do to upgrade to a nurse health coach is complete a nurse coach education program. For this, you can complete a comprehensive online course at The Nurse Coach Collective. 

To obtain certification as a nurse health coach, you also have alternative choices. One other option is the two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program. This education, however, does not guarantee that you will pass the certification test. It also doesn’t necessarily empower you with the qualifications you need to become a Nurse Health Coach. 

Having said that, your best bet if you have a nursing degree, is to earn a certificate in health coaching. To qualify as an RN, you need to have attained your nursing degree. Although it might be possible to earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus on nurse health coaching, you’ll realize that many employers choose RNs with BSNs. Consider joining a bridge program if you’re still in school so you can get your BSN in 12 to 18 months.

It’s also worth mentioning that a Bachelor of science in nursing(BSN) degree does not always confer the necessary credentials to work as a nurse health coach though. Consequently, if you are a nurse, you might think about obtaining a certificate in health coaching.

Accreditation by the National Society of Health Coaches 

Upon completion of the NSHC program, you will be awarded your Certified Health Coach credential. While NSHC accreditation is only available to certified health coaches, those with nursing degrees can also become Certified Health Coaches. 

You can also obtain a Certified Health Coach credential by joining the National Society of Health Coaches. The NSHC accreditation has a 5-year validity. You’ll have to keep your license or certificate current during that period. 

What To Expect as A Certified Nurse Health Coach (CNHC) 

A Certified Nurse Health Coach not only helps clients achieve their health goals but also their life goals. To do this, they combine therapeutic, healing, and coaching techniques to help patients achieve holistic health and wellness. They also promote the use of healthcare services and inform them of illnesses and disorders. 

RNs with a health coach qualification are independent nurses who approach the patient holistically. There are many advantages to becoming a Certified Nurse Health Coach. You’ll gain healthcare knowledge and be able to assist patients in forming healthier routines. You will also represent your patients’ interests while interacting with hospitals and insurance providers. Your enthusiasm and commitment to promoting health will also go a notch higher. 

If You’re Just Getting Started [No Nursing Quaifiation]

There are several different educational requirements to become a nurse health coach. Although the majority of nurse health coaches begin with a BSN, you also need to be currently licensed as an RN to work. It’s crucial to get your nursing license so that you can demonstrate your qualifications to employers whether you decide to pursue certification or a specialty degree. Here are the educational requirements you need to meet:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Your ability to excel in your role as a nurse health coach will be enhanced by earning a college degree. The most typical undergraduate qualification needed for this position is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Before you can even think of becoming a nurse health coach, therefore, you need to first get your BSN. 

To complete this degree program, you need about 4 years. On completion, you can then sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 72 multiple-choice questions in this test, and breaks are allotted. This exam is adaptive and needs about six hours of study time to pass. If you meet the requirements, you can look for entry-level jobs in nurse health coaching.

A bachelor’s degree in health science can be beneficial in many ways. It will provide you with the critical thinking abilities and moral values required to exercise effective leadership in a non-clinical situation. Additionally, you will be knowledgeable in chemistry, biology, anatomy, and nutrition. You’ll also be equipped with the skills and information needed to work as a health coach. 

Get in Touch With the Nurse Coach Collective 

The following are things to think about if you want to work as a nurse health coach. As a nurse health coach, you’ll have the training necessary to deal with patients outside of the clinic. You’ll also offer any necessary medical guidance and instruction in these situations.  

The work is frequently not clinical, which has many advantages. You’ll therefore have a more adaptable schedule. You can also concentrate on patients who might profit from your expertise.

If that sounds like something you’d like to enjoy and you meet the qualifications needed, talk to us. We at The Nurse Coach Collective can help you get the appropriate Certification and become a fully committed nurse coach!