FacebookLinkedInTwitterEmail
Share this article

The Best Online Holistic Nursing Programs

NurseJournal Staff
by
Updated August 30, 2023
Holistic nurses treat the whole patient — physical and emotional. Learn requirements, benefits, and educational options to online holistic nursing programs.
mini logo

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Credit: Stevica Mrdja / EyeEm / Getty Images

Nursing graduates specializing in holistic health practice treating the whole patient, not just their physical condition. This approach to nursing means treating the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Online holistic nursing program tracks are more affordable than on-campus options. Additionally, they offer schedule flexibility and allow students to work while attending classes virtually.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online holistic nursing programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Keep reading to learn more about online holistic nursing programs, or go straight to our list of the top online holistic nursing programs.

Featured Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

The Best Online Holistic Nurse Practitioner Programs

#1 The Best Online Holistic Nursing Programs

Florida Atlantic University

  • Location-markerBoca Raton, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$2,522
  • Out-of-state$14,374
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled30,805
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Holistic Nursing Programs

Duquesne University

  • Location-markerPittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$41,892
  • Out-of-state$41,892
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled8,830
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment82%
  • AccreditationYes

What Can You Do as a Holistic Nurse?

Holistic nursing acknowledges that our health involves more than our physical condition. The American Holistic Nurses Association defines holistic nursing as “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal.”

This approach manages a patient’s physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It also considers environmental influences.

In addition to medical treatment, therapy may include massage, hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Holistic nurses also guide patients with stress management techniques and offer wellness coaching.

There are many factors that affect salary, including work location, and holistic nurses can treat patients in different healthcare settings. Workplaces include acute care hospitals, hospice/home care, outpatient facilities, physicians’ offices, and colleges and universities.

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report on nursing specialties, the BLS cites the median base salary for registered nurses (RNs) as $75,330. The mean annual wage is $114,510 for nurse practitioners (NPs).

What to Look For in an Online Holistic Nursing Program

Before enrolling in an online holistic nursing program, prospective students should research schools to identify programs that align with their goals.

Pay attention to the following key factors.

  • check-circle

    Admission Requirements

    Admission requirements can help applicants know if they qualify for an online nursing program. Preparing application materials ahead of time offers students the best possible chance of acceptance.
  • check-circle

    Program Curriculum

    The core curriculum can drive students’ decision-making in choosing a nursing school. It establishes the standards and goals for nursing students. Quality nursing programs prepare students for career success.
  • check-circle

    Clinical Experience

    Online holistic nursing programs include supervised that allow learners to gain valuable hands-on experience. Some online programs encourage students to choose their clinical site but help with placement.
  • check-circle

    Accreditation

    ensures that online programs and schools comply with national standards of excellence.
  • check-circle

    Program Length

    Online program length for holistic nurses varies by degree. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes two years to complete, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes four years, and a master of science in nursing takes 6-8 years.
  • check-circle

    School NCLEX Pass Rate

    The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate can prove a school’s success in preparing online students for nursing. A first-time of 90% or higher indicates a highly valued program
  • check-circle

    School Graduation Rate

    This factor allows you to assess the quality of the online program by showing the percentage of students who graduate on time.
  • check-circle

    Online Learning Format and Requirements

    Online holistic nursing formats can offer diverse courses that fit in with your goals, career path, and schedule.

Applying to an Online Holistic Nursing Program

Admission requirements for online holistic nursing programs ensure students meet applicant criteria. Qualifications and prerequisites vary by undergraduate and graduate program.

Specific prerequisites for online holistic nursing programs include the following.

Undergraduate program:

  • Completed application
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Prerequisites courses in chemistry, biology, and math
  • SAT or Test of Essential Academic Skills

Graduate program:

  • Completed application
  • BSN from an accredited nursing program
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Active, current RN license
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification
  • Current resume
  • Personal statement
  • 2-3 recommendation letters
  • Nursing experience

Why Is Online Holistic Nursing Program Accreditation Important?

Choosing an accredited online curriculum for holistic nursing is beneficial for many reasons.

  • Accreditation ensures that programs have a common quality standard.
  • Attending an unaccredited institution can disqualify you from receiving federal financial aid.
  • Unaccredited undergraduate degrees may not be valid to graduate programs.
  • A degree from an accredited school can lead to better job prospects.
  • Some state boards of nursing only grant licensure to graduates from accredited institutions.
  • Accredited schools likely offer more current nursing theory and practice courses.
  • Employers typically want to confirm the validity of holistic nursing online programs and prefer nurses from accredited programs.

Paying for Online Holistic Nursing Programs

When paying for your education, consider program length, in-state versus out-of-state tuition, and whether you can continue to work while in school.

For online holistic nursing programs, you can weigh financial assistance options in paying for your nursing degree. There are financial aid resources for nurses, such as:

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Holistic Nursing Programs


What can you do as a holistic nurse?

Holistic nurses perform therapies beyond medical care. These include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, breathing techniques, and meditation. Other treatments might include hydrotherapy, hypnosis, balneotherapy, Eastern healing practices, and stress-management and wellness coaching.

Holistic NPs have increased responsibility and a greater scope of practice than those with a BSN or an ADN.

What do you need to be a holistic nurse?

Holistic nurses must hold an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing. Other prerequisites include an active RN licensure and bedside nursing experience.

Earning a certification from the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation can offer better job opportunities. The levels of certification include holistic nurse board certified, holistic nurse baccalaureate board certified, advanced holistic nurse board certified, or advanced practice holistic nurse board certified.

Are holistic nurses in demand?

With a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine, there is an increased demand for holistic nursing. Patients value the unique approach that goes beyond physical treatment as they experience care that encompasses their body, mind, and spirit.

What is an example of holistic care?

Holistic care can present itself in any circumstance with a patient. An example of holistic care may be when a nurse performs massage therapy with a patient undergoing chemotherapy to help them cope with the stressful situation.

Related Holistic Nursing Resources

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.