Integrative Nurse Coach®
Certificate Program

A nationally accredited program that empowers nurses to lead, heal, and transform healthcare through Integrative Nurse Coaching.

Get nationally Board Certified as a Nurse Coach AND Holistic Nurse.

Table of Contents

Why Nurses Choose INCA

You became a nurse to heal — not just to manage symptoms.

Yet in today’s healthcare system, burnout is real, compassion fatigue is common, and many nurses feel disconnected from their deeper purpose.

At INCA, we believe that the future of healthcare depends on reconnecting with the heart of healing. The Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program offers a transformative path back to joy, connection, and professional fulfillment.

We bridge evidence-based nursing science with mind-body-spirit wellness techniques, preparing you to:

Nurse Coach

Your Nurse Coaching Journey at-a-glance

The Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program is a transformational experience designed to support and advance your nursing profession. This journey unfolds in four thoughtfully structured phases—each building your confidence, competence, and clarity as a Nurse Coach.

Follow this clear visual timeline that guides you from foundational learning, through a mentored practicum experience, into preparation for board certification, and onward to powerful bonus courses that expand your Nurse Coaching toolkit.

Explore each phase below to see how your journey unfolds step by step.

14 Weeks
14 Weeks

Integrative Nurse Coach® Foundations (Level 1)

90 Contact Hours

Build essential coaching competencies, holistic nursing knowledge, and experience integrative therapies in action.

16 Weeks
16 Weeks

Integrative Nurse Coach® Practicum (Level 2)

95 Contact Hours

Apply your skills with real clients, gain structured supervision, and refine your professional coaching practice.

Self-Paced
Self-Paced

Nurse Coach Board Certification Review (Level 3)

24 Contact Hours

Solidify your knowledge, gain exam strategies, and prepare confidently to sit for the NC-BC® board certification exam.

Self-Paced
Self-Paced

Professional Practice Branches (Level 4)

Choose one .. or both!

  • Nurse Coach Business Start-Up Track— for those interested in building private practices
  • Integrating Nurse Coaching into Organizations Track — for those leading change within healthcare systems
Self-Paced
Self-Paced

Bonus: Integrative and Holistic Nurse Coaching Interventions

$1,200 value- included free

Expand your practice toolkit with training in complementary healing modalities like lifestyle nursing, nutrition, mindfulness, hypnosis, and more.

Career Pathways After Graduation

Where our graduates are leading change:

Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program

INCCP Dates

CohortStart DateEnd DateRegister
51
Jun 23, 2025
Jan 25, 2026
Register
New cohorts begin 3–4 times per year. Be sure to check back regularly for upcoming dates. Register at least 30 days in advance to secure early registration pricing.

INCCP Overview

Mosaic

Download the new INCCP Program Guide

A detailed look at the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program, Tips for Choosing a Nurse Coaching Program, Board Certification Options, Career Paths and more!

Why INCA is the Gold Standard in Nurse Coaching Education

At the Integrative Nurse Coach® Academy (INCA), we are proud to set the national and international standard for excellence in Nurse Coach education, professional preparation, and holistic nursing leadership.

Accreditation and Endorsement

ANCC Accredited Provider
INCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).

AHNA Endorsed Program
Our flagship Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program (INCCP) is formally endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), affirming our commitment to holistic nursing excellence and integrity.

These recognitions ensure our curriculum meets the highest national standards for quality, rigor, and professional relevance.

