Top 11 Wellness Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for a wellness nurse in the job market because they demonstrate a level of education, knowledge and experience that employers are looking for. Certifications provide assurance to employers that the nurse is qualified and experienced in the field of wellness nursing. Certifications also give credibility to a nurse's resume and can open up opportunities for advancement within the organization. Certification also serves as evidence of continuing education, which is essential for staying up-to-date on the latest standards in healthcare and patient care. Finally, certifications can help nurses stand out from other applicants competing for similar roles.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Wellness Nurses and explain how these certifications can benefit a nurse's career.

What are Wellness Nurse Certifications?

Wellness nurse certification is a specialized certification that focuses on the promotion of health and wellbeing for individuals, families, and communities. It is designed to help nurses develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide holistic care that focuses on primary prevention and health promotion. This type of certification provides nurses with an understanding of how to effectively assess patients’ needs and design individualized wellness plans. Wellness nurses are able to identify risk factors, create strategies for lifestyle changes, promote healthy behavior, provide education about disease prevention, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and work in collaboration with community members to improve population health.

Wellness nurse certification can be beneficial in many ways. Wellness nurses have the opportunity to specialize in a field that has great potential for making a difference in people's lives. They also have the ability to stay current on advances in technology and evidence-based practice related to health promotion, as well as gain increased insights into patient care. Having this certification can give nurse practitioners more credibility within their profession and allow them to provide higher quality care by being knowledgeable about emerging trends in health promotion and primary prevention. Finally, having this certification can open up new job opportunities and career paths for nurses who wish to focus on promoting health through preventive measures such as lifestyle changes and disease prevention programs.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of online resources to help you prepare for wellness nurse certification. Many online courses offer comprehensive training and practice exams that can help you become more knowledgeable and confident in your ability to pass the certification exam.

Related: What does a Wellness Nurse do?

Top 11 Wellness Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Wellness Nurses today.

1. Certified Wellness Nurse (CWN)

Certified Wellness Nurse (CWN) is a certification provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The CWN credential is a voluntary certification for registered nurses who are interested in promoting health and wellness within their practice settings. It recognizes the nurse’s knowledge, skills, and expertise in providing comprehensive care to individuals and families.

In order to become certified as a CWN, one must possess an active RN license, have at least two years of full-time experience as an RN, and complete 30 contact hours of continuing education in wellness nursing topics. Once these requirements are met, the individual can apply for the certification exam through ANCC.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether or not you are an ANCC member. For non-members, the fee is $395; for members, it is $295. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. After passing the exam, one will receive their CWN credential from ANCC within 6-8 weeks.

The cost of maintaining your CWN credential includes annual renewal fees and continuing education requirements every three years. Renewal fees are currently $50 for members and $75 for non-members. The continuing education requirement consists of 45 contact hours every three years in approved wellness nursing topics.

2. Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS)

Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate successful workplace wellness programs. The certification is offered by the National Wellness Institute (NWI).

The CCWS program consists of three courses: Foundations of Wellness, Corporate Wellness Program Design and Implementation, and Evaluation of Corporate Wellness Programs. Each course is offered online or in-person. The courses can be completed in as little as 6 months or up to two years depending on the student’s pace.

To become certified, students must complete all three courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from NWI and will be listed in NWI’s Certified Corporate Wellness Specialists directory.

The cost for the CCWS program varies depending on which format you choose (online or in-person). The total cost for all three courses ranges from $1,800 - $2,400 USD.

3. Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS)

Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS) is a certification program offered by the National Wellness Institute (NWI). The CWWS certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in worksite wellness. This includes understanding the principles of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as how to develop, implement, and evaluate effective worksite wellness programs.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least three years of experience in worksite wellness or related fields such as health promotion, public health, or organizational development; a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; and completion of at least two NWI-approved courses in worksite wellness.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as worksite wellness program design and implementation, health promotion theory and practice, evaluation methods for worksite wellness programs, and legal issues related to worksite wellness. The exam can be taken online or at an NWI-approved testing center.

The cost for the CWWS certification is $395 USD for members of NWI ($495 USD for non-members). This fee covers the cost of the exam and certification materials.

4. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) are professionals who have met the standards of practice and knowledge in health education. CHES are experts in planning, implementing, and evaluating health education and promotion programs in a variety of settings. They possess a broad base of knowledge and skills related to health education theory, program planning, implementation, evaluation, communication strategies, and cultural competency.

To become certified as a CHES, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and demonstrate mastery of the seven areas of responsibility for health educators as outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). To qualify for certification, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in five areas: health education/promotion; assessment/evaluation; social/behavioral sciences; professional ethics; and biostatistics/epidemiology. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 25 hours of continuing education credits related to the seven areas of responsibility within the last five years prior to application.

