APHN-BC - Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certified

The Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certified (APHN-BC) certification is a professional credential for nurses who practice at an advanced level in holistic nursing. This certification, offered by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), recognizes nurses who integrate holistic principles and practices into their advanced nursing care. The APHN-BC is designed for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and other advanced practice nurses who focus on treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and are committed to healing and wellness.

Eligibility

• Current, unrestricted advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license

• 2,000 hours or 1 year of full-time holistic nursing practice within the last 5 years, with at least 500 hours at the advanced level

• 48 continuing nursing education (CNE) hours in Holistic Nursing Theory, Research, Practice or related topics, within 2 years of applying

• Completion of a nationally accredited Graduate Nursing program

Completion Time: Unavailable

Cost: Applicants must pay an application fee and an examination fee.

Application Fee:

• American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)/Faith-Based Community Nurses Association (FBCN)/Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) Member: $100

• Endorsed school program graduates: $75

• Nonmembers: $125

Examination Fee:

• AHNA/FBCN/NOVA Member: $420

• Endorsed school program graduates: $395

• Nonmembers: $450

Retake Fee: $225

Exam Format

The APHN-BC exam is administered for AHNCC by the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) at 100s of testing centers nationwide. Holistic Nursing Certification Exams are administered year-round, Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays).

The APHN-BC is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam, with a maximum of 250 items organized by Core Value, including:

• Holistic Philosophy, Theories and Ethics (12%)

• Holistic Nurse Self-Reflection, Self-Development and Self- Care (3%)

• Holistic Caring Process (43%)

• Holistic Communication, Therapeutic Relationships, Healing Environments and Cultural Care (25%)

• Holistic Education and Research (17%) 

Candidates receive their test results at the end of the exam session. Unsuccessful candidates may retake the exam at a reduced rate of $225 once 30 days have elapsed since they failed the exam. They have up to 12 months to take the exam again.

Test Dates

PSI Test Centers offer APHN-BC exams Mondays through Saturdays year-round.

Application Process

• Complete an application and pay the application fee

• Receive notification of eligibility to test

• Complete online payment for test registration within 14 days

Renewal must occur every 5 years. Current recertification requirements include a current, unrestricted APRN license, active practice as a holistic nurse and continuing competency requirements. APHN certificate holders must also submit two written items. The Item Writer’s Handbook provides instructions on how to write and submit these items and can be found at the AHNCC document library.

Applicants must submit recertification documents at least 60 days but no more than 6 months before the certification expiration date to ensure time for processing. Renewal requirements include:

• Active, unrestricted APRN license

• Active practice as a holistic nurse for at least 1 year full-time or 2,000 hours part-time within the past 5 years or 1,200 hours of active practice as a Nurse Coach within the past 5 years 

• Completion of continuing education (CE) or professional development hours

• Signed Letter of Agreement with AHNCC

Renewal Fees

• AHNA/FBCN/NOVA Member: $345

• Nonmember: $375

The continuing competency criterion for APHN-BC renewal is the equivalent of 100 contact hours or continuing competency hours in holistic nursing or nurse coaching and related content. Refer to the Recertification Handbook for full information on continuing education and professional development categories.

• Candidate Handbook

• List of References

• Practice Test ($65 / 50 items)

The AHNCC also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified (AHN-BC)

• Holistic Nurse-Board Certified (HN-BC)

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

• Health and Wellness Nurse Coach Board Certified (HWNC-BC)

• Nurse Coach Board Certified (NC-BC)