Foundational Contributions to the Profession

INCA’s leadership extends beyond education.
We have actively shaped the field of Nurse Coaching through innovation, scholarship, and advocacy:

  • Theory Development:
    Founders of the Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching (TINC), an organizing mid-range theory guiding education, research, and policy in the field.
  • Textbook Authorship:
    Authors of Nurse Coaching: Integrative Approaches for Health and Wellbeing — the first and most widely used Nurse Coaching textbook, recognized as the American Journal of Nursing’s Book of the Year in three categories.
  • Assessment Tool Creation:
    Developers of the Integrative Health & Wellness Assessment™, a widely used holistic assessment model in practice and research.
  • Advocacy for Nurse Coach Recognition:
    Played a leading role in gaining Category III CPT® Codes for Health and Well-Being Coaching, enabling outcome tracking and advancing future insurance reimbursement possibilities.
  • Ongoing Research Leadership:
    INCA faculty and alumni actively contribute to peer-reviewed publications, research studies, and policy discussions advancing holistic nursing and integrative Nurse Coaching nationally and globally.

INCA is not only responding to the evolution of healthcare — we are leading it.



Global Reach and Impact

INCCP graduates are practicing in all 50 U.S. states and across 19 countries on six continents.

Our alumni lead wellness initiatives, chronic disease management programs, organizational health coaching services, and integrative health initiatives worldwide.

Choosing INCA connects you to a powerful, global community of holistic nursing leaders transforming healthcare systems, communities, and lives.

Faculty Expertise and Student Support

  • Every INCA faculty member holds a Master’s degree or higher, is a practicing Board Certified Nurse Coach, and brings decades of clinical, leadership, and holistic practice experience.
  • Faculty remain active contributors to professional nursing, coaching, and integrative health research.
  • Students benefit from close mentorship in small groups, personalized supervision, and access to a vibrant lifetime alumni network.

Our faculty are not just educators — they are thought leaders, authors, researchers, and mentors deeply invested in your success.

Commitment to Personal & Professional Transformation

We believe that Nurse Coaching is both a profession and a calling.

Our graduates report:

  • Rekindled passion for nursing
  • Expanded leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Greater fulfillment and resilience
  • The ability to create authentic healing relationships with clients and communities
  • Readiness to transform healthcare at the systems level

Becoming an Integrative Nurse Coach with INCA is a transformational journey — one that reawakens the healer, leader, and advocate within every nurse.

Lifelong Benefits for Alumni

Graduation from INCCP is only the beginning of your journey with INCA.

Our alumni enjoy:

  • Lifetime access to the INCA Alumni Community
    A professional network for collaboration, support, and continuing education.
  • Exclusive Alumni Discounts on Specialty Programs
    Graduates receive a standing discount on all future INCA specialty courses, including Functional Medicine for Nurses™, End-of-Life Coaching, CannyNurse®, Mindfulness, Business of Nurse Coaching, and more.
  • Continued Learning and Leadership Opportunities
    Invitations to advanced workshops, mentorship opportunities, and professional development events.

INCA remains a lifelong partner in your professional growth and impact.

INCCP Details

Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program Overview

The Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program (INCCP) empowers nurses to transform their practice through a holistic approach, integrating mind-body-spirit wellness techniques.

Spanning over 200 contact hours, this ANCC-accredited program is designed to deepen your expertise in nurse coaching and prepare you for board certification. 

Learn to lead with compassion, build meaningful patient connections, and advance your career in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Who is this program for?

If you’re passionate about improving patient outcomes and guiding patients on their wellness journeys, this program is for you. INCCP is ideal for nurses who want to integrate holistic, mind-body-spirit techniques into their practice, helping patients achieve long-term health and well-being.

  • Registered Nurses (RNs): Seeking to enhance their practice with integrative and holistic approaches.
  • Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs): Looking to incorporate coaching into their clinical work.
  • Nurse Educators and Leaders: Aiming to transform healthcare environments through innovative, compassionate leadership.
  • Nurses in Transition: Those considering a shift to independent practice or expanding their roles within their current organizations.

Whether you’re an RN or an APN, a seasoned nurse leader or a recent graduate, this program empowers you to make a lasting impact.

Expand your nursing practice through our 100% online program, where you’ll connect with a small group of like-minded nurses in an interactive, supportive environment. Each group is guided by an expert, practicing board-certified Nurse Coach faculty mentor.