The cost to apply for CHES certification is $225 USD for NCHEC members or $275 USD for non-members. The fee includes one year of membership with NCHEC if you are not already a member. Upon successful completion of the exam process, there is an additional fee of $50 USD for recertification every five years.

The entire process can take up to eight weeks depending on how quickly all required documents are submitted and reviewed by NCHEC staff. Once approved to take the exam, applicants will receive instructions on how to register online or via mail with Prometric Testing Centers who administer the exam throughout the United States.

5. Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)

A Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) is a registered nurse who specializes in the field of occupational health. COHNs provide care and services to workers, employers, and organizations that promote safety and health in the workplace. They are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and managing programs to protect workers from job-related illnesses and injuries.

In order to become a COHN, one must have a current RN license as well as a minimum of two years of full-time practice in occupational health nursing. One must also pass an exam administered by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). The exam consists of three parts: Part 1 covers general knowledge; Part 2 covers specific areas such as ergonomics, hazardous materials management, industrial hygiene; and Part 3 covers patient care.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam and complete all requirements necessary to become certified. During this time period it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates related to occupational health nursing so that you can be prepared for the exam.

The cost of taking the ABOHN certification exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges between $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with becoming certified such as continuing education courses or study materials.

6. Certified Worksite Health Promotion Professional (CWHPP)

Certified Worksite Health Promotion Professional (CWHPP) is a certification program offered by the National Wellness Institute (NWI). The CWHPP program is designed to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate worksite health promotion programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field of worksite health promotion and covers topics such as policy development, program planning, evaluation, marketing, and sustainability.

The CWHPP program takes approximately 4-6 months to complete depending on the individual's availability. To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in worksite health promotion or related fields. They must also complete an online application form and submit it along with their resume/CV and two letters of recommendation.

The cost of the CWHPP program depends on the applicant's location. In the United States, it typically costs between $1,000-$2,500 USD. This includes all course materials and registration fees for the online courses needed to complete the certification requirements.

7. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Case Management Certification (NCMC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Case Management Certification (NCMC) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of nurses who specialize in case management. It is designed to assess the competencies of nurses who provide care coordination, patient advocacy, resource management, and discharge planning for patients across the continuum of care.

In order to obtain this certification, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Eligibility requirements include having a current unrestricted RN license and at least two years of clinical practice in nursing case management within the last five years.

The NCMC examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as case management processes, health promotion and disease prevention, psychosocial aspects of care, healthcare reimbursement systems, legal/ethical issues in healthcare delivery, and professional development. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the NCMC exam is $350 for ANCC members or $400 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there are also fees associated with maintaining certification which must be paid every five years when recertifying.

8. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Advanced Public Health Nursing Certification (APHNC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Advanced Public Health Nursing Certification (APHNC) is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in public health nursing. The APHNC is designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills that are required for public health nursing practice. It is intended to serve as a mark of excellence for public health nurses, and to promote professional growth and development.

The APHNC requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of full-time experience in public health nursing, or its equivalent. Applicants must also demonstrate expertise in the areas of population-based care, leadership, community assessment, evidence-based practice, and policy development. In addition, applicants must meet certain educational requirements related to public health nursing practice and complete an online application process.

The APHNC is valid for five years from the date of issue. To maintain certification status, nurses must obtain continuing education credits every two years during the five year certification period.

To get the APHNC certification, applicants must first submit an online application form on the ANCC website. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by ANCC staff for completeness and accuracy. If approved, applicants will then be required to take an examination administered by Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout the United States. The examination consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as population-based care, leadership, community assessment, evidence-based practice and policy development.

The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee includes one attempt at taking the exam as well as access to study materials prior to taking it.

9. National Board for Occupational Health Nurses’ Certification in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Practice (COEHNP)

The National Board for Occupational Health Nurses’ Certification in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Practice (COEHNP) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of nurses who specialize in occupational and environmental health nursing. This certification demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of occupational and environmental health nursing.

To become certified as an Occupational and Environmental Health Nurse Practitioner (COEHNP), individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include: holding a current, unrestricted license as a registered nurse; having at least two years of full-time practice experience as an occupational or environmental health nurse; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education related to occupational or environmental health nursing within the past five years; and passing the COEHNP examination.

The COEHNP exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as epidemiology, legal/ethical issues, safety/health promotion, hazard assessment/control, surveillance/monitoring, risk communication/management, emergency preparedness/response, and research methods. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $350 USD.

Once all eligibility requirements have been met and the COEHNP exam has been passed with a score of 75% or higher, individuals can apply for certification through the National Board for Occupational Health Nurses (NBOHN). Upon successful completion of this process, they will receive their COEHNP certificate.