Engage in live video calls, vibrant discussion forums, and comprehensive video lectures. You’ll deepen your knowledge through reflective activities, written assignments, and peer and client coaching sessions. 

Our program also integrates awareness practices and holistic approaches, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that supports both personal & professional growth.

The INCCP is offered in 4 cohorts per year, with start dates in January, April, June, and September.

The Integrative Nurse Coach Academy is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Upon successful completion of Foundations and Practicum, you will meet all of the contact hour and coaching hour requirements to sit for two national Board Certifications:

Holistic Nurse Board Certified
(HN-BC)

and

Nurse Coach Board Certified
(NC-BC)

The Integrative Nurse Coach ® Certificate Program offers 120 contact hours and takes places over 7 months. The program is divided into four parts.
  • Part 1: Integrative Nurse Coach® Foundations – 14 weeks – 90 Contact Hours
  • Part 2: Integrative Nurse Coach® Practicum – 16 weeks – 95 Contact Hours
  • Part 3: Nurse Coach Board Certification Review – optional, at your own pace – 24 Contact Hours
  • Part 4: Professional Development Branches – optional, at your own pace – Contact Hours TBD
    • Nurse Coaching Business Basics
    • Integrating Nurse Coaching into Organizations
  • Bonus: Nurse Coach Board Certification Review – optional, at your own pace – Contact Hours TBD
Click the tabs to learn more about each part.

Integrative Nurse Coach® Foundations

The Integrative Nurse Coach® Foundations course is the first step in the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program (INCCP).

This 90-contact-hour course establishes the core principles of nurse coaching, emphasizing holistic, mind-body-spirit approaches.

Through a blend of interactive video sessions, discussion forums, bi-weekly live meetings, peer coaching practice and reflective activities, you’ll explore therapeutic presence, effective communication, and integrative health practices.

The course is designed to enhance your self-awareness and professional skills, laying the groundwork for more advanced practices and a deeper connection with your patients. 

Fast Facts about Foundations

Duration: 14 Weeks

Contact Hours: 90

Textbook: Nurse Coaching: Integrative Approaches for Health and Wellbeing

Foundations can be taken independently (without Parts 2 or 3) but you will not be eligible for Holistic or Nurse Coach Board Certification, nor the bundle discount.

Students meet online in small groups every other week, providing a collaborative and supportive learning environment. 

These sessions are led by experienced board-certified Nurse Coach faculty mentors, providing a valuable opportunity not only to discuss course content and real-world applications but also to focus on your self-development. Engaging in these discussions fosters personal growth, helping you deepen your self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence.

This self-development is crucial as it enhances your ability to connect with patients, understand their needs on a deeper level, and support them more effectively in their wellness journeys.

Students can choose their preferred meeting times one month before the program starts, ensuring the schedule aligns with their personal and professional commitments.

Peer coaching through video conferences, allowing you to connect with fellow students in real time. This format ensures a dynamic and engaging experience, fostering deep connections and collaborative learning.

Tailored Learning Experiences:
While prompts are provided, each peer coaching session is unique, shaped by the individual needs and goals of the participants. This flexibility allows you to practice and apply coaching techniques in a way that resonates with your personal style and the specific context of each session.

Building Confidence and Skills:
Peer coaching is an essential component of the INCCP, offering a safe space to refine your skills and receive constructive feedback. Through these sessions, you’ll build the confidence and competence necessary to effectively guide patients on their wellness journeys, making a meaningful impact in their lives.

  1. Orientation and Introduction to Peer Coaching
  2. The Praxis of Integrative Nurse Coaching
  3. The Model of Wellbecoming™
  4. Applying the Wellbecoming™ Model and Culturally Competent Care
  5. Coaching Session Structure and Client-Centered Processes
  6. Motivational Interviewing and Appreciative Inquiry
  7. Coaching Vulnerability and Supporting Change
  8. Behavioral Change Theory, Positive Psychology, and Goal Achievement
  9. Holistic Group Coaching Concepts
  10. Core Life Coaching Topics: Life Satisfaction, Wellness, and Relationships
  11. Specialized Populations: Chronic Conditions, Community, Organizational Wellness
  12. Nurse Coach Leadership Development
  13. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Foundations of Practice
  14. Preparation for Practicum and Certification Pathway

Integrative Nurse Coach® Practicum

The Integrative Nurse Coach® Practicum is the second part of the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program (INCCP) and consists of 95 contact hours and supervised coaching dedicated to applying the foundational knowledge gained in the first course.

This hands-on, supervised experience allows you to practice and refine your coaching skills in real-world settings. Through client coaching, peer collaboration, and mentor guidance, you’ll develop the competence and confidence needed to effectively support patients in their wellness journeys.

The Practicum is essential for meeting the coaching supervision hours required for board certification, ensuring you are well-prepared for your future role as an Integrative Nurse Coach®.

Practicum Fast Facts

Duration: 16 Weeks

Contact Hours: 95 contact hours / coaching hours

Textbook: Nurse Coaching: Integrative Approaches for Health and Wellbeing

Live Small Group Meetings

Students meet online in small groups every three weeks, providing a collaborative and supportive learning environment. 

These sessions, led by experienced board-certified Nurse Coach faculty mentors, provide a collaborative environment where you can discuss your client sessions in depth, present case studies, and receive valuable feedback from your peers and mentors.

These meetings also offer opportunities to explore challenges, share insights, and refine your coaching techniques, ensuring you grow both professionally and personally as you work towards becoming a certified integrative nurse coach.

If continuing from Foundations, your group time, leader, and peers will remain the same.

Client Practice Sessions

During the Practicum, you are required to coach clients as part of fulfilling the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) requirements for board certification.

Securing your own clients is essential for developing your practical skills as an integrative nurse coach. However, to support you in this process, INCA has created a database of clients seeking free coaching, making it easier for you to connect with individuals ready for coaching.

You can conduct these sessions in person, over the phone, or online using INCA’s customized client management system, MyNurseCoach Practice™. This platform simplifies client management, allowing you to track progress, schedule sessions, and maintain detailed records.

After completing the program, you have the option to continue using MyNurseCoach Practice™ for a fee, enabling you to maintain a professional and organized coaching practice as you transition into your independent career.

This robust system not only meets certification requirements but also prepares you for success as an integrative nurse coach in various settings.

  • The Integrative Nurse Coach® Practicum program provides a guided experience and immersion into individual and group coaching experiences with peers and clients.
  • Coaching competencies and skills are refined through continued study, and the support from a community of learners and master nurse coaches.
  • One-to-one conversation, transcript feedback and observation by experienced nurse coach supervisors, mentors students into the possibilities of the profession of nurse coaching. The experience fosters the confidence to plan and implement group and individual coaching sessions.
  • This program provides the contact hours necessary for national board certification (HN-BC or HWNC-BC) through the American Holistic Nurse Credentialing Corporation. Achieving certification requires a committed effort of developing the skills and competencies required for national board certification.
  • With faculty guidance, each student will arrange for individual and group client coaching experiences for additional practice, transcript write-up and feedback.
  • Students are required to review the nurse coach certification requirements to decide if they will meet standards set.

Nurse Coach Board Certification Review

The NC-BC Board Certification Review Course is an included, but optional part 3 of the INCCP.  The review course is essential for nurses seeking to achieve the prestigious Nurse Coach Board Certification (NC-BC). Designed as a comprehensive, self-paced review, this 24-contact-hour course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully prepare for the NC-BC certification exam. Through engaging and in-depth content, the course covers the core competencies, standards of practice, and ethical guidelines required for board-certified nurse coaches.

Participants will deepen their understanding of holistic nursing theories, integrative health modalities, and evidence-based coaching practices while gaining valuable insights into the exam structure and question types.