10. National Board for Occupational Health Nurses’ Certification in Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health Nursing Practice (COSHPNP)

The National Board for Occupational Health Nurses’ Certification in Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health Nursing Practice (COSHPNP) is a certification program that recognizes the expertise of nurses in the field of occupational health. It is designed to ensure that nurses have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide quality care to workers who may be exposed to hazardous working conditions. The certification requires successful completion of an examination that tests a nurse’s knowledge of safety and health principles, regulations, practices, and procedures related to occupational health nursing.

The COSHPNP certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. To become certified, you must meet eligibility requirements including having a valid RN license in your state or territory, at least two years of full-time experience as an occupational health nurse within the past five years, and completion of at least 45 hours of continuing education in occupational health nursing within the past three years. Once you are eligible for the exam, you can register online with the National Board for Occupational Health Nurses (NBOHN). After registering for the exam, you will receive study materials which will help you prepare for the test.

The cost of taking the COSHPNP exam varies depending on where you live. In most cases it costs around $400-$500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. The fee includes registration for both parts of the exam (written and practical), as well as access to study materials such as practice exams and reference books.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the exam, you will be awarded your COSHPNP certification from NBOHN. This certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed by taking additional continuing education credits in occupational health nursing topics.

11. Holistic Nursing Certification Board's Holistic Nurse Practitioner certification (HNP-BC).

The Holistic Nursing Certification Board's Holistic Nurse Practitioner certification (HNP-BC) is a professional credential that recognizes nurses who have achieved advanced competency in holistic nursing practice. This certification is intended to recognize the unique knowledge and skills of those nurses who are committed to providing holistic care for their patients.

To become certified as a HNP-BC, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being a registered nurse with an active license, having at least two years of direct patient care experience as a nurse practitioner, and completing at least 45 hours of continuing education in holistic nursing topics within the last three years. In addition, applicants must pass an examination developed by the Holistic Nursing Certification Board.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for the HNP-BC certification. The first step is to submit an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts and verification of licensure. Once your application has been approved, you will be eligible to take the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and can be taken either online or in person at one of several testing centers across the country.

The cost for taking the HNP-BC exam varies depending on where you take it and whether or not you are a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). For non-members, the cost is $450; for AHNA members, it is $400. The fee includes all materials necessary to take the exam as well as access to study materials provided by AHNA.

Do You Really Need a Wellness Nurse Certificate?

Yes, if you are interested in becoming a Wellness Nurse, then obtaining a Wellness Nurse Certificate is essential. A Wellness Nurse Certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively provide patient-centered care and promote wellness. The certificate serves as evidence of your commitment to the profession, allowing employers to quickly assess your qualifications and determine whether or not you are suited for the position.

Having a Wellness Nurse Certificate also allows you to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. This will help you remain current with the latest developments in health care technology, best practices and patient safety protocols. Additionally, having a certificate may open doors to new opportunities within different organizations or departments in healthcare settings.

In addition, many organizations require their nurses to hold certification before they can be considered for certain positions or roles. Thus, having a Wellness Nurse Certificate can give you an edge when seeking employment or promotions. It can also serve as proof of your commitment to providing quality patient care and promoting wellness throughout your career.

Ultimately, having a Wellness Nurse Certificate provides numerous benefits that may enhance your professional career and help ensure that patients receive high quality care from qualified practitioners who are committed to improving their health outcomes.

Related: Wellness Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Wellness Nurse Certifications

1. What is a Wellness Nurse Certification?

Answer: A Wellness Nurse Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge and skill of nurses who specialize in health promotion and disease prevention. It demonstrates competency in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of an individual's health and wellness goals.

2. How do I become certified as a Wellness Nurse?

Answer: To become certified as a Wellness Nurse, you must successfully complete an accredited nurse education program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Additionally, you must have at least two years of clinical experience in health promotion or disease prevention.

3. How much does it cost to become certified as a Wellness Nurse?

Answer: The cost to become certified as a Wellness Nurse varies depending on the certifying body you choose and other factors such as any required continuing education courses or membership fees. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400 - $600 to obtain certification.

4. Is there an exam associated with becoming certified as a Wellness Nurse?

Answer: Yes, the certification process includes an examination that tests your knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention topics such as patient assessment, healthcare technology, ethical principles, legal considerations, and more. You will need to prepare for this exam by studying relevant materials prior to taking it.

5. How long is my certification valid for?

Answer: Most certifications are valid for three years before they must be renewed. During this time period you may be required to participate in continuing education activities or other forms of professional development in order to maintain your certification status.