This optional third part of the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program is ideal for those who want focused preparation and additional study support to enhance their professional credibility and career advancement in nurse coaching.

By completing this review course, nurses will feel empowered to take the NC-BC certification exam with a thorough, well-rounded understanding of the concepts and skills tested, paving the way for certification and future opportunities as a board-certified nurse coach.

Nurse Coaching Professional Practice Branches

Upon completing Foundations, Practicum, and the Board Certification Review Course, INCCP students receive access to two powerful self-paced professional development tracks.

These Branches provide practical, targeted training based on your unique vision for how you want to apply Nurse Coaching to your career.

Whether you aspire to start your own practice or lead change within healthcare organizations, INCA provides the next step.

Nurse Coach Business Start-Up Basics

Self-paced – access provided after Practicum – Contact hours TBD

Launch Your Independent Nurse Coaching Practice

This Branch is designed for nurses who want to build and grow private, independent coaching practices.
Through practical, actionable learning modules, students are guided to establish a legal business foundation, develop a brand and message, create an online presence, and start marketing to their first clients — without overwhelm or unnecessary complexity.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Mindset, Niche Selection, and Brand Clarity
  • Legal Structures, Basic Finances, and Insurance Considerations
  • Branding and Voice Development
  • Introductory Marketing Strategies and Website Planning

Learning Format:

  • Self-paced, project-based learning
  • Written lessons with short video introductions
  • Worksheets, templates, and checklists throughout
  • Final deliverable: A complete Business Launch Plan

Outcomes:

  • Practical tools to start attracting your first clients
  • A basic website/domain plan
  • A simple, actionable business structure ready for growth
  • Greater entrepreneurial confidence and empowerment

The Business Start-Up Branch is perfect for nurses seeking autonomy, creativity, and a heart-centered private practice built on their professional values.

Self-paced – access provided after Practicum – 40 contact hours

Lead Change from Within Healthcare Systems

This Branch is designed for nurses who want to apply their coaching expertise inside healthcare organizations — leading wellness initiatives, employee health programs, and patient-centered coaching services within larger systems.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Designing and leading wellness initiatives
  • Building and presenting proposals for coaching programs
  • Contracting as an internal or external Nurse Coach consultant
  • Advocating for integrative care models within institutions

Learning Format:

  • Self-paced, case-based learning
  • Practical frameworks for real-world application
  • Strategic tools for internal leadership and advocacy

Outcomes:

  • Skills to introduce coaching programs to hospitals, clinics, and communities
  • Strategies for building leadership visibility inside organizations
  • Knowledge to influence policy, wellness programming, and culture shift
  • Expanded career pathways beyond traditional clinical roles

The Organizational Integration Branch is ideal for nurses passionate about institutional leadership, systemic health transformation, and team-based care.

Bonus Course: Integrative Nurse Coaching Interventions™

Expand Your Practice. Deepen Your Impact.

All students enrolled in the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program (INCCP) receive complimentary access to an additional self-paced course — a $1,200 value — designed to enhance their practice with an expanded holistic toolkit.

Integrative Nurse Coaching Interventions™ introduces a broad range of complementary modalities that Nurse Coaches can integrate into client work to promote greater healing, self-awareness, and lifestyle transformation.

This bonus course enriches your ability to meet the diverse needs of clients while expanding your skills beyond traditional Nurse Coaching frameworks.

Bonus Course Format:

  • 100% Self-Paced Online Learning
  • Video Lectures, Written Guides, and Reflective Activities
  • No live meetings required
  • Lifetime Access after enrollment
  • Certificate of Completion awarded
  • Access granted after Parts 1-3.

Why This Bonus Matters:

  • Enhance Your Scope: Add complementary skills and interventions to your practice.
  • Serve More Clients: Meet a wider range of client needs with diverse modalities.
  • Stand Out Professionally: Expand your service offerings in private practice or healthcare organizations.
  • Deepen Your Own Growth: Experience new tools for personal and professional development.

This course alone is valued at $1,200 — and it is included free for all INCCP students.

It is our commitment to ensuring that every graduate not only meets board certification standards but also has the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Business Preparation for Nurse Coaches

At INCA, we prepare you for more than coaching — we prepare you for professional success.

Nursing Courses

Student Success Stories

Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION!

Hear directly from our faculty and alumni in our podcast!
Podcast

Community and Lifelong Learning

When you join INCA, you gain access to a thriving community of healers and leaders.
You’ll never walk this journey alone.

INCCP Tuition

Flexible Payment Plans available at checkout

Level 1 Only
INCCP
Tuition
$ 2,897
$ 7,300
$ 4,897
Program Components
Level 1: integrative Nurse Coach® Foundations
Level 2: integrative Nurse Coach® Practicum
Level 3: Nurse Coach Board Certification Review
Level 4a: Nurse Coach Business Startup Basics
Level 4b: Integrating Nurse Coaching into Organizations
BONUS: Integrative Nurse Coaching Interventions
Lifetime Access to Course Resources
INCCP Alumni Discount on INCA Specialty Programs
Holistic Nurse Board Certification Eligibility
Nurse Coach Board Certification Eligibility

Flexible Payment Plans

INCA is committed to making the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program accessible to all qualified nurses. Multiple payment options are available, including:

  • Pay in Full: Secure your enrollment with a one-time payment.
  • Klarna: Flexible monthly payment plans at checkout (subject to Klarna approval).
  • PayPal Credit: Apply for 6 months of promotional financing through PayPal Credit (subject to approval).
  • Monthly Auto-Debit Plan: Sign a simple financing agreement to auto-charge your credit card or bank account monthly for tuition payments (subject to a 5% administrative fee).  The blue box below allows you to explore this option.

Discounts and Scholarships

Employer Reimbursement

More than 30% of our students receive support from their employers to take our program.

Download the Employer Reimbursement Packet

Full Program Scholarships

To help spread the nurse coaching movement to special groups, INCA awards one full scholarship each cohort based on a unique theme.

Learn more about INCCP Scholarships

Military Discounts

We honor our active-duty military members, veterans, and military-spouses with a 10% discount on all of our programs.

Apply for the Military / Veteran Discount

Our Faculty | Board-Certified Nurse Coach Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Nurse Health Coach?

The term Nurse Coach is a newer Nursing role to describe a Registered Nurse who has devoted additional time, energy and investment into obtaining extra training, education, and practice in developing the skills and presence to provide holistic and scientific-based health and wellness coaching, beyond their original Nursing school training.

Nurse Coaches are a distinct breed of Nurses completely focused on enhancing the health and well-being of their clients, patients and communities.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a nurse coach.

Nurse Coaches are devoted to the art of caring and the science of Nursing and healthcare.

Nurse Coaches are uniquely positioned to provide a distinct set of health and wellness coaching skills because they are committed to incorporating Nursing and healthcare-based knowledge and wisdom into all coaching interactions.

Nurse Coaches believe that even in illness, one can find a new meaning of health and thrive in it, through all stages of life.

Uniquely, Integrative Nurse Coaches use the Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching to guide their practice.

 

Absolutely! Many of our graduates have opened their own independent nurse coaching businesses.

If you need help setting up the business, our INCCP now includes a Business Start Up track that will help you with all of the basics.

For additional support, check out The Business of Nurse Coaching,

A nurse coach program can help you advance your nursing career by providing you with specialized skills and knowledge in coaching and patient-centered care.

Nurse coaches are in high demand in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Certification as a nurse coach can also increase your earning potential and expand your career opportunities.

 

Nurse Coaches deeply listen to uncover the stories unique to a client, and then use these stories, along with the client’s life experiences to co-create a wellness plan to fully support and honor the client’s health.

Learn more about what a nurse coach does